Karpata
Iconic north-side dive site in Bonaire, known for dramatic walls, vibrant coral, and abundant marine life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calmer waters, better visibility
Karpata
Best Time
Calmer waters, better visibility
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic north-side dive site in Bonaire, known for dramatic walls, vibrant coral, and abundant marine life.
"Beautiful, diverse reef. A little difficult entry. Great for scuba and snorkel."
🤿 Entry Warning
Entry can be tricky with surf. Watch for large coral rocks and waves. Use the concrete platform for stability.
🐢 Marine Life Spotting
Look for turtles, puffers, and nudibranchs. Healthier coral is found further south.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vibrant Coral Formations
Underwater
Explore dramatic sloping walls and branching elkhorn coral, teeming with diverse marine life.
Abundant Marine Life
Underwater
Spot turtles, puffers, triggerfish, and even nudibranchs in this rich underwater ecosystem.
Iconic North-Side Dive
North Bonaire
A must-visit for divers, offering crystal-clear entry and panoramic underwater views.
Sunset Views
Cliff ledge
Enjoy breathtaking sunsets from a unique vantage point overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Dive In: Entry & Conditions
Explore Beyond the Shore
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤿 Entry Warning
Entry can be tricky with surf. Watch for large coral rocks and waves. Use the concrete platform for stability.
🐢 Marine Life Spotting
Look for turtles, puffers, and nudibranchs. Healthier coral is found further south.
🌅 Sunset Spot
A cliff ledge offers amazing sunset views. Great alternative to busy spots.
📸 Wide-Angle Photography
Excellent visibility and panoramic views make it ideal for underwater photographers.
Tips
from all over the internet
🤿 Entry Warning
Entry can be tricky with surf. Watch for large coral rocks and waves. Use the concrete platform for stability.
🐢 Marine Life Spotting
Look for turtles, puffers, and nudibranchs. Healthier coral is found further south.
🌅 Sunset Spot
A cliff ledge offers amazing sunset views. Great alternative to busy spots.
📸 Wide-Angle Photography
Excellent visibility and panoramic views make it ideal for underwater photographers.
🚗 North Side Location
Located at the end of the 'Tourist Way' coastal road. Plan transport as it's further out.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Karpata is a highly recommended dive and snorkel site in Bonaire, praised for its diverse and healthy coral formations and abundant marine life, including turtles and colorful fish. While the underwater experience is exceptional, visitors should be aware that the entry and exit can be challenging due to rocky terrain and surf. Despite this, many consider it a favorite spot, especially for its stunning sunset views from a cliff ledge.
"Beautiful, diverse reef. A little difficult entry. Some tricky stairs on the way down. Great for scuba and snorkel."
Jolynn Kilburg
"Probably my favorite spot out of the 5 or 6 that I snorkeled during our first trip to Bonaire. Coral is decent in shallow areas and variety is quite good. Don't be scared of the entry. It's not bad at all. We stayed in Rincon so this was our go-to spot for snorkeling and sunsets. There is a ledge up in the cliff that you can sit and watch the sun go down. It's probably better than 1,000 steps, just go far to the south, to the left and you'll see healthier coral formations in shallower areas. On the way back north to the entry point a slight current will carry you back. Also have to note that after rain, the water was calm and fish variety was better. Lots of puffers after rain. Also saw the biggest turtle in the island at this spot."
David Lan
"Let me begin by saying I twisted my ankle badly at this because the entry/exit is tough when the surf is up. If you zoom in to the photos you can see the large coral rocks that you have to walk on to get to the water. You can get really knocked around by the waves. Once you're in, it's fine! Just giving you the warning. We saw at least 1 turtle, several large puffers, triggerfish, various segmented marine worms, nudibranchs, large coral heads. Visibility was good. Just a handful of other vehicles in mid afternoon."
Cristina Hladish
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Karpata is located on the north side of Bonaire, at the end of the 'Tourist Way' coastal road. It's a popular shore diving site and can be reached by car. Many visitors find it a bit further to get to compared to other sites on the island.
Public transport options are limited on Bonaire, especially to more remote dive sites like Karpata. Renting a car or a truck is highly recommended for exploring the island and reaching Karpata conveniently.
For divers, a rental truck with ample space for gear is ideal. This allows for easy transport of tanks and equipment to the site.
Karpata is a natural dive site and typically does not have extensive facilities like restrooms or shops. It's advisable to bring your own water, snacks, and any necessary gear.
Yes, Karpata is a great destination for a day trip, especially for divers and snorkelers. You can easily spend a few hours exploring the underwater world and enjoying the scenic views.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Karpata is a public access dive site and does not require an entrance ticket. You can visit and enjoy the snorkeling and diving freely.
As a natural site, Karpata does not have set opening or closing hours. It's accessible during daylight hours, and many visitors enjoy it for both daytime dives and sunset viewing.
There is no fee for diving or snorkeling at Karpata. However, if you are diving, you will need to arrange for your own air fills from a local dive shop.
The entry into the water at Karpata can be challenging due to large coral rocks and potential surf. It's recommended to use the concrete platform and be cautious, especially if the surf is up.
Divers should be comfortable with shore entries and potentially rough conditions. Having a buddy and being aware of your surroundings is crucial.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
Karpata boasts a diverse range of marine life, including large coral heads, branching elkhorn coral, turtles, puffers, triggerfish, segmented marine worms, and nudibranchs. Visibility is generally good.
Karpata is excellent for both snorkeling and scuba diving. Divers can explore dramatic sloping walls from 20-100ft, while snorkelers can enjoy the coral formations in shallower areas.
Visibility at Karpata is generally good, especially after rain when the water is calmer. It's also a prime spot for wide-angle underwater photography due to its panoramic views.
There can be a slight current at Karpata, particularly on the way back north to the entry point, which can help carry you. Divers should be aware of current conditions.
Mid-afternoon can be less crowded, and the water is often calmer. Sunset offers spectacular views from a cliff ledge. Visiting after rain can also improve conditions.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! Karpata is renowned for its good visibility and panoramic views, making it a strong contender for wide-angle underwater photography.
You can capture vibrant coral formations, diverse marine life like turtles and colorful fish, and the dramatic sloping walls of the reef.
Yes, there's a ledge up in the cliff that provides an excellent vantage point for capturing stunning sunset photos over the Caribbean Sea.
For underwater photography, a wide-angle lens is highly recommended to capture the expansive reef and marine life. For sunsets, a versatile lens would be suitable.
Morning light can be beautiful for underwater shots, while late afternoon leading into sunset offers dramatic lighting for both underwater and landscape photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
🐠 Divers and Snorkelers
Key recommendations: Plan your visit for calmer conditions, ideally after rain. Consider going further south for healthier coral. Always dive or snorkel with a buddy and be aware of any currents. The site is excellent for underwater photography, so bring your gear!
📸 Underwater Photographers
Tips for photographers: Aim for mid-morning or late afternoon light for the best underwater shots. Ensure your equipment is ready for shore entry conditions, and consider bringing a strobe to enhance colors in deeper areas.
🌅 Sunset Enthusiasts
Don't miss: Pack a picnic or some drinks to enjoy while you soak in the views. The drive to Karpata is part of the adventure, so enjoy the coastal scenery along the way.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Diving and Snorkeling at Karpata
The entry and exit at Karpata can present a challenge, especially when the surf is up. Visitors often mention navigating large coral rocks to reach the water, and the wave action near the shore can be significant. Despite this, many find the underwater rewards well worth the effort. After rain, the water tends to be calmer, offering improved visibility and a greater variety of fish.
For those interested in underwater photography, Karpata is a dream. Its good visibility and panoramic views make it ideal for wide-angle shots. You can capture the intricate details of the coral, the graceful movement of turtles, and the colorful array of fish that inhabit this rich ecosystem.
Beyond the Reef: Sunsets and Scenery
Reaching Karpata involves a scenic drive along the 'Tourist Way' coastal road. It's located at the northern end, making it a destination that requires a bit more travel time compared to sites closer to Kralendijk. This slightly more remote location contributes to its appeal for those seeking a less crowded experience. Renting a vehicle, preferably a truck for ease of gear transport, is highly recommended for visiting Karpata.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit