🐢 The Sea Turtles of Bonaire: Nature’s Gentle Swimmers
Few underwater experiences compare to swimming alongside a graceful sea turtle.
In Bonaire, this magical moment is not just possible — it’s common.
Thanks to the island’s protected reefs and marine park, Bonaire is home to several species of sea turtles that can be spotted in shallow waters, along coral reefs, and near the shores of Klein Bonaire.
Let’s explore everything you need to know about the sea turtles of Bonaire — from where to find them to how to protect them.
🌊 Which Sea Turtles Live in Bonaire?
Three main species are regularly seen in Bonaire’s waters:
🐢 1. Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
Easily recognized by their smooth, oval shell and small head. They are herbivores and are often seen grazing on seagrass near the coast.
🐢 2. Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
Smaller and more colorful, with a sharp, beak-like mouth and serrated shell. These turtles love coral reefs and are the most commonly seen while snorkeling.
🐢 3. Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta)
Less common, larger, with a massive head and strong jaw. Usually seen during nesting season.
All of these species are threatened or endangered, which makes responsible observation essential.
📍 Where to Spot Sea Turtles in Bonaire
You don’t need to dive deep to find turtles in Bonaire. Some of the best snorkel-friendly turtle spots include:
- Klein Bonaire: especially at “No Name Beach”
- Bari Reef
- 1000 Steps
- Andrea I & II
- Lac Bay (for Green Turtles)
- The mangroves
👉 Book a Snorkel Trip to Klein Bonaire
If you prefer a boat tour, our catamaran snorkel trips often include turtle sightings in calm, shallow waters.
⛵ How to See Sea Turtles with Fiesta Tours Bonaire
At Fiesta Tours, we offer eco-friendly snorkeling tours that give you the best chance to encounter sea turtles — responsibly.
You can choose:
- 🛶 Sea Scooter Tours (quiet, fast access)
- ⛵ Catamaran Chill & Grill + Snorkel
- 🚤 Klein Bonaire Snorkel Boat Trip
- 🤿 Guided Shore Snorkeling at Turtle Hotspots
👉 Explore our snorkeling experiences
All tours are led by certified guides trained in marine conservation practices.
💚 Responsible Turtle Watching Tips
When snorkeling or diving near turtles:
- Keep at least 2 meters (6 feet) away
- Don’t chase, touch, or block their path
- Use reef-safe sunscreen
- Don’t feed turtles (they eat seagrass and jellyfish naturally)
- Stay horizontal — don’t hover directly above them
- Avoid flash photography
👉 We provide safety briefings before every tour
🥚 Turtle Nesting Season in Bonaire
From May to November, sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs on sandy beaches, especially on:
- Klein Bonaire
- No Name Beach
- Playa Chikitu (inside Washington Slagbaai National Park)
Each nest contains up to 100 eggs, and hatchlings emerge around 2 months later, usually at night.
Fiesta Tours supports and collaborates with Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire (STCB), the island’s main turtle protection group.
🌍 Why Sea Turtles Matter to Bonaire
Sea turtles:
- Help maintain healthy coral reefs
- Control jellyfish populations
- Spread nutrients across marine ecosystems
- Attract eco-conscious travelers to the island
Protecting turtles means protecting Bonaire’s tourism, biodiversity, and future.
🧠 Did You Know?
- Turtles can live over 80 years
- They return to the same beach where they were born
- Hatchlings use the moonlight to find the sea
- Sea turtles don’t have teeth — they use beak-shaped jaws
📚 Related Blog Articles
🛳️ Cruise Guests: See Turtles in Half a Day
Coming by cruise? Our 2–3 hour snorkel excursions are designed to fit perfectly into your port schedule.
- ✔ Return-to-ship guarantee
- ✔ Equipment included
- ✔ Guided by marine-certified staff
🐢 Ready to Meet Bonaire’s Sea Turtles?
Book a guided snorkeling tour with Fiesta Tours Bonaire and see these incredible creatures in their natural home — with the respect and care they deserve.
👉 Book your turtle snorkeling tour now
👉 See all marine activities
