Secret Seahorse updated Description.
Oct 9, 2025Dive Spot Guide•
Playa Frans Apvl
Bonaire shore reef with a sloping wall and strong life.
Shore-access Bonaire reef with a sloping wall, parking nearby, and current that can be medium to strong on exposed days.
About Playa Frans Apvl
NOTICE: Site still closed for diving still due to SCTLD, please look to STINAPA Bonaire for any updates (October 2025). Playa Frans is a shore dive site with a depth starting at 6 meters, featuring a reef drop-off. At 11 meters, you can find the largest pillar coral in Bonaire, and at 12 meters, there are large purple sponges. Common marine life includes blue tangs, black margates, bigeyes, and green morays.
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Research Estimate At Playa Frans Apvl
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
VisibilityVisibility: 25m
AccessModerate entry effort
CoralMixed health
Aquatic LifeGreat variety
FacilitiesLimited facilities
CurrentStrong current
Where Is Playa Frans Apvl?
This spotNearby spotsExplore nearby spots on the map
Community sourced coordinates.
Playa Frans Apvl Planning Details
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
6m - 35m
Depth Note
Depth starts at about 6 m; notable features are mentioned at 11–12 m.
Best Season
Year-round, with the best visibility usually in the early morning before the trade wind picks up.
Typical Conditions
Shore entry with a sloping reef, exposed north-Bonaire conditions, and current that can range from medium to strong. Early morning usually gives the easiest read of the site.
Safety & Access At Playa Frans Apvl
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Strong current
Safety Notes
Plan conservatively for current and the 35 m slope; the site is better when the entry is calm and the water is read carefully before committing.
Access Restrictions
Shore entry with Bonaire Nature Tag permit; check current STINAPA notices before diving.
Legal Notes
Bonaire Marine Park rules apply; use a Bonaire Nature Tag and follow current STINAPA site notices.
Local Intel For Playa Frans Apvl
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
Reef drop-off dive starting around 6 m, with key points of interest at roughly 11–12 m.
Freediving
The shallow slope can work for breath-hold use, but current and the steepening reef make calm mornings the better option.
Snorkeling
The shallow reef is snorkel-friendly on calm days, but current and wind can make the entry less comfortable.
Wildlife at Playa Frans Apvl
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Recent Logged Visits At Playa Frans Apvl
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Dive Spot Log Averages At Playa Frans Apvl
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Conditions
Avg. Visibility25m
Activity
No dive activity logged yet.
