Boka Slagbaai

The main bay dive in Washington-Slagbaai National Park — a protected inlet with a healthy fringing reef accessible by 4WD. Note: currently listed as closed for diving on infobonaire.com (verify current status before visiting).

Overview

Boka Slagbaai is the bay dive at the historic Slagbaai plantation site in Washington-Slagbaai National Park. The bay offers good protection from the prevailing northeast trade wind, making it one of the more sheltered entries on the northwest coast. The fringing reef slopes from the bay’s edge to 40 metres. As of early 2026, infobonaire.com lists several Washington-Slagbaai park sites as currently closed for diving — verify the current status of this site with STINAPA or the park entrance before visiting. A STINAPA nature tag and park entry fee are required.

Site Information

• Location: Washington-Slagbaai National Park (4WD + park entry + STINAPA tag required)
• Entry Type: Shore entry
• Site Type: Reef
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Maximum Depth: 40 meters
• Typical Visibility: 20–30 metres
• Current: Variable; the bay provides some shelter
• Best Time: Calm days within park operating hours

Marine Life

Protected park reef: parrotfish, angelfish, groupers, snappers, and sea turtles. The low traffic load in the national park means fish behaviour is generally more natural than at the busy southern sites.

Dive Profile

Shore entry from the bay beach. The reef slopes from the shallows to 40 metres. Most productive in the 10–25 metre range. Plan depth carefully given the 40-metre potential.

Entry and Exit

4WD access to Slagbaai via the park road. Entry from the bay. Park closes at 17:00 — allow time for the drive out.

Tips

• Verify current open status before visiting
• The historic Slagbaai plantation buildings and salt works are worth exploring above water
• Flamingos frequent the nearby salinas

Safety

Remote park location. Intermediate depth. Carry an SMB. Be self-sufficient.

Photography

The bay setting with clear water is good for reef photography. The sheltered bay means calmer conditions than exposed northwest sites.

Nearby Sites

Nukove is to the south on the main road (no 4WD needed). Wayaka 2 and Playa Funchi are other park sites in the area.

Sources: InfoBonaire Dive Site Map, Divers-Guide – Boka Slagbaai, Bonaireisland.com. Last updated 2026-05-24.