Boka Katuna

A remote Washington-Slagbaai site with sharp-rock entry, strong currents, and a sandy plain leading to a gradually sloping reef. Only fit divers can reach it from shore.

Overview

Boka Katuna sits inside Washington-Slagbaai National Park on Bonaire’s northwestern coast. The reef itself is a gradually sloping wall preceded by a sandy plain, but everything around the dive — getting there, getting in, and the conditions — pushes this firmly into Advanced territory. The original entry was a 5-meter scramble over sharp rocks; a staircase was installed in 2023 that has eased access considerably, but the site still requires fitness, conservative planning, and willingness to abort.

Site Information

• Location: Washington-Slagbaai National Park, northwest Bonaire (4WD + Nature Tag required)
• Entry Type: Shore entry
• Site Type: Reef
• Difficulty Level: Advanced
• Maximum Depth: 25 meters
• Typical Visibility: 20–30 meters
• Current: Strong; powerful undercurrents during heavy seas
• Best Time: Calm-weather days only; site closes after heavy rain

Marine Life

Brain coral structures, thornback rays, eagle rays, triggerfish, and occasional rays on the sandy plain. The remote location keeps the reef healthier than the busy western sites.

Dive Profile

From the rocky entry, the bottom is sandy plain that gradually transitions to reef. The reef slopes through the recreational range to roughly 25 meters. Plan against the current rather than with it on the way out — return-trip current can be deceptively strong.

Entry and Exit

Drive in via the 4WD park road; closes after heavy rain. Walk ~100 meters from the parking area to the entry. Use the 2023-installed staircase to descend the rocky section; in the absence of the staircase, gear must be lowered separately via rope and divers descend unencumbered. There is no boat mooring at this site.

Tips

• Use the staircase carefully — wet rock surfaces are still slippery
• Avoid in any swell; powerful undercurrents are reported during heavy seas
• Plan dive time to fit within park closing hours
• Lower gear separately if the staircase is challenging in full kit

Safety

The combination of remote location, sharp-rock entry, strong currents, and possible undercurrents accumulates risk. Self-sufficiency is required — emergency response from this part of the island is slow. Plan conservatively, abort early, and never dive solo here.

Photography

The healthy reef and sandy plain reward wide-angle. Rays on the sand are reliable subjects. Visibility is typically excellent in calm conditions.

Nearby Sites

Boka Slagbaai, Boka Bartol, Wayaka 2, Playa Funchi, and Playa Benge are within the same park, sharing similar 4WD access and remote-condition concerns.

Sources: Divers-Guide – Boka Katuna. Last updated 2026-05-16.