Snorkeling at Playa Funchi at Washington Slagbaai National Park in Bonaire

Playa Funchi Bonaire Snorkeling Guide [Rated + Reviewed]

by Nichole | Last updated Jul 30, 2025 | Bonaire, Best Snorkeling Caribbean

Having snorkeled around the world, from the beautiful reefs of Belize to the crystal-clear waters of the Maldives and Bora Bora, my husband and I were genuinely impressed by Bonaire’s Washington Slagbaai National Park. It’s one of the island’s top spots, and snorkeling here is a highlight.

We explored three main sites: Wayaka 2 (our favorite), Boca Slagbaai (peaceful and incredibly underrated), and Playa Funchi (worth a visit, though less impressive).

We’ve put together a detailed snorkeling guide based on our firsthand adventures covering how to get to Playa Funchi, where to enter the water, and the amazing sea life you might encounter.

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Table of Contents

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Bonaire Snorkeling Rating System

My husband and I love planning “snorkations.” After snorkeling all over the world, I’ve decided to create a snorkeling rating system on all the sites we have visited including Playa Funchi.

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!

We’ve snorkeled every nook and cranny of Bonaire, and these are our 14 all-time favorite sites!

Snorkeling Map of Bonaire

Playa Funchi Bonaire Snorkeling

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Rating: 🤿 🤿

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How to Get There

Hi, I’m Nichole—the discerning traveler, wine lover, and adventure seeker behind Enriching Pursuits.

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The parking at Playa Funchi in Bonaire

Playa Funchi is located within Washington Slagbaai National Park, and visiting it makes for a full-day adventure.

We stayed at the charming Bamboo Bonaire Boutique Resort, just north of Kralendijk, and it took us about 30 minutes to reach the park entrance.

Once inside, you’ll have two route options: short and long. For a breakdown of both, check out my Washington Slagbaai National Park Guide: 9 Things You Need to Know.

Playa Funchi is accessible via either route, but we took the short one, which took about 45 minutes from the entrance. The dirt roads are bumpy and full of mini moguls, so expect a slow but fun ride.

There are two parking options: we chose the larger lot at the top of the cliff and walked down to the beach.

You can also carefully drive down the steep hill and park between the beach and Saliña Funchi, where you might spot flamingos!

Flamingos from a distance at Saliña Funchi in Bonaire

There are two palapa-covered picnic tables on either side of the beach. Perfect for a snack break and getting your snorkel gear set up.

Just a heads-up: the local iguanas have zero concept of personal space.

Don’t be surprised if one hops up on the table to say hello… or gives your snorkel gear a curious lick!

Iguana saying hello at Playa Funchi Washington Slagbaai National Park

Iguana saying hello at Playa Funchi in Washington Slagbaai National Park

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Snorkeling Map

A map of where to snorkel at Playa Funchi in Bonaire

We made a circle.

Start snorkeling along the rocky coast on the left.

Then snorkel along the patches of reef in the middle before snorkeling along the rocky coast on the right.

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Entry

Snorkeling entrance to Playa Funchi in Bonaire … very rocky!

Playa Funchi has a rocky entry, so I highly recommend wearing dive booties with your snorkeling fins for comfort and safety.

My husband and I always travel with our own snorkel gear. After years of reef adventures around the world, we’ve narrowed it down to our absolute favorite essentials. Here are my top gear picks!

And always, always read the ocean before heading in. Only snorkel when the water is calm. One time, we were met with strong waves and currents here and decided to skip snorkeling altogether.

Trust your instincts. It’s just not worth the risk.

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Bonaire Fish Sightings

We saw several healthy patches of brain and lettuce coral, though it was clear that Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) has left its mark in some areas.

As for marine life, we snorkeled alongside lively schools of blue tang. Always a favorite.

We also spotted plenty of parrotfish, French angelfish, French grunts, black durgons, trumpetfish, and even an eel tucked into the lettuce coral (a spot they seem to love!).

Parrotfish at Playa Funchi

Body of an eel wrapped up in the coral at Playa Funchi

French angelfish and parrotfish at Playa Funchi

Blue tang and French grunt

Black durgon at Playa Funchi

Final Thoughts

While I wouldn’t rank Playa Funchi among Bonaire’s top snorkel spots, it was still a fun stop and worth checking out if you have extra time.

But if you’re on a tighter schedule, I’d recommend heading straight to Wayaka 2 and Boca Slagbaai. Both are just minutes away and well worth prioritizing.

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!