Boca Slagbaai Bonaire Snorkeling Guide [Rated + Reviewed]
Having snorkeled all over the world from Moorea and the Maldives to Belize, my husband and I were truly impressed by the snorkeling in Bonaire. With over 60 dive sites to choose from, there’s no shortage of incredible underwater experiences.
Within Washington Slagbaai National Park, three beach-accessible snorkeling spots stand out, and Boca Slagbaai is one of them. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit and make the most of this snorkeling adventure.
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Bonaire Snorkeling Rating System
My husband and I travel all over the world searching out some of the best spots to snorkel.
All of my snorkeling sites are rated to help differentiate the good ones from the really good ones, including Boca Slagbaai.
Please see the rating key below.
OVERALL SNORKEL RATING KEY
🤿 🤿 🤿 🤿 🤿 = World-class snorkeling and worth traveling just for the snorkeling alone!
🤿 🤿 🤿 🤿 = Incredible snorkeling and should be on your list of top things to do!
🤿 🤿 🤿 = Decent snorkeling and worth the effort!
🤿 🤿 = Worth consideration if you are running out of things to do!
🤿 = Not worth it!
Bonaire is a snorkeler’s paradise, and we should know! After years of trips, here’s our definitive list of 14 top snorkeling sites.
Snorkeling Map of Bonaire
Boca Slagbaai Bonaire Snorkeling
Boca Slagbaai Beach in Bonaire
Rating: 🤿 🤿 🤿 🤿
How to Get There
Hi, I’m Nichole. The discerning traveler, wine lover, and adventure seeker behind Enriching Pursuits.
On this website, you'll find expert insights, honest reviews, and carefully curated experiences worth your time.
I specialize in uncovering the best outdoor adventures (especially snorkeling!), incredible foodie experiences, and boutique stays for travelers who appreciate the details as much as I do.
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Entrance to Boca Slagbaai in Bonaire
Boca Slagbaai sits within Washington Slagbaai National Park, making it a great stop for a full-day adventure.
Be sure to check out my park guide with 9 must-know tips before you go!
We stayed at the charming Bamboo Bonaire Boutique Resort, just north of Kralendijk, and it took us about 30 minutes to reach the park’s Visitor Center.
From there, plan on another 45 minutes along the “short route” to reach Boca Slagbaai. The bumpy dirt roads make for a fun (but slow) ride.
Once you arrive, look for the small parking area on the right, near the picnic tables and palapas.
Picnic area at Washington Slagbaai National Park in Bonaire
On the other side of the road is Saliña Slagbaai, where the flamingoes like to hang out.
Flamingoes at Saliña Slagbaai in the Washington Slagbaai National Park in Bonaire
Snorkeling Map
A map of where to snorkel at Boca Slagbaai in Bonaire
Boca Slagbaai feels like one of Bonaire’s most underrated snorkeling spots. Every time my husband and I snorkel here, we’re surprised to have it completely to ourselves.
Most visitors snorkel at nearby Wayaka 2, then head to Boca Slagbaai just to picnic or have lunch.
But don’t overlook the snorkeling here!
Enter from the beach and head to the right, following the rocky shoreline. You’ll find plenty of coral patches to explore along the way.
Entry
Boca Slagbaai Beach in Bonaire
Getting into the water at Boca Slagbaai requires stepping over a few rocks, but overall, the entry is pretty easy, especially if you’re prepared.
We always wear dive booties with our favorite snorkeling fins to avoid stubbed toes and make the rocky entry a breeze.
Boca Slagbaai Beach is also one of the most stunning snorkeling beaches in Bonaire. The sand is incredibly soft, though there is some coral rubble right at the shoreline, so tread carefully.
If you love to snorkel as much as we do, be sure to check out our full snorkeling gear guide. We cover all of our top-tested picks.
This is gear we bring on every snorkation, refined over years and dozens of snorkel sites around the world.
Bonaire Fish Sightings
If you’ve snorkeled around the Caribbean, you’ve probably seen your fair share of parrotfish. But one of the highlights of snorkeling at Boca Slagbaai was spotting several massive rainbow parrotfish.
They almost looked like little mermaids gliding through the water.
I had seen one big rainbow parrotfish at 1000 Steps, but Boca Slagbaai had several! They don’t hang around for long, but their size and vibrant colors make them absolutely unforgettable.
Another memorable moment was watching a sharptail eel slither along the sea floor, hunting through the sand. With its gray body and white polka dots, it was striking to watch in action.
We also spotted a spotted a moray eel and a chainlink eel. There are quite a few around if you know where to look! Eels often tuck themselves into lettuce coral, just peeking their heads out.
Other sightings included blue tang, spotted trunkfish, orange-spotted filefish, juvenile yellowtail damselfish, peacock flounder, rock beauty, and a few palometas.
To top it off, we even saw a batwing coral crab and what looked like a spotted sea spider.
We brought our favorite underwater camera along to capture it all, and we’re so glad we did!
Massive rainbow parrotfish at Boca Slagbaai
This is the size parrotfish we normally see
Cute spotted trunkfish at Boca Slagbaai
Orange spotted filefish at Boca Slagbaai
Juvenile yellowtail damselfish at Boca Slagbaai
Sharptail eel at Boca Slagbaai
Close up of a sharptail eel
Chainlink eel at Boca Slagbaai
Another eel
Batwing coral crab at Boca Slagbaai
Rock beauty
Spotted moray eel at Boca Slagbaai in Bonaire
Pockets of fish soup at Boca Slagbaai
Sea spider? If someone knows what this spidery thing is please let me know in the comments below
Another huge rainbow parrotfish at Boca Slagbaai
Final Thoughts
If you’ve read my Top 11 Things to Do in Bonaire, you know that snorkeling takes the #1 spot and for good reason!
We snorkeled at 17 of Bonaire’s 60+ sites, and each one offered something unique. You never know what you’ll encounter, like the time we watched eagle rays having breakfast at Angel City.
Along with Boca Slagbaai, some of our other favorites were
→ Karpata
If you’re heading into Washington Slagbaai National Park, make sure Boca Slagbaai is on your snorkeling list. It’s absolutely worth a stop!
I’m Nichole, the author of all the blog posts on Enriching Pursuits. Think of me as your geeky discerning travel friend who dives deep (Google Page 20, forums, travel groups deep!) to uncover the best ways to enjoy exceptional outdoor adventures and foodie experiences.
My husband and I are experienced snorkelers, day hikers, and casual cyclists who also love delicious street food, an incredible glass of wine, and the occasional Michelin-starred meal.
Balancing full-time careers, we cherish every second of our vacation days and love sharing tips to help you do the same. If this sounds like your kind of travel, subscribe below or drop me a note with any questions. I’d love to hear from you!
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Questions about our Boca Slagbaai Bonaire snorkeling experience?
Let me know in the comments below!
Your sea spider reminds me of a brittle sea star, however it’s hard for me to tell by the picture but see what you think.
We are in Bonaire for our first time now, thoroughly enjoying the snorkeling and your advice has been great. Like you, St John is one of our favorite places in Caribbean to snorkel, I’m looking forward to comparing to Bonaire once our vacation is finished. Thanks again for your insight.
Thanks so much for the kind words. I’m so glad the tips have been helpful.
You’ve got a sharp eye. Thanks for helping me ID my little spidery creature. I think you’re spot on about the brittle sea star!
If you have the time, would love to hear what you think of Bonaire compared to St. John once you’ve had more time in the water. We just enjoyed how many snorkeling sites there are to explore in Bonaire, all right from the shore.
Enjoy the rest of your trip!
Your sea spider is a Sally Lightfoot crab. Sometimes their stripes also look green. We have lifted rocks and found an entire family under them scattering, including on our hands. LOL
I’m loving your blog. We are planning a trip to Bonaire this year and can’t wait. We travel all over the Caribbean doing cruise and land vacations and can’t wait! We are avid snorkelers and divers too.
Check out my travel website too if you get a chance.
Happy traveling
I’m sorry, I said the wrong crab, they are Nimble Spray Crabs. Oops. So many fish and critters over the years I got it mixed up. Sorry about that.
Thank you so much for taking the time to help identify my sea friend. Someone else suggested a brittle sea star, but after looking up the nimble spray crab you mentioned, I think you nailed it. That definitely seems like the right match.
I really appreciate your help, and thanks for sharing your blog too. It looks like you’ve had some amazing experiences in the Caribbean! Enjoy Bonaire!