Directly across from Kralendijk lies Klein Bonaire — an uninhabited island of 6 square kilometres, ringed by the healthiest coral reefs in the region. No hotels, no roads, no electricity. But: white sand, crystal-clear water, turtles that nest here, and an atmosphere as if you have landed in another era. Klein Bonaire is a day trip you really shouldn't skip. This guide covers how to get there, where best to snorkel, what to bring and what to know.
How do you get to Klein Bonaire?
Klein Bonaire is only reachable by boat. You have three options:
1. Water taxi from Karel's Pier
The easiest and cheapest way. Water taxis leave several times a day from Karel's Beach Bar (central Kralendijk).
- Cost: ~$25–30 round trip
- Crossing: 15–20 minutes one way
- First boat: usually 9:00–10:00
- Last return: usually 16:00–17:00
- Reservation: not always needed, advisable in high season
2. Snorkel or dive excursion via a dive shop
Many dive shops run half- or full-day trips to Klein Bonaire with snorkel or dive guiding, including lunch, drinks and briefing. Cost: $80–120 per person.
3. Kayak or SUP
For the adventurous: ~1.5 km of open water from Eden Beach. Recommended only for experienced kayakers — mind the current and wind.
The best spots on Klein Bonaire
No Name Beach
The iconic beach. White sand, pale-green shallow water, coral within 10 metres of shore. Every water taxi heads here. Shade is limited (a single palapa) — bring your own umbrella.
Forest (south coast)
A deep dive site with tall soft corals. Boat access only, a popular boat dive.
Ebo's Reef
The west side of Klein Bonaire. A shallow reef, ideal for snorkeling from the boat.
Sampler / Rock Pile
On the east side, rougher water, fine coral for advanced snorkelers.
What is there to see?
Klein Bonaire has the richest marine life around Bonaire. Expect:
- Sea turtles: Klein Bonaire is one of their most important nesting sites in the Caribbean — especially hawksbill and green turtles.
- Parrotfish, French angelfish and surgeonfish in large schools
- Tarpon in deeper water
- Octopus in coral crevices
- Moray eels in rock crevices
- On land: lizards, iguanas, shorebirds
What should you bring?
Klein Bonaire has no facilities. No toilets, no restaurants, no shops. Plan for it:
- Enough water (at least 1.5 litres per person)
- Lunch and snacks
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Hat and UV shirt
- Snorkel set (rentable on the main island)
- STINAPA Nature Tag (required)
- Cash for the water taxi (USD)
- A dry bag for your things
- An umbrella or beach tent (the single palapa is usually taken)
- A rubbish bag — whatever you bring, you take back
Key rules
- Don't touch or take coral or shells
- No feeding fish or animals
- No drones (without a permit)
- No fires
- Don't walk into the interior during turtle nesting season (May–November)
- Take all your rubbish back with you
A practical day plan
A typical Klein Bonaire day looks like this:
- 9:00: Water taxi from Karel's Pier
- 9:30–12:00: Snorkeling, sunbathing, relaxing
- 12:00: Lunch on the beach
- 13:00–15:30: More snorkeling, a short island walk
- 16:00: Water taxi back
The sun is intense — half a day (morning or afternoon) is enough for many people. Around 15:00 it is quieter and the light softer — the ideal moment for underwater photography.
When is best to go?
Klein Bonaire is accessible year-round. April–November is quietest (summer season). December–March is high season with more visitors, but also the best water conditions. Avoid Sundays in high season — several boats can arrive at once.