Willemstoren Lighthouse

The southernmost active lighthouse in the Dutch Caribbean, standing at Bonaire’s southern tip — a wall/slope dive exposed to current sweeping around the point, suitable for experienced divers only.

Overview

Willemstoren Lighthouse stands at Bonaire’s southern tip, one of the oldest lighthouses in the Dutch Caribbean. The dive site takes its name from this landmark and shares the character of Red Slave and the other southern-tip sites: a steep reef slope that dives like a wall, exposure to current rounding the point, and Advanced conditions that reward experienced divers with a pristine, less-visited reef. The coastal road ends well before this point — access requires driving the southern route past the salt pier and slave huts and parking near the lighthouse.

Site Information

• Location: Bonaire’s southern tip, at Willemstoren Lighthouse
• Entry Type: Shore entry
• Site Type: Wall dive
• Difficulty Level: Advanced
• Maximum Depth: 25 meters
• Typical Visibility: 20–30 metres
• Current: Can be strong at the southern tip; assess from shore before diving
• Best Time: Early morning when conditions are calmest

Marine Life

The current-swept southern tip brings pelagic species past the reef. Barracuda, horse-eye jacks, and groupers are regular sightings. Turtles are seen. The steep sponge-covered slope supports the same colourful community as Red Slave.

Dive Profile

Rocky shore entry near the lighthouse. The reef drops away steeply into a slope/wall structure. Keep the reef on one side and make a north-turning dive to avoid being carried south around the tip in any current. Most productive at 10–20 metres.

Entry and Exit

Rocky entry at the lighthouse. Time entry between sets. Exit at the same point. Assess conditions from shore before gearing up.

Tips

• Always assess current from shore before entry — conditions here are similar to Red Slave
• Dive early morning when southerly swell is typically calmer
• Turn north after entry to avoid the exposed southern point

Safety

The southern tip is exposed to current rounding the island. Conditions can change between one visit and the next. An SMB and conservative gas planning are essential. Red Slave has a documented history of divers being carried around the point — the same risk applies here.

Photography

The sponge-covered slope and pelagic visitors make for productive photography. The lighthouse backdrop above water is a distinctive topside element.

Nearby Sites

Red Slave is a short drive west along the same southern coastal track. Vista Blue and Sweet Dreams are also in the area.

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