Swimming with sea turtles: Your Bonaire encounter

You're floating peacefully, snorkel in place, face down in the water and then it just appears. A green sea turtle, easily a meter long, glides calmly past you as if you weren't even there. No theme park, no guide luring it in. Just the open sea, and you.

Bonaire is one of the few places in the world where you are almost guaranteed to experience this. Sea turtles live here year-round in the shallow coastal waters and are so accustomed to people that they barely pay you any mind.

Where to Spot Them?

The best spots include Lac Bay on Bonaire's wild east coast, Te Amo Beach near the airport, and Sorobon. You'll also frequently spot turtles near the Harbour Village pier, sometimes in water as shallow as one meter.

When to Go?

You can see them year-round, but early mornings offer the best chances. The water is often calmer and clearer then, perfect for encounters.

Tips for Your Encounter

• Swim calmly and never touch them, they are wild animals, and touching them is prohibited.

• A simple snorkel set is all you need; no diving equipment is required.

• Bring an underwater camera or a waterproof phone case, you’ll definitely want to capture this moment.

Bonaire actively protects its sea turtles through the STINAPA program. The islanders are rightfully proud of this. This is nature as it should be: undisturbed, unpolished, and utterly unforgettable.