Meet the Reef Residents of Bonaire: A Diver’s Guide to Caribbean Marine Life

A Window into the Caribbean’s Underwater World

Often called the “shore diving capital of the world,” Bonaire is equally a paradise for underwater naturalists. With healthy coral reefs, calm conditions, and crystal-clear waters, this Caribbean island offers one of the best opportunities to meet a wide variety of marine life up close — without needing a boat.

From vibrant reef fish to graceful sea turtles, Bonaire’s marine residents are the stars of every dive. This guide introduces you to the creatures you’re likely to encounter and offers tips for observing them respectfully and sustainably.

The Colorful Cast of Bonaire’s Reefs

Frog Fish: The Masters of Camouflage

Frogfish are quirky, compact predators that look more like sponges than fish. With their lumpy bodies and wide grins, they blend so well into their surroundings that even experienced divers can swim right past without noticing. Instead of swimming, they “walk” across the reef on their pectoral fins—and when it's time to eat, they strike with lightning speed, vacuuming up prey in an instant.

Where to see them: Keep your eyes peeled at sites like Bari Reef, Bachelor Beach, and Something Special, especially around sponges and rubble between 20 and 45 feet. They can be pink, yellow, black, white, or mottled—and they often stay in one spot for days or weeks at a time.

Why It’s Special: Few reef dwellers are as quirky and elusive as the frogfish. With their round, sponge-like bodies and odd, leg-like pectoral fins, frogfish don’t swim much—they walk along the reef floor. Their ability to change color and blend in with their environment makes them nearly invisible to predators and divers alike. But the real show is when they strike—their mouth opens so fast it creates a vacuum, sucking in prey in less than 1/6,000th of a second.

Fun Fact: Frogfish don’t just wait around. They have a built-in fishing rod! A modified dorsal spine acts as a lure, wriggling like a worm to attract unsuspecting fish right into their mouths. You might even see one “yawning” on a sponge—a territorial display and one of the few signs that you’re looking at a living creature rather than a piece of the reef.

Angelfish and Butterflyfish: Coral Royalty

French angelfish, queen angelfish, and the petite four-eye butterflyfish are among the most common — and photogenic — reef fish in Bonaire. Their bold colors and patterns make them favorites for underwater photographers.

Tip: Approach slowly and avoid chasing. These species often pose naturally if left undisturbed.

Eels: The Reef’s Secretive Predators

Green moray and spotted moray eels are frequently seen in coral holes and crevices. Though they may look intimidating, they’re usually passive and will stay put if you observe from a respectful distance.

Where to find them: Coral heads with large cavities, especially near Buddy’s Reef and Bari Reef.

Turtles: Bonaire’s Graceful Nomads

Both green sea turtles and hawksbills are common around Bonaire. You’ll often find them resting under ledges or grazing on sea grass.

Tip: Never touch or attempt to ride a turtle. Keep a 3–5 meter distance and let them swim on their terms.

Macro Marvels: Seahorses, Shrimp & More

For macro lovers, Bonaire is a dream. Pipefish, cleaner shrimp, jawfish, and the elusive seahorse can all be found with a sharp eye — and often a good local guide.

Best dive sites for macro: Something Special, Front Porch, and Windsock.

How to Dive Respectfully in Bonaire

Protecting Bonaire’s reefs starts with each diver. Follow these best practices:

• Perfect your buoyancy before approaching coral

• Avoid kicking up sand, which can smother nearby marine life

• Never touch or chase wildlife

• Use a reef-safe sunscreen

• Avoid gloves — they encourage touching

• Stay off the bottom and use a pointer stick only for balance (never for poking)

Bonaire is a marine park, and all divers must purchase a nature tag. The funds directly support reef conservation, enforcement, and education.

Conservation Success in Action

Bonaire’s marine life abundance is no accident. The island has protected its reefs since 1979 under the Bonaire National Marine Park, one of the oldest in the Caribbean. Thanks to strong local conservation efforts:

• Coral cover is healthier than many Caribbean destinations

• Iconic dive sites like Salt Pier and Karpata remain vibrant

• Turtle populations are stable and monitored

• Spearfishing and anchoring are banned to protect habitat

By diving here, you’re supporting a community that actively safeguards its underwater resources.

How You Can Help

Want to leave Bonaire better than you found it? Here’s how:

• Join a reef cleanup dive with local operators

• Take a reef ID or fish behavior course during your trip

• Thoroughly rinse gear after every dive to ensure to reduce the spread of coral disease

• Share your photos with tagging to raise awareness

• You can also participate with us in our Eco Fin Print Initiative

Every small action adds up to a healthier ocean.

Dive with Awareness and minimal impact.

Seeing marine life in the wild is one of diving’s greatest pleasures. In Bonaire, you’ll encounter a reef community that’s as curious about you as you are about them. The actions we take today will help protect the marine life and reefs for years to come.

Whether you're photographing a French angelfish or marveling at a turtle gliding past, the best encounters happen when you are one with the environment.

So pack your dive gear, camera, and a conservation mindset. The reef residents of Bonaire are waiting to meet you. Let's Scuba Holidays help you plan your next Bonaire Adventure.