Klein Bonaire

About this place

Klein Bonaire, «Little Bonaire», is a small uninhabited islet off the west coast of Bonaire, about 3 km in a straight line west of the capital, Kralendijk. It covers about 6 square kilometres and is completely flat, rising no more than two metres above the sea. The islet was privately owned from 1868 until 1999, during which its native trees were removed and scrub took over. After several attempts to develop it, Bonaireans raised funds to save it, and it became protected as part of the island's marine park. There is nothing on the islet but the remains of old huts and a small shelter on the beach facing Bonaire, with no water or facilities. But its white-sand beaches, clear turquoise water and the coral reefs around it make it one of the island's best-known snorkelling and diving spots, and sea turtles nest on its sand. It is reached by water taxi from Kralendijk in minutes, or with dive operators. Bring water, food and shade, as there are no services, do not touch the coral, and mornings have the calmest sea.