Klein Bonaire

Klein Bonaire – an underwater paradise

Klein Bonaire is a small, uninhabited island located approximately one kilometre off the west coast of Bonaire. This slice of paradise is known for its pristine beaches and abundant underwater life, making it a popular destination for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts. And since we love snorkelling, we couldn’t pass up Klein Bonaire. And honestly, if you only have one day on Bonaire, you should spend it here.

How to get to Klein Bonaire?

The easiest way to get to Klein Bonaire is to use the ferries that leave from the port. They run every hour and can accommodate about 40 people per boat. It costs $20 USD per person round trip. Each boat drops you off at a beach marked on Google Maps only as Klein Bonaire. This beach is also the most beautiful on the entire island and is at least a kilometre long. You will have plenty of privacy.

You don’t have to say in advance what time you will be back. When you want to leave, you get on the first boat that comes along. The trip takes about 25 minutes and goes along the coast of Klein Bonaire, so you can look out for places where you would like to go for a walk or a swim.

Beaches on Klein Bonaire

The island is surrounded by beautiful sandy beaches with crystal clear water. Most famous is Klein Bonaire Beach, which attracts with its fine white sand and ideal conditions for sunbathing and relaxation. From the beach, you can take a walk in all directions.

We first went to the right and explored the long beach all by ourselves. After a few minutes, we left all the people behind and a few more metres later arrived at a heart of purple stones, probably created by other visitors. It made us happy, as Klein Bonaire won our hearts as soon as we touched the sand.

However, there wasn’t much opportunity to shelter from the harsh sun on this side, so we went back to where the boat dropped us off and headed in the opposite direction. However, the other side was less sandy and more rocky, so we quickly turned around and found a spot near the gazebo, near perhaps the only taller trees on the island.

Be careful where you enter the sea

As the beach is surrounded by corals, there are precise points where you can safely enter and exit the water. You can move freely on the main beach where the boat drops you off, but not in other places.

There are strong currents around the island, so if you are going to snorkel, either start at the beach and swim to the right (west) or walk to the left (east) for about a kilometre and enter the sea there. The entrance is marked with arrows.

Be sure not to go in the opposite direction – you would be swimming against the current, which can be dangerous. And above all, very challenging. When we had to swim against the current for the photo, we were kept on spot, we couldn’t do it without fins. If you stick to the right direction, the current will guide you and you can just focus on the underwater life all around you.

Underwater life

Klein Bonaire is part of the Bonaire National Marine Park, which guarantees the protection of its rich underwater ecosystem. As such, the coral reefs around the island are home to a variety of colourful fish species, sea turtles and other marine animals.

We therefore spent more time in the water than on the shore – it was simply impossible not to watch. We didn’t see any turtles, but plenty of small fish kept us company. However, the most beautiful were the corals themselves, which shone with all colours. It was amazing to watch the workings of Poseidon’s kingdom.

If you have a diving certificate, it’s definitely worth exploring the reefs deeper below the surface, where you may encounter an even greater variety of underwater life. Klein Bonaire is one of the top dive sites.

We had to be content with observing the beauty near the shore, as there was a deep precipice nearby. Its darkness and desolation were both eerie and beautiful. However, all you had to do was turn to the other side and you immediately saw a world full of life.

Klein Bonaire is deserted and unorganized

There are no shops or restaurants on the island, so be sure to bring plenty of water and food. You won’t find sun loungers and parasols here either, so bring not only a blanket but also a head cover as there is little shade.

There is a gazebo by the beach where you can sit and spread out your food. Lizards will keep you company and you can bribe them with a piece of lettuce. If you show it to them, they will climb on you and let you feed them.

However, beware of the time – the water taxis have a fixed schedule and the last departures are usually around 16:00.