We have been diving in Bonaire before but I would like some recommendations for a few good sites to take my 9 year old twin girls snorkeling. Are there any sites that have nice coral close to shore? We were there 2 years ago and I remember that most of the dive sites were great...but didn't get good till you were a ways off shore. My girls are good strong swimmers and snorkelers (we have even been practicing at an indoor pool!) but I do prefer not to get too far from the shore with them.

Trio of Adventure Snorkels...

Dear Lise and twims.
Here are 3 interesting adventure snorkels that are teeming with life.

1. Salt Pan Inlet / Shoreline Snorkel.
The small inlet about 1 mile north of Pink Beach is very easy to park and embark. You get in right at the smoothed off area where the fishing boats are put out. This small inlet is loaded by tiny silverside schooling fish and are fun to swim through. The inlet has lots of other things to see too, including balloonfish and octopus. Swim out through opening and turn left along the shoreline area which is just loaded with all kinds of fish. It is as fishy as it gets anywhere. All kinds too. Swimming along the coastline to the south is very interesting as the fossil reef is in layers and forms all kinds of nook and crannies and deep crevices which are home to everything you can imagine. You just have to swim right along the coast. There are numerous patch reefs along the way that add to the profile and lots of beautiful white sandy bottom areas as well.
This snorkel can also be done from Pink Beach at the northern (right side)most entry. This is a favorite of mine and have snorkeled it many dozens of times. It is a great night snorkel too.

2. Inside Sorobon Reef.
This is a little more adventuresome, but I took my 7 year old here. You park at the White Hole yellow stone on the east coast side of Bonaire. You can see the windsurfing areas as a general reference. You have to walk across the shallow flats a bit which is a beautiful walk in itself. Booties or sneaks recommended. When you are on the other side walk as far you can toward the beach (coral piles) where the divers enter. You go in the water on the left just behind the reef, never actually in the ocean, but on the bay side. You can see the high piles of conch shells way off in the distance on the Lac side. The water is quite shallow so you have to put your fins on and plop down where you can. Swim right behind the reef, following it out as far as you want. Eventually the water gets deeper and reef opens up into the most incredible panorama of coral and fish imaginable. I like the very shallow water here, particularly in the later afternoon because this entire area is home to an incredible array of juvenile and young fish and invertebrates that have colors that hard to see anywhere. And they are really close to you. Look for underwater piles of clam and conch shells surrounding a hole. These are homes for octopus that are easy to see by looking for their eyes.
This area has some sea urchins so be careful where you walk and put your hands. It is fun to watch the windsurfers cutting across the bay too.
This is a snorkel you will remember for a lifetime. My favorite on Bonaire since 1966. The colors of organisms here is world class, especially in the later afternoon sun shining at an acute angle.

3. Oil Slick Leap.
This is just a great place for kids. It is a super bowl of undersea life, reefs, and the jump in is fun and safe (hold you mask and don't look down when you jump in). The new ladder is in place too to get out. The deep reef is very close too. If you go far enough south (left looking seaward) the reef formations change to an incredible plateau of life. Mornings are better here if you like calmer water.

Here are 3 great places, but there are lots more.
Happy reefing.

Bud Gillan
Flying Fish.
Florida

Something Special (the south side of the marina entrance) at the Jetty and south is excellent. There is a 'pocket' near the jetty that attracts schools of fish. The shallow water south from there toward town goes right up to about a 12" deep ironshore 'dropoff'. I took my granddaughter of about 9 years age out there and she saw as many fish in 12" water and out to six feet over the sand flat as you can see almost anywhere akong the island. Many juveniles in small coral heads and old engine blocks, etc. Definitely worth a snorkel during a trip to Bonaire. Good dive also. Saw a manta out over the break once. Parking along the promenade road, entry anywhere. Or park on the main road north at the walk-in path, and walk to the water. Have a good one.

Lise:

Old Blue is a great snorkle spot. If our 5 year old can do it, I am sure your 9 year old(s) can.

Fish life is as abundant at Old Blue as I have seen anywhere on Boniare. Lots of shallows (less than 20')

Great place for picnic also.

Dave

I love Old Blue too! The snorkeling around the cement pier at the Divi Resort is incredible. You might want to consider a fun day sailing on the Woodwind with Renee's guided snorkeling stops. I sail almost daily when I am there. Have fun. The kids will love it!!!

Thanks, I have copied off this page and will take it with us. They will be doing a lot of snorkeling in Caren's Sea & Discover class. We scuba when they are in Caren't class Monday -Friday..but on the weekends we will snorkel with them.

Thanks everyone. Although I am a diver, I really want to get my snorkel wet this time. We leave on June 21st, (AH SUMMER) and will be down to July 9th. Thanks for the great intel.