Coral reef Elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata) on coral reef in Bonaire; Shutterstock ID 155480753; Your name (First / Last): Alicia Johnson; GL account no.: 65050; Netsuite department name: Online Editorial ; Full Product or Project name including edition: Bonaire

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Bonaire National Marine Park

Top choice in Bonaire


Bonaire National Marine Park is the island's star attraction, a unique and precious resource that allows divers and snorkelers to explore miles of pristine coral reef. The protected area covers the entire coast of the island, including Klein Bonaire, to a depth of 200ft (60m). Between the two islands there are now more than 100 named dive sites, many of which are accessible from the shore. Look for the painted yellow rocks.

Conservation is taken seriously: divers new to Bonaire must do an orientation and check-out dive at a local shop to get comfortable with weights, conditions and park rules.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Bonaire attractions

1. Aletta's Goat Farm

1.98 MILES

If you've ever wondered what it takes to operate an organic, solar-powered goat farm, here's your chance to find out. Aletta opens her barn to visitors so…

2. Bonaire Botanical Garden

2.33 MILES

Everything you ever wanted to know (and more!) about organic gardening, permaculture and medicinal plants. Manuel Vargas' gardens are a delightful maze of…

3. Cadushy Distillery

3.04 MILES

Drinking a cactus sounds like a prickly affair, but it's not as scary as it sounds. Pay a visit to this small-scale distillery to see how the prickly…

4. Mangazina di Rei

3.07 MILES

Located about 1.5km east of Rincon, the second-oldest stone building on Bonaire used to be a storehouse. Every week, enslaved people made the arduous 10…

5. Klein Bonaire

3.3 MILES

About 1km off the coast of Kralendijk, this little deserted island is where you'll find the region's most attractive beach: No Name Beach. There are no…

6. Terramar Museum

4 MILES

This small museum provides an overview of the history and archaeology of Bonaire. There's an assortment of artifacts, accompanied by audio clips that put…

7. Fort Oranje

4.14 MILES

Follow the cannons south along the waterfront to a small bastion that was built by the Dutch in 1639 and served as the governor's mansion until 1837. The…

8. Echo Parrot Sanctuary

4.23 MILES

Bonaire's most beloved bird is the yellow-throated Amazon parrot, but the loquacious lora (as she is locally known) is threatened with extinction: there…

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