The Caribbean island of Bonaire is truly a diver’s paradise. With over 470 species of fish, more than 80 easily accessible shore diving sites, and year-round, dive-friendly weather, Bonaire is worthy of its reputation as an underwater playground.
These factors, along with the environmental protections in place within the Bonaire National Marine Park, ensure Bonaire’s waters are teeming with marine life. From graceful sea turtles to striking sea snails, the best marine life in Bonaire offers unforgettable encounters that will have you coming back to dive again and again.
Here is a selection of the coolest animals to dive with in Bonaire.
Of the two commonly encountered ray species in Bonaire, the eagle ray is undoubtedly the most striking. These rays have a wide wingspan with markings of light spots and rings, making them hard to miss and a mesmerizing sight underwater. The logbook-worthy creatures are often seen effortlessly gliding near bays or along reef edges. For a good chance of encountering an eagle ray, head to dive sites like Tori’s Reef, Joanna’s Sunchi or Invisibles.
Bonaire’s waters are home to three of the world’s seven sea turtle species. Of the three, green turtles and hawksbill turtles can be spotted year-round. It’s also possible to see loggerhead sea turtles, but they are more commonly found during their nesting season, from April and December. If you’re hoping to see a sea turtle, head to 1000 Steps, Salt Pier, or Red Slave for the best chances of spotting one.
A sea snail may not sound like one of the coolest marine life creatures in Bonaire — but the flamingo tongue snail proves otherwise! This reef-dwelling sea snail possesses a particularly striking shell. The eye-catching design features black spots on a bright pink or orange background. Measuring just two to three centimeters (about one inch) in length, these snails feed on toxic corals, making them as fascinating as they are beautiful.
The lettuce sea slug is another macro marvel worth your attention while diving in Bonaire. This visually unique, algae-eating mollusk sports lettuce leaf-like appendages that make it blend in with its surroundings. And while they resemble nudibranchs in appearance, these colorful critters are actually not closely related. Lettuce sea slugs measure between two and five centimeters (one to two inches), and while their coloration can change, they typically have a blue or green body with red or purple leafy edges.
Seahorses are definitely cool — if you can find them! These unique creatures are often anchored to something, such as a staghorn coral, soft coral or a sponge, so keep your eyes out for suitable habitat. Bonaire has three commonly encountered seahorse species, namely the dwarf seahorse, the lined seahorse and the longsnout seahorse. If you want to find a seahorse, the Cliff, Salt Pier and Bari Reef are great dive sites to try.
While Bonaire is not typically known for its larger marine life, one notable exception is the tarpon. These impressive fish regularly appear throughout the island’s waters, particularly during night dives. For your best chance of finding a tarpon in Bonaire, head to White Hole and Bari Reef.
Chance encounters with dolphins underwater are rare. However, spotting dolphins from a dive boat does happen with some frequency around Bonaire. Spinner dolphins are the most common dolphin species in Bonaire. These long-snouted dolphins enjoy leaping out of the water close to boats. Bottlenose dolphins, the second of Bonaire’s dolphin species, are larger and less frequently spotted than their smaller counterparts.
Are you ready to explore Bonaire’s spectacular marine life? With some of the world’s best shore diving, this Caribbean paradise promises an unforgettable diving getaway. If you’re ready to book your dream dive vacation, click below. Alternatively, reach out to the experts at PADI Travel for more information.
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