Visiting Klein Bonaire

Visiting Klein Bonaire is on almost every Bonaire travel list, and for good reason. This uninhabited coral island lies just 800 meters from Kralendijk and offers Bonaire's most beautiful beach: No Name Beach. With clear water, excellent snorkeling opportunities and important sea turtle nesting sites, a day trip to Klein Bonaire is truly essential during your stay on Bonaire.

You reach the island by water taxi from various departure points. The cost is $25 round trip per person, plus the mandatory Nature Fee of $40 for access to the Bonaire National Marine Park. This complete guide contains all the practical information for your visit.

Klein Bonaire: The Uninhabited Coral Island off the Coast of Bonaire

Klein Bonaire is one of the most special places you can visit during your Bonaire vacation. This small, uninhabited islet provides the perfect escape from the crowds and offers a unique chance to experience the peaceful nature of the Caribbean region.

Location and Geographical Features

Klein Bonaire is located at exactly 12°09'29"N 68°18'39"W, just 800 meters from the coast of Kralendijk. The island has an area of 6 square kilometers and measures 4 kilometers long and 2.5 kilometers wide. What you immediately notice when viewing Klein Bonaire from Bonaire is how low the island is: the highest point is no more than 2 meters above sea level.

This location in Bonaire's sheltered zone ensures that the water between both islands is relatively calm. However, there's a depth of 180 meters between Bonaire and Klein Bonaire, which explains why swimming to the island is not recommended for recreational swimmers.

Klein Bonaire's base consists of limestone that is 103,000 years old. The island formed as a coral reef and now provides a perfect example of a tropical coral island with white beaches and a shallow reef plateau around the coast.

Protected Status and Bonaire National Marine Park

Klein Bonaire falls entirely under the Bonaire National Marine Park, which has protected all waters around Bonaire and Klein Bonaire since 1979. This marine park extends from the high-water mark to 60 meters depth and covers a total area of 27 square kilometers.

For access to Klein Bonaire you pay the STINAPA Nature Fee of $40 per person. This fee provides access to both the marine park and Washington Slagbaai National Park and is valid for a whole year. Children under 12 are exempt from this fee.

The island also has official RAMSAR site status since May 23, 1980. This means Klein Bonaire is internationally recognized as an important wetland area. The protection status ensures that no development takes place on the island; there are no restaurants, hotels or other commercial facilities.

Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire (STCB) closely monitors the sea turtle nesting sites. Annually about 70 nests are registered, with more than 10,000 young turtles hatching. The nesting season runs from April to February, with peak activity between May and October.

Water Taxi to Klein Bonaire: All Options and Prices 2024

There are various ways to reach Klein Bonaire, but the most popular and practical option is the water taxi. Different operators offer services from different locations on Bonaire.

Epic Water Taxi from Bonaire Nautico Marina

Epic Water Taxi offers service from two locations. From Bonaire Nautico Marina a round-trip ticket costs $25 per person. The crossing takes about 30 minutes and the taxi departs daily at 10:00 AM. There's also a special drift snorkel drop-off service at 10:00 AM, where you get picked up for free after snorkeling.

At Nautico Marina you can park for free in downtown Kralendijk, after which you take a short walk to the marina. This is often the most chosen option because you can easily combine your day with a visit to Kralendijk.

Additional services Epic Water Taxi offers: snorkel equipment rental for $5, beach chairs for $5, and lunch boxes with beach chairs for $17.50. They also have a pickup service for drift snorkelers who let themselves be carried by the current.

Epic Water Taxi from Buddy Dive Resort

Epic Water Taxi's second location is at the Buddy Dive Resort pier. This departure point is on the north side of the island and offers a slightly shorter crossing to Klein Bonaire. For guests at dive resorts in the north of Bonaire this can be more convenient.

Prices and services are identical to those from Nautico Marina. You do need to reserve in advance, especially during high season (December-April). The advantage of this location is that you often have less crowds and reach Klein Bonaire faster.

Caribe Watersport from Karels Beach Bar

Caribe Watersport operates from Karels Beach Bar on Kralendijk's boulevard and offers multiple trips per day. The boat departs daily at 9:15, 10:15, 11:15, 12:15, 13:15 and 14:15. Return trips from Klein Bonaire are at 10:45, 11:45, 12:45, 13:45, 14:45 and 16:45.

A round-trip ticket costs $25 per person (2024 prices). The crossing takes about 15 minutes because Karels Beach Bar is closer to Klein Bonaire than Nautico Marina. This is often the fastest way to reach the island.

The advantage of Caribe Watersport is flexibility: with 6 trips per day you have lots of choice in your planning. You can spend half a day on Klein Bonaire and be back in the afternoon for other activities.

Alternative Boat Options

Besides regular water taxis, there are other ways to reach Klein Bonaire. You can rent a private boat through Bonaire Yacht Charters for a completely personalized experience. This is more expensive but gives you complete control over your schedule.

Many dive schools like Toucan Diving Bonaire and Scuba Elite take snorkelers along on their dive boats to Klein Bonaire. This is often cheaper than a water taxi if you're planning to dive anyway.

No Name Beach: Bonaire's Most Beautiful Beach

No Name Beach on Klein Bonaire is considered by many to be Bonaire's most beautiful beach. This gorgeous stretch of white sand forms the island's main attraction and is simultaneously a crucial breeding ground for sea turtles.

The Pure White Sand Beach

No Name Beach owes its name to the fact that the beach officially had no name when tourists began visiting it. The pure white sand contrasts beautifully with the azure blue water and forms the perfect setting for a tropical beach day.

The beach runs along almost the entire north coast of Klein Bonaire and offers plenty of space, even during busy days. The sheltered location ensures that waves are usually small, making it perfect for snorkeling and swimming.

What you should know: there's very limited natural shade on the beach. There are some divi-divi trees, but they only provide space for a few people. So don't forget to bring sun protection.

Protecting Sea Turtle Nesting Sites

Klein Bonaire hosts about 70 sea turtle nests annually, making it one of the most important nesting sites in the Caribbean region. The nesting season runs from April to February, with the peak period between May and October.

Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire (STCB) marks all nests and monitors them during the incubation period of about 60 days. In 2024, 132 nests were registered from which more than 10,500 baby sea turtles hatched. Of these young turtles, 1,182 needed help to safely reach the sea.

As a visitor you must keep distance from marked nests and never disturb a nesting site. Don't walk on the beach during nighttime hours in nesting season, because adult females come ashore then to lay eggs. Use of flash photography is strictly forbidden.

STCB has a hotline (+599 780 0433) you can call if you see sea turtles in distress or suspicious activity around nests.

What to Bring to No Name Beach

Because Klein Bonaire has no facilities, you must bring everything yourself for a comfortable day. Here's a practical checklist:

• Sufficient water (minimum 1 liter per person)
• Lunch and snacks (no restaurants on the island)
• Sunscreen (reef-friendly)
• Umbrella or pop-up tent for shade
• Towels
• Snorkel equipment (or rent from water taxi)
• Dry clothes in waterproof bag
• Trash bags (Leave No Trace principle)

Note: placing umbrellas may be restricted during turtle nesting season if they interfere with marked nests. Check with the water taxi operator about current rules.

Snorkeling at Klein Bonaire: Best Spots and Tips

Klein Bonaire offers some of the best snorkeling opportunities on Bonaire. The coral reef surrounding the island is healthy and hosts an incredible diversity of marine life.

Snorkeling from No Name Beach

Directly from No Name Beach you can reach the coral reef. After about 50 meters of swimming you reach the beginning of the reef, where you can already see many colorful reef fish. This location is perfect for beginning snorkelers because the water is shallow and there's no strong current.

Typical fish you see here are parrotfish, angelfish, surgeonfish and sergeant major fish. With luck you'll spot a green sea turtle; these are seen on about 30% of all snorkel sessions at Klein Bonaire.

The best snorkeling is in the morning hours between 9:00 and 11:00 AM, when the water is clearest and the sun shines beautifully through the water. Visibility is usually 15-30 meters, depending on weather conditions.

Drift Snorkeling at Klein Bonaire

For experienced snorkelers, Epic Water Taxi offers a drift snorkel service. You get dropped off for free at 10:00 AM at a current area and let yourself be carried by the natural current along the reef. After your snorkel session you get picked up again.

This type of snorkeling requires more experience because you must be able to handle current and deeper water. The advantage is that you can see much more of the reef without having to swim yourself, and the chance of seeing larger fish like barracudas and eagle rays is greater.

Drift snorkeling is especially suitable for snorkelers who already have experience with reefs and are comfortable in open water.

Snorkeling Conditions and Best Times

Water temperature around Klein Bonaire is constantly between 26-28°C, making snorkeling enjoyable year-round. Visibility varies between 15 meters on cloudy days to as much as 30 meters in perfect conditions.

The best snorkeling times are early morning (7:00-10:00 AM) when the water is clearest and there's little wind. After midday the wind can pick up, causing more movement in the water and reduced visibility.

Snorkel Equipment and Preparation

You can rent snorkel equipment from Epic Water Taxi for $5 per set (mask, snorkel, fins). The quality is good and the equipment is well maintained. If you have your own equipment, check that everything fits properly and has no cracks.

STCB asks to disinfect snorkel equipment between different locations to prevent the spread of diseases among marine life. Many operators do this automatically, but ask about it if you use your own equipment.

Safety tips for snorkeling at Klein Bonaire: never go in the water alone, always stay within reach of the beach, don't touch coral, and keep sufficient distance from sea turtles (minimum 3 meters). It's forbidden to feed or disturb marine life.

For snorkel beginners, companies like SeaCow Snorkeling Bonaire offer guided snorkel tours to Klein Bonaire with experienced guides.

Diving at Klein Bonaire: World-Class Dive Sites

While snorkeling is popular at Klein Bonaire, the island is actually mainly famous for its exceptional dive locations. The coral reef around Klein Bonaire is considered one of the best diving areas in the Caribbean region.

Famous Dive Sites around Klein Bonaire

The most famous dive area at Klein Bonaire is "The Forest" on the southwest side of the island. This location is known for its fields of black coral, a rare coral species that only grows in deeper waters. The Forest is located at depths between 20-40 meters and is accessible to Advanced Open Water divers.

The black coral forms an underwater forest that is home to many fish species you rarely see elsewhere around Bonaire. Large barracudas, eagle rays and various shark species are regularly spotted here. The area also hosts a healthy population of large tarpons and queen angelfish.

Other popular dive sites around Klein Bonaire are the north side of the island, where the reef gradually slopes from 5 meters to 40+ meters depth. These locations are suitable for all levels of divers and offer excellent opportunities for underwater photography.

Average visibility when diving around Klein Bonaire is 25-35 meters, with water temperatures that constantly lie between 27-28°C. There's usually little to no current, making diving here very comfortable.

Dive Schools and Operators

Almost all dive schools on Bonaire offer boat diving to Klein Bonaire. Private Divers Bonaire specializes in small groups and personalized dive trips to the best spots around Klein Bonaire.

Technical Diving Services offers technical diving at the deeper parts of Klein Bonaire for experienced divers. Dive Diva Bonaire has special women-friendly dive trips to Klein Bonaire.

For boat diving to Klein Bonaire you need at least an Open Water certification. Most dives take place at depths between 15-30 meters, so an Advanced Open Water certification gives access to more dive locations like The Forest.

Discovering Wildlife and Nature on Klein Bonaire

Klein Bonaire is much more than just a beautiful beach; it's a true nature reserve that is home to an amazing diversity of flora and fauna.

Sea Turtles: Species and Behavior

Three species of sea turtles regularly nest on Klein Bonaire: the green sea turtle, the hawksbill turtle and the leatherback turtle. The green sea turtle is by far the most common and can weigh up to 230 kg. Hawksbill turtles are smaller (up to 85 kg) but have the most colorful shell.

The nesting behavior is fascinating to observe, but may only happen under STCB supervision. Females come ashore at night, dig a nest in the sand, lay 80-120 eggs and return to sea. After about 60 days the babies hatch and instinctively find their way to the water.

The best time to see sea turtles in the water is while snorkeling or diving. They're usually not afraid of people if you move calmly and keep distance. Green sea turtles are seen most often because they graze on seagrass in the shallow waters around Klein Bonaire.

STCB organizes nighttime nest patrols from May to October where you can participate as a tourist for $40 (children under 12 and residents with sedula $20).

Birds and Land Wildlife

Klein Bonaire hosts 54 different animal species, including many tropical birds. The island is an important breeding ground for seabirds like brown pelicans, frigatebirds and various gull species.

On the beach you regularly see small sandpipers and other waterbirds foraging. In the low vegetation live various species of lizards and small iguanas. The most conspicuous are the small green iguanas you often see sunbathing on rocks.

Because the island is uninhabited and has no predators, birds thrive there. The silence is only broken by bird sounds and the sound of the surf.

Coral Reefs and Underwater Life

The coral reef around Klein Bonaire hosts more than 57 coral species and more than 350 species of reef fish. The reef is remarkably healthy compared to many other Caribbean locations, partly thanks to its protected status since 1979.

Common coral species are brain coral, elkhorn coral, star coral and pillar coral. The black coral at The Forest is particularly rare and grows very slowly; some colonies are hundreds of years old.

Fish diversity is impressive: from small colorful reef fish to large pelagic species. Typical fish are French angelfish (50% probability), barracudas (49%), tarpon (40%), queen angelfish (38%) and blue tangs (35%).

The reef also plays a crucial role in coastal defense, breaking waves and protecting both Klein Bonaire and Bonaire from erosion.

Salt Ponds and Ecosystems

Klein Bonaire has various small salt ponds inland that form unique ecosystems. These shallow ponds fill during the rainy season and dry out during the dry period, creating a cyclical ecosystem.

These salt ponds attract various bird species, especially during migration periods. Small flamingos sometimes visit the ponds, although the main population is located at the large salt ponds on Bonaire.

Vegetation around the salt ponds consists of salt-tolerant plants adapted to extreme conditions. This creates microhabitats for various insects and small vertebrates.

Practical Planning for Your Klein Bonaire Visit

A successful day on Klein Bonaire requires good planning. From timing to safety, here you'll find everything you need to know.

Best Time to Visit Klein Bonaire

The best time for a Klein Bonaire visit is early morning, between 7:00 and 10:00 AM. At this time the water is clearest for snorkeling, there are fewer other visitors and the temperature is still pleasant.

Seasonally, Klein Bonaire is good to visit year-round thanks to Bonaire's constant tropical climate. The driest months (January-August) have slightly less chance of rain showers, but even during the 'rainy season' (September-December) it rarely rains all day.

During sea turtle nesting season (April-February) there are extra rules and access to certain parts of the beach may be limited. However, this is also the most interesting time to visit the island because of the wildlife activity.

Avoid weekends and holidays if you seek peace; Klein Bonaire can get quite busy then, especially at No Name Beach.

Paying Nature Fee and Requirements

Before going to Klein Bonaire, you must pay the STINAPA Nature Fee of $40. This can be done online via the STINAPA website or at various sales points on Bonaire. The fee is valid for a whole year and gives access to both the Bonaire National Marine Park and Washington Slagbaai National Park.

Always keep your Nature Fee ticket with you during your visit; regular checks are performed by STINAPA rangers. Children under 12 are exempt, as are residents of the BES islands (unless they scuba dive).

The Nature Fee can be paid cashlessly. Credit cards and debit cards are accepted at all official sales points.

Safety and Behavior Rules

Klein Bonaire has no pier, so getting wet during boarding and disembarking is inevitable. Therefore wear flip-flops or water shoes and keep your valuables in a waterproof bag.

Important safety rules:

• Never swim or snorkel alone
• Always stay within sight of other people
• Wear reef-friendly sunscreen
• Drink enough water (dehydration happens quickly in tropical sun)
• Seek shade during the hottest hours (11:00 AM-3:00 PM)
• Respect the 3-meter distance from sea turtles

There is no medical help available on Klein Bonaire. In emergencies you must return to Bonaire where Fundashon Mariadal hospital provides 24-hour emergency care.

What NOT to Do on Klein Bonaire

Klein Bonaire's protected status means strict rules apply to protect the ecosystem:

• Never touch coral, this damages living organisms
• Don't disturb sea turtle nests or baby turtles
• Leave no trash behind, take everything back that you brought
• Don't pick plants or collect shells
• Don't use flash when photographing wildlife
• Don't feed fish or other animals
• Don't make fires, camping is prohibited
• Don't bring pets

Violations can result in heavy fines and contribute to the degradation of this special ecosystem.

Combining Klein Bonaire with Other Activities

A visit to Klein Bonaire combines excellently with other Bonaire activities for a varied vacation.

Half Day Klein Bonaire + Exploring Kralendijk

The most popular combination is a morning on Klein Bonaire (7:00 AM-12:00 PM) followed by an afternoon in Kralendijk. After returning with the water taxi you can have lunch at one of the restaurants on the boulevard and then shop in local boutiques.

Visit downtown where you can buy local products at Heinen Delfts Blauw or enjoy a local beer at Bonaire Blond Brewery.

For accommodation in Kralendijk you can go to Hotel Islander Bonaire or Hammock Studios, both within walking distance of water taxi departure points.

Dive Trip Combinations

Many divers combine Klein Bonaire with diving along Bonaire's west coast. A typical day can consist of a morning dive at Klein Bonaire, lunch on the island, and an afternoon dive at a site like 1000 Steps or Salt Pier.

Local dive schools often offer multi-site packages that include Klein Bonaire. This is usually more cost-effective than booking individual dives.

For non-divers, Glassbottom Boat Tours offers an alternative to see the underwater world without getting wet.

Multi-Island Tours and Boat Excursions

Various operators offer excursions that combine Klein Bonaire with other activities. Explorer Tours Bonaire has day trips that combine Klein Bonaire, snorkeling and an island tour.

Nikol Luxury Bonaire offers luxury boat trips that visit Klein Bonaire during sunset tours. These trips often include food and drinks on board.

For those wanting a more active day, you can combine Klein Bonaire with windsurfing at Lac Bay or mountain biking in Washington Slagbaai National Park.

Klein Bonaire Costs: Complete Price Overview 2024

A visit to Klein Bonaire involves various costs. Here you'll find a complete overview of all expenses.

Water Taxi Prices All Operators

The standard price for a round-trip ticket to Klein Bonaire is $25 per person at both Epic Water Taxi and Caribe Watersport. This price has remained stable in 2024 and applies from all departure points.

Group discounts are possible for bookings of 8+ people, but this varies per operator. Always book in advance, especially during high season (December-April) when spots fill up quickly.

Extra Costs and Add-ons

Besides the water taxi there are various extra costs to consider:

• STINAPA Nature Fee: $40 (mandatory, valid 1 year)
• Snorkel equipment rental: $5 per set
• Beach chair rental: $5 per day
• Lunch package + chair: $17.50
• Parking Kralendijk: Free at Nautico Marina
• Parking other locations: Usually free

The Nature Fee is the biggest extra cost but gives access to all marine park activities on Bonaire for a whole year, which is excellent value if you plan to snorkel or dive multiple days.

Budget Tips and Saving Money

There are various ways to save costs on your Klein Bonaire visit:

Bringing own equipment: A snorkel set costs $5 per day rental, while a basic snorkel set is sold in Dutch stores from €25. With a week in Bonaire you easily earn this back.

Bringing lunch: Instead of the lunch package at $17.50 you can bring your own lunch. Groceries on Bonaire are more expensive than in the Netherlands though, so count on $8-12 for a homemade lunch.

Early booking: Some operators give discounts for advance payment or early bookings. Ask about this when making your reservation.

A full day at Klein Bonaire therefore costs at least $65 per person (water taxi $25 + Nature Fee $40), excluding food, drinks and extras.

Alternative Ways to Reach Klein Bonaire

While the water taxi is the most popular choice, there are other ways to reach Klein Bonaire for adventurous travelers.

Swimming to Klein Bonaire

The 800-meter distance between Bonaire and Klein Bonaire seems swimmable, and experienced swimmers do indeed sometimes do this. However, this is only for very experienced open water swimmers because of various dangers.

The biggest risks are unpredictable currents in the channel between both islands, the 180-meter depth, and boat traffic from water taxis and dive boats. The water can also be rougher than it looks from shore.

If you still consider swimming, only do this with experienced supervision, in perfect weather conditions, and with a safety kayak or boat nearby. Most locals strongly advise against it because of safety risks.

Swimming to Klein Bonaire is officially allowed but happens entirely at your own risk. There's no rescue service available in the water between the islands.

Own Boat or Kayak

Renting your own boat gives you complete flexibility over your Klein Bonaire visit. Various companies on Bonaire rent small motorboats for $150-250 per day. You do need a valid boating license.

Kayaking to Klein Bonaire is technically possible but requires good physical condition and experience with sea kayaking. The crossing takes 45-60 minutes paddling and must happen in perfect weather conditions. Wind and current can significantly complicate the trip.

When anchoring around Klein Bonaire, special rules apply: don't anchor on coral, keep at least 200 meters distance from the beach during turtle nesting season, and leave the area before 5:00 PM.

For boat rental you can go to various marinas in Kralendijk. Fuel is expensive on Bonaire (comparable to Dutch prices), so factor this into your budget.

Hitchhiking on Dive Boats

A cost-effective way to reach Klein Bonaire is hitchhiking on a dive boat as a snorkel passenger. Many dive schools take snorkelers along for $35-45 per person, which is comparable to water taxi prices but often offers more time on the water.

The advantage is that you can visit multiple locations around Klein Bonaire and often benefit from dive guides' local knowledge. Some operators offer lunch on board.

Dive boats usually depart earlier than water taxis (around 8:00 AM) and are less dependent on minimum group sizes. You can often stay on the water until 3:00-4:00 PM.

Popular dive schools that take snorkelers are Toucan Diving and various operators at the marinas.