

Best for beginner divers, 9-40m, shore entry, mild current.
Thousand Steps is a shore dive on the Bonaire west coast featuring a coral reef and drop-off. The reef slopes from 9 metres to a maximum depth of 40 metres, with an average depth of 20 metres. Divers encounter species including stoplight parrotfish, wrasses, redband parrotfish, groupers, and Christmas tree worms. Less frequently, spotted moray, rock beauty, French angelfish, fairy basslet, Indian lionfish, Brazilian reef octopus, great barracuda, queen angelfish, and spotted scorpionfish are recorded. Conditions are generally mild with visibility between 10 and 30 metres. Access is via a steep set of concrete steps; it is recommended to fit fins at the water's edge to avoid the sharp rock and sea urchins.
12.21010, -68.32180
Count the 67 steps during descent to pace yourself for the return climb with gear.
Drive 11 kilometres north from Kralendijk. Look for two large yellow stones on the left side of the road marking the entrance near the transmission towers. Descend the 67 limestone steps to the rocky platform.
Recorded at this site
Depth
9-40m
Visibility
10-30m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Shore
Water Temp
26-29°C
Current
Mild
Best Time
Mar, Apr, May
Common sightings include stoplight parrotfish, wrasses, redband parrotfish, groupers, and Christmas tree worms. You may also encounter spotted moray, angelfish, fairy basslet, lionfish, octopus, barracuda, and scorpionfish.
Yes, the site is suitable for beginners due to the mild currents and forgiving conditions, though the entry requires care on the steep steps.
The reef drops from approximately 9 metres down to 40 metres, with an average depth of 20 metres.
Thousand Steps is a shore dive accessed via a set of concrete steps leading down to the water.
Yes, the site is accessible for snorkelling, though the entry via the steep steps should be navigated with caution.
Diving at Thousand Steps (16) in Kralendijk requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A 3mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Thousand Steps (16) in Kralendijk. Water temperatures range from 26°C to 29°C.
The best months to visit Thousand Steps (16) in Kralendijk are March, April, and May. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.
Thousand Steps (16) in Kralendijk typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.
Visibility at Thousand Steps (16) in Kralendijk typically ranges from 10 metres to 30 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.