Salt Pier
An industrial pier transformed into a vibrant artificial reef, teeming with marine life and offering stunning underwater vistas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calm waters
Salt Pier
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calm waters
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An industrial pier transformed into a vibrant artificial reef, teeming with marine life and offering stunning underwater vistas.
"Salt Pier is an absolute must if you're visiting Bonaire! It quickly became one of our favorite snorkeling spots."
🚗 Rent a Vehicle
Essential for accessing Salt Pier and other dive sites. :car:
🐢 Turtle Encounters
Expect friendly turtles! They're used to divers and snorkelers. :turtle:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Underwater Pillar Forest
Beneath the Salt Pier
Steel pilings transformed into vibrant artificial reefs teeming with marine life. A photographer's dream!
Abundant Marine Wildlife
Around the Salt Pier
Encounter turtles, tarpon, eels, and countless colorful fish in this thriving underwater ecosystem.
Historical Industrial Site
Salt Pier
Explore the functional pier used for salt export, a significant part of Bonaire's economic history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Vehicle Rental is Key
Dive Site Access & Etiquette
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Rent a Vehicle
Essential for accessing Salt Pier and other dive sites. :car:
🐢 Turtle Encounters
Expect friendly turtles! They're used to divers and snorkelers. :turtle:
📸 Macro & Wide-Angle
Perfect for both close-up marine life and expansive underwater scenes. :camerawithflash:
🌙 Night Dive Magic
Dramatic experience, though marine life can be quieter. :moon:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Rent a Vehicle
Essential for accessing Salt Pier and other dive sites. :car:
🐢 Turtle Encounters
Expect friendly turtles! They're used to divers and snorkelers. :turtle:
📸 Macro & Wide-Angle
Perfect for both close-up marine life and expansive underwater scenes. :camerawithflash:
🌙 Night Dive Magic
Dramatic experience, though marine life can be quieter. :moon:
☀️ Sun Protection
Wear a rash guard or wetsuit top; you'll want to stay in the water! :shirt:
📍 Night Dive Entry
South of pier, ~50m at a small beach marked by a stone. :map:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Salt Pier is overwhelmingly praised as a must-visit dive and snorkel site in Bonaire, celebrated for its incredible marine biodiversity and the unique 'underwater city' formed by its pilings. Visitors consistently highlight encounters with turtles and tarpon, and the ethereal beauty of sunlight filtering through the structure. Some note that access can be restricted if a boat is present for salt loading, and night dives, while dramatic, may offer less abundant marine life.
"This dive site has incredible coral and a huge variety of marine wildlife. We went on a total of two dives here (one to the left side of the pier and the other to the right). Both dives were special spotting many different species. During both dives we were able to get close to huge tarpons and different size turtles. The coral on the pillars is also very impressive to see with many fish stationary around them. Definitely a dive site to recommend with a personal preference towards the left side of the pier. Do make sure to check with your dive school whether there is a boat situated at the pier beforehand. If there is a boat at the site you are not allowed to enter the dive site."
Tom Brattinga
"We visited the salt pier for its historical and industrial significance on Bonaire. Plus went scuba diving there. Was a great experience! We saw lots of parrot fish, turtles, trunk fish, variety of angel fish. Plus many others! It was very ethereal seeing the light coming thru the pier pilings. A great spot for snorkling too"
Karen York
"Interesting to visit this Cargill company salt mine. The pier is a huge conveyor belt to load loose salt onto freighters. If you continue south a couple of kms you may see flamingos in the mangroves. Nice excursion.
I also did a night dive here. Best entry point is south of pier about 50m at a small beach. There is a painted stone to mark it. While the sea is usually calm, the slight surge makes entry difficult elsewhere because of rocks. My group swam parallel to the shore till we got back to the shallow end of the pier, then followed it out to the end. We then swam down to the south end and reversed course back Deepest point was around 14m.
Diving the pier in the dark was dramatic but the sea life was zzz."
Chris Crawford
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Salt Pier is located south of Kralendijk. The most convenient way to reach it is by renting a car or truck, as public transportation is limited on Bonaire. The drive is scenic, and there's usually parking available near the pier.
Yes, Salt Pier is a well-known landmark. Follow the coastal road south from Kralendijk, and you'll see the industrial structure. Look for signs or ask locals if you're unsure.
While technically possible, it's a long walk (several kilometers) and not recommended, especially in the Bonaire heat. Renting a vehicle is highly advised for comfort and efficiency.
Generally, there are no entry fees for snorkeling or diving at Salt Pier itself, but you will need to pay for any dive services or rentals if you're not self-sufficient.
Renting a truck or a car is the most popular and practical method for exploring Bonaire's numerous dive sites, including Salt Pier. This allows for flexibility and easy access to shore dives.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No reservation is typically needed for Salt Pier. You can usually just show up and enjoy, especially on weekdays. However, always check with your dive operator for any specific site access rules.
While there aren't strict posted hours for public access, it's best to visit during daylight for snorkeling and diving. Night dives are also popular but should be arranged with a dive operator.
Absolutely! Salt Pier is a fantastic snorkeling spot with incredible marine life visible right from the surface. The clear waters make it accessible and enjoyable for snorkelers.
If a boat is present for salt loading, you may be restricted from entering the dive site. It's crucial to check with your dive school or operator beforehand about potential access limitations.
Yes, Salt Pier is generally suitable for beginners, especially for snorkeling. Divers should be comfortable with entry and exit procedures, and the shallow areas around the pier offer a good introduction to Bonaire's underwater world.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
You can expect to see a vast array of marine life, including sea turtles, tarpon, moray eels, barracuda, parrotfish, angelfish, trunkfish, and countless smaller reef fish. The pier pilings are also encrusted with colorful corals and sponges.
Many divers prefer to dive to the left or right of the pier, exploring the pilings. Night dives are also popular for a different perspective. The deepest point is around 14 meters (46 feet).
Salt Pier is exceptional for both macro and wide-angle photography. The sunlight filtering through the pilings creates a unique, ethereal atmosphere, and the diverse marine life offers endless subjects.
For sun protection and comfort in the water, it's highly recommended to wear a rash guard or a wetsuit top. You'll likely want to spend a good amount of time exploring.
There are typically no dedicated public facilities like restrooms or showers directly at Salt Pier. It's advisable to use facilities at your accommodation or dive shop before and after your visit.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, Salt Pier is an industrial site and does not have any food or dining facilities. You'll need to plan your meals before or after your visit in Kralendijk or other nearby areas.
The closest dining options are in Kralendijk, the capital of Bonaire. You can find a variety of restaurants offering local and international cuisine.
📸 📸 Photography
Late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour light filtering through the pier. Midday sun can also create dramatic shafts of light underwater. Night photography can capture bioluminescence and nocturnal creatures.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the pier and the schools of fish. A macro lens is perfect for the smaller critters and intricate details on the coral-encrusted pilings.
Focus on the interplay of light and shadow through the pilings. Get close to the marine life for detailed shots, but always maintain a respectful distance. The vibrant colors of the corals and sponges are also key subjects.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key recommendations: Rent a vehicle for easy access, pack plenty of sun protection (rash guards are ideal), and consider visiting on a weekday to avoid potential crowds. While the industrial aspect might not thrill younger kids, the abundance of sea creatures is sure to captivate them. Ensure children are comfortable swimmers or use appropriate flotation devices.
💰 Budget Travelers
Tips for saving: Pack snacks and water, as there are no facilities. If you're a certified diver, bring your own gear or rent from a local dive shop for shore diving. Snorkeling can be done with just a mask, snorkel, and fins, making it a very affordable activity.
📸 Photographers
Photography advice: Visit during the 'golden hour' in the late afternoon for the best light. Bring both wide-angle and macro lenses if possible. Be patient and respectful of the marine life to capture the best shots. Consider a night dive for unique nocturnal subjects.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Industrial Marvel: Salt Pier's History and Function
Visitors can observe this industrial marvel from above, appreciating its scale and engineering. However, the true magic of Salt Pier unfolds beneath the surface. The submerged pilings of the pier have, over decades, transformed into vibrant, thriving artificial reefs. These structures provide a habitat for a diverse array of marine life, creating a unique juxtaposition of industrial infrastructure and natural beauty.
Understanding its industrial significance adds another layer to the experience. While the pier is a working site, its underwater environment has become a celebrated destination for divers and snorkelers worldwide, showcasing how human structures can, over time, become integral parts of the marine ecosystem.
An Underwater Wonderland: Marine Life at Salt Pier
Divers and snorkelers frequently encounter majestic sea turtles gracefully navigating the waters, often seen feeding or resting near the pier. Large tarpons, with their impressive size and silvery scales, are a common sight, often patrolling the deeper sections. Other notable inhabitants include moray eels peeking from crevices, schools of various reef fish like parrotfish and angelfish, and smaller critters such as trunkfish and pufferfish.
The sheer density and variety of marine life make Salt Pier a photographer's paradise. Whether you're using a wide-angle lens to capture the scale of the underwater 'pillar forest' or a macro lens to focus on the intricate details of nudibranchs and small crustaceans, the opportunities for stunning shots are abundant. The sunlight filtering through the pier's structure adds a dramatic and ethereal quality to underwater photography.
Navigating Salt Pier: Diving and Snorkeling Tips
For those interested in night diving, Salt Pier provides a dramatic, albeit sometimes less active, marine life experience. The recommended entry point for night dives is about 50 meters south of the pier at a small beach marked by a painted stone. This entry can be easier than others due to potential rocks and surge.
Snorkelers will find Salt Pier equally rewarding. The clear, calm waters allow for excellent visibility, and you can often spot turtles and other marine life right from the surface. It's highly recommended to wear a rash guard or wetsuit top for sun protection, as you'll likely want to stay in the water for an extended period to soak in the incredible underwater scenery.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit