Water Taxi on Bonaire

Water taxis are the only way to reach Klein Bonaire, the uninhabited island sitting 800 meters off the coast. This 6 km² sandbank has no roads, no buildings, and no facilities - just white sand, coral reefs, and sea turtles. Water taxis operate year-round, 365 days a year.

Departure locations and times

Most water taxis depart from Karel's Beach Bar in central Kralendijk, every hour from 9:15 am. Epic Watertaxi also has departure points at Bonaire Nautico Marina on the boulevard (across from It Rains Fishes) and at Buddy Dive Resort. The crossing takes about 10 to 30 minutes, depending on your departure location.

You'll be dropped off at No Name Beach, where you can easily and safely step from the boat onto the beach. Free parking is available in the city center, which is convenient when departing from Karel's Beach Bar.

Prices and services

A round-trip ticket to Klein Bonaire costs $25 per person with Epic Watertaxi. Caribe Watersport charges $20 for the round trip to Klein Bonaire. Some operators offer additional services: lunch box with beach chairs for $17.50, individual beach chairs for $5, and snorkel gear rental for $5.

A special service is the free drift snorkeling drop-off on the 10:00 am departure. You'll be dropped off outside the reef and drift with the current toward the beach, where the water taxi picks you up after 45 minutes. Some boats also sell water and beer on board at good prices.

What to do on Klein Bonaire

Klein Bonaire is perfect for snorkeling, swimming and relaxing. The coral reef around the island is well-preserved and you can spot sea turtles, parrotfish and other tropical fish. The white sandy beach invites sunbathing or picnicking.

Bring your own drinking water, snacks and sunscreen - there are no facilities on the island. Reef-safe sunscreen without oxybenzone and octinoxate is required to protect the coral. Most water taxis offer flexible pickup times, so you can decide how long you want to stay.

Klein Bonaire: an uninhabited island 10 minutes away

Klein Bonaire sits just 800 meters off the coast of Kralendijk, but feels like another world. This uninhabited 6 km² island has no roads, no buildings, and no facilities. Just white sand, coral reefs, and sea turtles. The only way to get there is by boat, and the water taxi is your easiest option.

Departure points and operators

You have two main water taxi operators to Klein Bonaire. Caribe Watersport departs from Karel's Beach Bar in Kralendijk. Epic Watertaxi operates from two locations: Bonaire Nautico Marina and Buddy Dive Resort.

Your choice often depends on where you're staying. In downtown Kralendijk? Karel's Beach Bar is closest. Staying south or have a rental car? Nautico Marina is usually more convenient.

Prices and what you get

A return ticket costs $25 per person with Epic Watertaxi. Snorkel gear rental is $5 extra, beach chairs also $5. They offer a combo deal: lunch box with beach chairs for an additional $17.50.

Don't forget the $40 annual nature fee from STINAPA if you plan to snorkel. This covers all of Bonaire and is required for any water activities.

Departure times

Caribe Watersport departs hourly from 09:15 to 14:15 (09:15, 10:15, 11:15, 12:15, 13:15, 14:15). Return trips start at 10:45 from Klein Bonaire.

Epic Watertaxi has fewer departure times but more flexibility:

• From Nautico Marina: 9:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00
• From Buddy Dive: 9:15, 10:15, 14:15

The crossing takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on your departure point and weather conditions.

What to bring

Klein Bonaire has zero facilities. No toilets, no shops, no water taps. Bring enough water for the entire day, plus lunch and snacks. Reef-safe sunscreen is essential since there's no shade on the beach.

Water shoes help when walking in and out over the pebbles. You can rent snorkel gear on-site, but your own equipment usually fits better.

No Name Beach: your destination

No Name Beach is the most popular spot on Klein Bonaire. The white sand slopes gradually into the water, perfect for beginners. The coral reef starts 5-10 meters from shore, so you don't need to swim far to see colorful fish.

This beach is also an important nesting site for sea turtles. From May to November, hawksbill and green turtles lay their eggs here.

Practical tips for your visit

Arrive early for the best snorkeling spots. After 11:00 it gets busier and you'll find fewer quiet areas. Keep your distance from sea turtles if you encounter them, both in the water and on the beach.

Klein Bonaire is part of Bonaire National Marine Park, so all coral protection rules apply. Don't touch anything, don't stand on coral, and take only photos home.