Karpata

Healthy coral reef with a steep drop-off and diverse life.

- Access
20m Avg Depth
50m Max Depth

About this dive site

This dive site, Karpata, is a highly-regarded location on Bonaire’s west coast. It's particularly popular with snorkelers and divers of all experience levels due to its beautiful, healthy reef ecosystem boasting diverse hard and soft coral species. Access to the site is convenient via a staircase and a cement platform, encouraging safe entry. Divers typically begin their descent from the mooring buoy that marks the area, immediately surrounded by shallow gorgonians and vibrant corals. A significant feature of Karpata is its proximity to the King Willem-Alexander Reserve; however, diving within this protected zone is strictly prohibited. Instead, exploration south or slightly left of the entry point offers a rewarding experience. The reef buttresses present a steep drop-off leading down to 45 meters (147 feet), while sand channels carve paths through the seabed. Be sure to look for an old anchor situated approximately 11 meters (36 feet) south of the mooring buoy – it serves as a useful navigational point. The overall depth range allows for enjoyable dives at various levels.

Diving Freediving Snorkeling

Site Ratings

Big Marine Life Good
Macro Marine Life Very Good
Landscape Quality Excellent
Water Visibility Very Good Viz
Famousness Well Known

Plan Your Visit

coral reefwall divebeginner friendlyshore divewide anglemacro photography

Marine Life

BarracudaRaysTarponMoray EelsScorpionfishBoxfishPufferfishAngelfishParrotfishTrumpetfishLionfishShrimpGorgoniansHard coralsSoft corals

Things to Note

Difficulty:

All levels

Easy shore access and shallow reef for beginners, with a deep drop-off for advanced divers.

Hazards:
depthboat trafficmarine life
Current Strength:

Mild

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