John Potess updated Name.
Oct 30, 2025Iconic Bonaire shore dive with stairs, reef, and turtles.
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1000 Steps is Bonaire's classic leeward shore dive, reached by a limestone staircase that drops to a rocky coral beach and an easy swim over a shallow terrace into healthier reef. The site is known for clear water, broad star-coral formations, sea fans, and regular turtle encounters, making it a strong choice for both scuba divers and confident snorkelers who do not mind carrying gear back up the steps.
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
6m - 30m
Depth Note
Public dive guides consistently place the site on a shallow terrace that continues to reef depths around 6-30 m.
Best Season
Year-round, with the easiest entries on calmer leeward-coast sea-state days.
Typical Conditions
Usually clear, calm water with little current, a shallow terrace, and a rocky beach entry below the staircase.
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Safety Notes
The limestone staircase and rocky coral shoreline are the main challenges here, especially on the return with full gear. Sturdy footwear, careful entries, and conservative vehicle security are worth planning for.
Access Restrictions
A current Bonaire Nature Fee is required for in-water use inside Bonaire National Marine Park.
Legal Notes
1000 Steps lies inside Bonaire National Marine Park, so standard marine-park protection rules apply alongside the required nature fee.
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
This is a straightforward shore dive once you are in the water, with the main effort being the long stair carry before and after the dive. A shallow terrace leads to richer reef structure and coral growth farther out.
Snorkeling
Snorkelers can work the nearshore reef and turtle habitat close to the beach, but the staircase and rocky entry still make it better for confident water users.
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Directional shelter context for incoming swell.
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
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Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Planning answers for access, conditions, timing, and site logistics.
Last Updated
Recent community updates
Research Sources
Official tourism page covering access stairs, snorkeling suitability, and typical fish/coral life.
Official nature-fee and marine-park rules reference.
Independent dive directory describing current and visibility.
Dive-site guide with access, coral, marine life, and depth details.
Recent local guide describing popularity, parking, facilities, and safety realities.
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