Wayaka 2

A remote dive inside Washington-Slagbaai National Park — shallow dead-coral plateau, then a steep slope to 45 meters. 4WD access only and Advanced conditions.

Overview

Wayaka 2 is one of the dive sites inside Washington-Slagbaai National Park on Bonaire’s northwestern tip. Access requires a 4WD vehicle, a Nature Tag, and travel through the park within its operating hours; the road closes after heavy rain and the small beach is only visible at low tide. The dive profile is a shallow plateau of dead/relict coral that gives way to a steeply sloping reef with the bottom continuing past 45 meters. The combination of remote location, exposure, and slope depth makes this a site for experienced divers only.

Site Information

• Location: Washington-Slagbaai National Park, northwest Bonaire (4WD required)
• Entry Type: Shore entry
• Site Type: Reef
• Difficulty Level: Advanced
• Maximum Depth: 45 meters
• Typical Visibility: 20–30 meters
• Current: Variable — open exposure on Bonaire’s northwest tip
• Best Time: Calm days within park operating hours (park closes 5pm)

Marine Life

The slope supports blue parrotfish, blue tangs, moray eels, blennies, doctorfish, sea turtles, and large parrotfish. Larger pelagics pass through given the proximity to open water. Reef coverage is healthier here than at heavily-trafficked western sites because of access constraints.

Dive Profile

The shallow plateau begins at the shore as a flat of dead coral and rubble. The steep reef edge then drops away quickly through the recreational range and continues to 45+ meters. Most life and structure is in the 10–30 meter band along the slope. Plan a deliberate ascent profile back to the plateau for safety stop.

Entry and Exit

Drive in via the 4WD park road (closes after heavy rain). Park at the marked Wayaka 2 area, walk roughly 50 meters down a path to the stairs leading to the small beach. At low tide the beach is exposed and the entry is sandy; at higher tides the entry becomes more difficult. Exit at the same location.

Tips

• Confirm park access, road condition, and gate hours before driving in
• Plan dive depth conservatively — the slope drops away quickly
• Be self-sufficient — there is no nearby emergency support inside the park
• Carry a Nature Tag (mandatory for park entry)

Safety

Remote location, limited rescue access, exposed coast, and deep slope all stack risk. Avoid in poor weather or marginal sea state. Plan time for the drive back out before the park closes. Always dive with a buddy and within conservative depth limits.

Photography

The dense fish life on the slope and healthy coral cover reward wide-angle. Visibility is typically excellent when seas are calm.

Nearby Sites

Other Washington-Slagbaai park sites include Boka Slagbaai, Boka Bartol, Boka Katuna, Playa Funchi, and Playa Benge — all similarly remote, all with similar 4WD access requirements.

Sources: Divers-Guide – Wayaka 2, InfoBonaire – Insider’s Guide to Washington Park. Last updated 2026-05-16.