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Underwater view of a vibrant coral reef with branching soft corals and various types of hard coral formations, surrounded by small reef fish and lit by natural sunlight streaming through the surface of the clear blue ocean

Scuba Diving in Bonaire: Cliff & Small Wall – Two Easy Shore Dives with Big Rewards

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If you’re planning a dive trip to Bonaire, you’ve probably heard the phrase “shore diving capital of the world”—and for good reason. Two of the most accessible and rewarding dives we did on the island were Cliff and Small Wall. Both are classic Bonaire shore entries with stunning visibility, healthy reefs, and tons of life. No boat required.

📍 Dive Sites: Cliff & Small Wall, Bonaire
🤿 Dive Type: Shore Entry
🐠 Marine Life: Reef fish, soft corals, moray eels, and the occasional turtle
🎥 Watch the video below

Cliff: A Short Swim to a Big Drop

Cliff is exactly what it sounds like—a sharp, vertical wall just a short kick from shore. The drop-off starts around 30 feet and plunges down dramatically, lined with coral and sponges. It’s an ideal dive for those who love that open-ocean wall feeling without having to board a boat. Keep your eyes peeled for larger fish cruising by in the blue, along with plenty of reef activity along the wall itself.

Small Wall: Chill Vibes, Packed with Life

Small Wall may not be as dramatic, but it’s packed with reef fish, soft corals, and macro critters. It’s shallower and a little more mellow—perfect for a relaxed second dive or an easy afternoon underwater. We saw a few moray eels tucked into coral heads, parrotfish chomping away, and even a turtle cruising through. It’s one of those sites that rewards you if you take your time and really look closely.

Why These Sites Are Perfect for Your Bonaire Dive Plan

  • Easy access – Park nearby and gear up on shore
  • Great visibility – Typically 60–100 feet
  • Perfect for beginners and experienced divers alike
  • No boat, no hassle – Just grab your tank and go

Final Thoughts

Bonaire makes it almost too easy to dive—and Cliff and Small Wall are proof that some of the island’s best sites are just a few fin kicks from the sand. If you’re building out your dive itinerary, definitely give these two a spot.

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Scuba diver posing underwater next to a large stone sculpture that spells out "Curaçao" on the sandy ocean floor at the LionsDive House Reef.

Diving LionsDive House Reef in Curaçao : A Shore Dive That Delivers

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Curaçao is packed with incredible dive sites, but sometimes the best experiences are just steps from your hotel room. During our trip to Curaçao, we did a beautiful shore dive right off LionsDive Beach Resort—and it’s one I’d recommend to anyone, whether you’re just getting certified or have hundreds of dives under your belt.

📍 Dive Site: LionsDive House Reef (Stella Maris), Curaçao
🤿 Dive Type: Easy Shore Entry, Fringing Reef
🎥 Watch the full video below

Why We Loved This Dive

This was a relaxed, no-fuss dive with warm, clear water and plenty of marine life. No boat, no rush—just walk straight into the water from the beach and drop down onto the reef. The site itself is called Stella Maris Reef, and it’s the house reef for Ocean Encounters, Curaçao’s most well-known dive operator (conveniently located on-site at LionsDive Resort). The reef starts shallow and slopes gently down, making it perfect for all skill levels.

What You’ll See

We spotted eels tucked into coral heads, healthy brain coral, schooling reef fish, and a few curious barracuda patrolling the edges. The visibility was excellent, and the water was bathtub warm. It’s the kind of dive that lets you slow down, focus on the little things, and really take it all in. It’s also a perfect warm-up dive if you’ve just arrived on the island or haven’t been diving in a while. And if you’re staying at LionsDive or nearby Sunscape or Avila Beach Hotel, it’s incredibly convenient.

Tips for Diving LionsDive House Reef

  • Bring your camera – There’s great macro and wide-angle potential here.
  • Go early in the day – Less current, fewer crowds, better light.
  • Book tanks or a guide through Ocean Encounters – They make everything easy.
  • Keep an eye out for turtles – They’re frequent visitors here.

👉 Want to see what it’s like? Watch the full dive here:
https://youtu.be/sAye4FvX2lY

Final Thoughts

Not every great dive requires a boat and a long ride. Sometimes, the reef right in front of you is more than enough—and that’s exactly what we found at LionsDive. It’s easy, it’s beautiful, and it’s a reminder of why we love shore diving in the Caribbean.

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