1000 Steps

Kralendijk · Kralendijk · Bonaire

1000 Steps is one of Bonaire's signature shore dives and a site that perfectly captures why this small island consistently ranks among the world's best shore diving destinations. Named for the limestone staircase cut into the cliff face leading down to the entry beach -- there are actually only about 67 steps, though they feel like far more on the climb back with full gear -- the site rewards the effort with a superb double reef system and marine life encounters that rival any boat dive in the Caribbean. The dive begins from a small sandy beach at the base of the cliff. Entering the calm water, you cross a shallow sand flat before reaching the first reef at around 5-8 metres, where healthy stands of elkhorn and staghorn coral create a maze of channels and overhangs. This inner reef is home to flamingo tongue snails on sea fans, cleaning stations busy with gobies and juvenile wrasse, and yellowhead jawfish hovering above their sandy burrows. Beyond the first reef, a sand channel at 12-15 metres leads to the outer reef, which slopes more steeply to around 30 metres. This is where 1000 Steps truly distinguishes itself: impressive colonies of pillar coral -- one of the Caribbean's rarest coral species -- grow in dense clusters, their fuzzy polyps extended during the day in an unusual display. Hawksbill and green turtles are seen on virtually every dive, often resting under ledges or grazing on sponges. The sand channel between the two reefs frequently yields spotted eagle rays gliding past, and the reef structure hosts a wonderful variety of angelfish, butterflyfish, and parrotfish. Macro enthusiasts will find nudibranchs, decorator crabs, and secretary blennies throughout the reef. Visibility typically sits between 20 and 30 metres, and the leeward position means conditions are calm on most days. Plan to carry your gear up those steps slowly -- Bonaire's sun is strong, and there is no shade on the staircase. A pre-dawn start rewards early risers with sunrise over the reef and the quietest underwater conditions of the day.