Bonaire Pros
Bonaire Guided Snorkel Excursions
Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or just getting your feet wet, Bonaire’s clear and warm water is an excellent place for snorkel adventures. From tranquil swims in sheltered coves to adventurous exploration along rugged shorelines, there’s always something to see and experience when snorkeling on Bonaire.
You can always jump in and explore on your own virtually anywhere along Bonaire’s beautiful coast. After all, there’s nothing quite like the freedom that comes with independent exploration! If that’s your style, don’t forget to check out our article on the best shore snorkel sites on the island.
But if a bit of pampering and expert attention is what you seek, booking a guided snorkel excursion is an unforgettable experience well worth your vacation dollars. An experienced guide can help you put a name to all the underwater critters you’ll encounter; share expert tips on snorkel techniques that will make your experience more pleasant and even treat you delicious food and drinks while at sea. A guided snorkel tour is a great way to thoroughly experience all that the Bonaire National Marine Park has to offer.
Here’s our list of top picks for every type of guided snorkel tour on the island. Whether you want to explore from shore or sea – or even combine your snorkel tour with a private sail and BBQ – these companies offer memorable experiences with 5 star reviews.
Boat Snorkeling Excursions
Woodwind
Step on board this spacious catamaran and discover why Woodwind is one of the top-rated snorkel tours on Trip Advisor. Since 2003, the Pedersen family has been offering guided snorkel tours along beautiful Klein Bonaire. Each tour includes snorkel gear and is led by guides who are rescue-trained and knowledgeable about Bonaire’s marine life. Swimming and snorkel instruction is included, too. Take your pick from full-day experiences, sunset snorkel sails and night snorkel tours. On board, enjoy a variety of amenities, including lunch (select tours), and an open bar featuring soft drinks, beer, wine, spirits and the famous Woodwind Rum Punch.
A half-day catamaran cruise aboard the 40-foot Woodwind featured two snorkel stops off pristine Klein Bonaire, plus a tasty lunch of bami, an Indonesian dish of noodles, veggies, chile sauce and tidbits of chicken and pork. Cake ended the meal and another sweet trip.
Trip Advisor
www.woodwindbonaire.com / +(599) 786 7055 / info@woodwindbonaire.com
Epic Tours
One of the fastest growing sail and snorkel tour providers on the island is Epic Tours. Plying Bonaire’s tranquil waters since 2008, they traded in their original Epic boat and now operate two luxurious catamarans. Epic offers fully customized sail/snorkel adventures along Bonaire’s west coast and Klein Bonaire. Choose from a variety of sailing options, including the original “Chill & Grill” sunset tour – a fan favorite. Every sail includes snorkel gear and ample opportunities to jump in and explore to your heart’s content. Private charters are also available. Experienced and fun snorkel guides will join and educate you on all the cool underwater residents you see along the way.
Had an amazing two snorkel reef and dinner excursion. It was close to town and the crew was friendly, competent and also good cooks. Lots of fun and made new friends at the same time!
TripAdvisor
www.epictoursbonaire.com / +599 717 1133 / info@epictoursbonaire.com
Compass Sailing
A mainstay on the island’s snorkel tour scene, Compass has been introducing visitors to Bonaire’s aquatic world for nearly a decade. Hop on board their 44’ sailboat and explore some of the best snorkeling spots on Bonaire. Compass offers a variety of snorkel tours, including a full day exploring the waters of Washington Slagbaai National Park, a half-day sail and snorkel cruise, and a three-hour visit to Klein Bonaire. Trips include snorkel gear, on-board amenities and an experienced guide who can instruct you in proper snorkel techniques and aquatic marine life identification.
This was a great trip! Marco our boat captain was great! Mary Ann was very professional and you felt her passion for the love of her job and her excitement to be your snorkel leader and show you many wonderful species of fish!!
TripAdvisor
www.compassbonaire.com / +599 786 7757 / compassbonaire@gmail.com
Sea Cow Snorkeling
Perhaps the most interestingly named vessel among Bonaire’s snorkel excursion operators, Sea Cow’s eye-catching design can’t be missed. After all, it’s not every day you see a black and white cow inspired catamaran sailing Bonaire’s waters. Although they have upgraded to a newer boat design, the famous spotted vessel still offers Sea Cow’s famous Double Dip snorkel trip to Klein Bonaire as well as a sunset snorkel trip where you can view the reef in a different light. Each trip gives you two opportunities to explore Bonaire’s aquatic world, accompanied by an experienced guide. Snorkel gear and refreshments are available on every excursion. A professional underwater photographer will join you, too, capturing every moment.
The trip is definitely worth it. They are 100% customer service oriented. I am an experienced snorkel/diver and I thoroughly enjoyed this trip. It is a drift snorkel so not much energy needed,
TripAdvisor
www.seacow-bonaire.com / +599 785 7727 / info@seacow-bonaire.com
Shore Snorkeling Excursions
H2O Visions
Why not let island resident and experienced snorkel guide Brenda Yorke chauffeur you to the island’s best shore snorkel sites? Explore at your own pace and learn more about Bonaire while en route to shore snorkel sites picked to match your interests and skill level. Then, jump in and let your guide show you Bonaire’s abundant marine life. Since 2011, H2O Visions has been introducing visitors to snorkeling on Bonaire with fully customized snorkel tours, and can accommodate disabled snorkelers, too.
Brenda is an extremely knowledgeable guide to shore-side snorkeling off Bonaire Island. She is very professional and an absolute delight. Accommodating and very easy to work with.
TripAdvisor
www.h2ovisionsbonaire.com / +599 700 4361 / brenda@h2ovissionsbonaire.com
Need more Bonaire Snorkeling advice?
We can assist with recommendations and arrangements for accommodations that feature excellent snorkeling right from your room. Ready to plan? Give us a call at 800-748-8733 or use our super fast Price Quote request and we will email a vacation quote custom designed for your needs.