Boka di Tolo

Also known as “Ol’ Blue” — a northern Bonaire fringing reef between Karpata and the central coast, in the section where the road begins to curve inland, offering easy conditions and healthy coral.

Overview

Boka di Tolo (short name: Tolo; also called “Ol’ Blue” on some dive maps) is a northern Bonaire shore site between the more famous Karpata to the north and the central coast dive belt to the south. Described by local divers as a pleasant, low-key dive with healthy coral and good visibility, the site delivers the fringing reef diving typical of northern Bonaire: excellent water quality and fish diversity without the crowds of the southern belt. Despite some rough surface conditions reported occasionally, underwater the site is calm. The Papiamentu name “Boka di Tolo” translates roughly to “bay” or “mouth” location.

Site Information

• Location: North-central Bonaire, between Karpata and the central dive belt
• Entry Type: Shore entry
• Site Type: Reef
• Difficulty Level: Beginner
• Maximum Depth: 25 meters
• Typical Visibility: 20–30 metres
• Current: Usually light; surface can be rough
• Best Time: Morning

Marine Life

Northern Bonaire reef species with good diversity: tarpon reported in the shallows, porcupine fish, red-banded shrimp, trumpetfish, flounder, and typical reef fish throughout the slope.

Dive Profile

Shore entry via a stone pathway from elevated parking. Once in the water, conditions calm quickly beneath the surface. Standard out-and-back reef slope dive to 25 metres.

Entry and Exit

The parking area is elevated and a stone path leads down to the water. Entry and exit via the stone pathway.

Tips

• Do not be deterred by rough-looking surface conditions — the site is typically calm underwater
• Combine with Karpata (a short drive north) for a productive northern coast dive day
• Tarpon in the shallows can be spotted during entry and exit

Safety

Light current. The stone pathway entry requires care when wet. Surface conditions can be choppy.

Photography

Good reef photography in clear northern Bonaire water. Tarpon in the shallows are a good shallow-water subject.

Nearby Sites

Karpata is to the north. La Denia’s Leap is also nearby. Jeff Davis Memorial and Weber’s Joy are to the south.

Sources: InfoBonaire Dive Site Map, Scuba Diving Smiles – Bonaire Northern Sites (Ol’ Blue), Divers-Guide – Tolo. Last updated 2026-05-24.