Bachelor’s Beach

A central Bonaire shore reef with a notable coral nursery at 5–9 metres — one of the BNMP’s active reef restoration sites, with easy conditions and good fish density.

Overview

Bachelor’s Beach is a central Bonaire shore site on the west coast south of Kralendijk. The site is notable for hosting a BNMP coral nursery project in the 5–9 metre range, where coral fragments are grown on underwater tree structures and later transplanted to restore damaged sections of reef. The reef slope itself is typical of the central west coast: gradual, calm, and well-populated with reef fish. It is an easy shore dive suitable for beginners, and the shallow nursery section adds an educational dimension to the dive.

Site Information

• Location: Central Bonaire, west coast south of Kralendijk
• Entry Type: Shore entry
• Site Type: Reef
• Difficulty Level: Beginner
• Maximum Depth: 30 meters
• Typical Visibility: 20–30 metres
• Current: Usually light
• Best Time: All day

Marine Life

Reef fish typical of central Bonaire: parrotfish, grunts, snapper, angelfish, and damselfish populate the slope. Turtles are seen along this stretch. The nursery structures attract fish that shelter among the coral fragments. Moray eels in reef crevices.

Dive Profile

Enter from the staircase and swim to the reef. The coral nursery is at 5–9 metres. The main reef slope continues deeper. A relaxed, shallow profile to observe the nursery, then a descent to the main reef, makes good use of the site.

Entry and Exit

Shore entry via a staircase to the beach. Exit at the same point.

Tips

• Look for the coral nursery frames at 5–9 metres — you can see the coral fragments growing
• Do not touch or disturb the nursery structures
• Excellent site for beginner divers and those interested in reef conservation

Safety

Easy conditions. Shallow and calm. The staircase entry is manageable for all skill levels.

Photography

The coral nursery frames are an unusual photographic subject. Standard reef photography on the slope.

Nearby Sites

Windsock and Corporal Meiss are nearby to the north. Calabas Reef and 18th Palm are to the south.

Sources: Beyond the Corals Bonaire – Bachelor’s Beach, InfoBonaire Dive Site Map, Divers-Guide – Bachelor’s Beach. Last updated 2026-05-24.