North America · Bonaire

Bonaire, snorkeling from the shore

Underwater Full day difficulty: Easy with kids: yes

This small island in the southern Caribbean is famous because the reef begins just a few meters from the beach: you walk into the water from the shore and fish and coral appear right away. The entire coast has been a protected marine park for decades, with calm, very clear waters.

The pop wink

Bonaire has protected its waters as a marine park since 1979, one of the oldest in the Caribbean. That's why the reef is so alive and so close: you don't need a boat, you walk in from the beach and the underwater world appears within a few strokes.

With kids

Walk into the water from the shore, no boat needed
See the reef and the fish just a few meters from the beach
Count how many different fish colors appear
Learn that the whole coast is a protected marine park

Accessibility: Snorkeling from about age 6; the reef right by the shore avoids swimming out to sea

With family

Choose a gentle-entry beach to start off calmly
Snorkel over the reef in calm, clear waters
Learn why protecting the sea since 1979 kept the coral so alive
Respect the marine-park signs that look after each stretch of coast

Full listing, routes and recommendations at Mi País — Bonaire, snorkeling from the shore. ← All destinations