What makes Tori's Reef special?
Tori's Reef stands out for its unique location near the salt ponds, where fresh and salt water meet. This dive site combines reef diving with extensive sand bottom exploration, allowing you to encounter both coral fish and sand dwellers in a single dive. The large sand flat extending 230 feet from shore provides perfect habitat for rays and other larger marine life.
Access through the outflow channel makes this site interesting but requires extra attention. Depending on the water discharge, conditions can vary, making each dive different. The combination of sheltered shallow areas and deeper reef sections up to 130 feet makes Tori's Reef suitable for divers with some experience who seek variety.
For intermediate divers, this site offers the chance to experience different diving environments in one go: from sand bottoms where you can spot rays to colorful reef walls full of tropical fish.
Location and accessibility
You'll find Tori's Reef at the second and southernmost red-white bridge that spans the drainage channels of the salt ponds. This landmark is clearly visible from the road. Park your car by the bridge and walk to the outflow channel. Here you can use the flat rocks to safely enter the water. Pay close attention to whether the discharge doors are open - this significantly affects the current and requires extra caution when entering.
Underwater at Tori's Reef
Marine life at Tori's Reef
Various parrotfish species graze on algae here. Queen parrotfish and stoplight parrotfish are well represented, especially in the mid-depth reef zones where they noisily scrape coral.
Various moray species hide in the coral formations. They're often visible with their heads poking out of crevices, especially during quiet moments of the day when they wait for prey.
Schools of barracuda patrol along the reef edge, especially in deeper water. They're usually curious but keep their distance, perfect for photography with a good zoom lens.
Queen angelfish and French angelfish swim elegantly among the coral formations. Their bright colors stand out well against the coral, especially the yellow accents of the queen angelfish.
Night diving at Tori's Reef
Tori's Reef is well-suited for night diving, especially in the shallower reef section. At night, moray eels emerge to hunt while parrotfish rest in their mucus cocoons among the coral. The sand area is visited at night by crabs and lobsters that hide during the day.
Account for the current from the outflow channel, which can be different at night than during the day. A good flashlight is essential, and preferably dive from the mooring buoy back toward shore to keep navigation simple.
Good to know
- Nature fee ($40) is mandatory for all divers and snorkelers on Bonaire
- Always check if the discharge doors are open before entering the water - this strongly affects the current
- Wear dive boots due to rocks at the entry point
- Bring a camera - the diversity of marine life offers many photo opportunities
- Spend extra time in the sand area around the mooring buoy for larger animals like rays
- Current can be moderate to strong - suitable for intermediate divers
- Protective clothing like rashguards is recommended due to possible current
