North Area » Wannadive Bonaire - Courses, shore and boat diving

1. BOKA BARTOL

This shore dive is the northernmost site in the Washington Slagbaai National Park. Advanced divers may encounter strong currents. The recommended depth is from 20-80 feet, with interesting coral formations in the shallows. Many of the larger fish species abound, and there is a chance to see rays and garden eels in the sandy bottom.

2. PLAYA BENGE

Located along the northwest coast of Washington Slagbaai National Park, Playa Benge is known for its heavy currents. Recommended only for the advanced diver, the depth ranges from 15-100 feet. A shore dive only, the experienced diver will be rewarded with some of the most pristine coral on Bonaire.

3. PLAYA FUNCHI

Located in Washington Slagbaai National Park, Playa Funchi is for the advanced diver and has moderate to heavy currents. There is no mooring here, so access is from the shore only. In depths of 15-100 feet (4-30 meters), horse-eye jacks can be seen out in blue water. The shallows teem with spotted trunkfish that approach you looking for a handout.

4. BISE MORTO

Another Washington Slagbaai Park dive, this boat dive site can have moderate to strong currents and is recommended for the intermediate to advanced diver. Depths of 20-100 feet (6-30 meters) offer shallows loaded with elk horn and stag horn coral, hence the name, which means “dead deer.” The deeper waters provide an opportunity to see larger species, including whale sharks and manta rays.

5. WAYAKA

Located within the confines of Washington Slagbaai National Park. Wayaca offers divers a new site where very little diving has been done in the past. Many times, dive sites in this area are visited by larger species of animals, so keep your eyes on the blue when you dive this site, and you might be lucky. Depth 30-100 feet (10-30 meters).

6. BOCA SLAGBAAI

Located in Washington Slagbaai National Park, this site is known for its moderate to strong currents and is recommended for intermediate to experienced divers. With depths of 20-80 feet (15-20 meters), you may have a chance to see mantas or other smaller rays. At the southern end of the cove, there are cannon in just 10 feet of water. Slagbaai is also accessible by boat.

7. NUKOVE

A bit hard to find. This site is a shore dive only, located in the northwest coast of Washington Slagbaai. It ranges from 15-100 feet (4-30 meters) and has mild to strong currents. Intermediate level divers will find huge elk horn coral in the shallows, with schools of algae-eating reef fish present. Also seen are large midnight blue parrots. The drop-off has large coral heads that sometimes shelter nurse sharks.

8. CAREL’S VISION

This new site in the Bonaire Wasington Slagbaai National Park is similar to its neighboring site, Nukove. Divers who visit Carel’s Vision will delight in the wide expansive views and high density hard coral cover. Photographers should use their wide angle lenses. Depth 20-100 feeth (6-30 meter)

9. KARPATA

One of Bonaire’s most popular shore dives. Karpata is located at the end of the one-way section on the coastal road, and can also be reached by boat. With depths ranging from 20-100 feet (6-30 meters) and light to moderate currents, novice and intermediate divers can pose for pictures alongside one of the many huge ship anchors embedded in the coral. Known for great visibility, wide-angle photographers can enjoy panoramic vistas to frame their subjects.

10. LA DANIA’S LEAP

Known for the practice of “leaping” off the shore and then doing a drift dive to Karpata, this site has been recommended for intermediate divers by boat only. With light currents and depths of 15-100 feet (5-30 meters), La Dania’s is one of Bonaire’s few vertical walls, with numerous canyons and sand shoots. It is best as a first dive in order to fully enjoy the deeper parts of the site.

11. RAPPEL

The most often asked for dive site, Rappel is reached only by boat. Due to the close proximity to the rocky ledge, an intermediate skill level is required. With a depth of 30-100 feet (18-30 meters) and moderate currents, Rappel has huge sea fans in the shallows and an abundance of nudibranches. The beautiful coral formations appear to have been planted and cared for by a conscientious, hardworking gardener.

12. BLOODLET

Too difficult for shore diving, Bloodlet has moderate currents and is for the intermediate boat diver. Averaging 20-80 feet (6-25 meters), there is a dense reef structure that is home to schools of algae-eating blue tangs. Yellow and green tube sponges are also evident. Bloodlet is one of the places where sea turtles are often sighted.