Snorkeling in Bonaire: Private boat with Captain Helmer

Snorkel Klein Bonaire and Bonaire's quietest reefs, then drift back to the boat for cold drinks

A 3-hour private snorkeling trip from Bonaire with Captain Helmer or Guus, visiting less-crowded sites around Bonaire and Klein Bonaire on a boat for up to 10 guests. Snorkel gear, soft drinks and a safety briefing are included. Pickup is available from your hotel. The guide speaks English, German or Dutch.

The experience

Captain Helmer or Guus runs the boat and picks the snorkel sites based on conditions and what you want to see. You get a detailed safety briefing before entering the water, then move between spots (Klein Bonaire, No Name Beach and other reefs the captain knows), while the boat stays nearby. The sites are chosen to avoid the crowds that gather at the shore-accessible reefs, so you spend more time actually snorkeling and less time navigating around other divers.

The boat is spacious and holds a maximum of 10 people, which means no jostling for space or gear. Snorkel equipment is provided and included in the price. You bring nothing but a swimsuit and sunscreen. Cold soft drinks and water are on hand between sites, and cookies too. If you're arriving by cruise ship, the marine park fee is waived: one less thing to arrange on a port day.

Hotel pickup is available if you ask when you book. Public transport runs nearby if you prefer to make your own way to the departure point. The whole outing takes 3 hours. A moderate level of fitness helps, since you're in the water and moving between sites, but the pace is set by the group and the captain adjusts for comfort.

What’s included

• Private boat rental with Captain Helmer or Guus for up to 10 guests.
• snorkel gear and floatation devices.
• cold soft drinks, water and cookies.
• safety briefing.
• hotel pickup if arranged in advance.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 14:00

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, German and Dutch

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 46 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Aqua Fun Bonaire

Is this one for you?The boat picks up from your hotel if you arrange it, so you don't need a rental car or taxi to reach the snorkel sites. If you're on a cruise ship, the marine park fee is already covered, which saves a step on a port day.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, German and Dutch.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What makes the snorkel sites on this boat different from snorkeling off the beach in Bonaire?

Captain Helmer and Guus take the boat to less-crowded reefs away from the main shore-access areas, so you spend more time underwater and less time sharing space with other snorkelers. Klein Bonaire and the sites they choose are quieter than the popular house reefs.

Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear, or is it provided?

Snorkel gear is provided and included in the price. You don't need to pack or rent equipment separately.

Is the boat ride included, or do I pay separately for the transport?

The private boat is part of the booking. You're renting the boat and the captain's time for 3 hours. There's no separate transport fee.

What happens if I'm arriving by cruise ship? Do I have to pay the marine park fee?

Cruise passengers don't need to pay the marine park fee. If you're staying on the island, the fee applies, but the captain will advise you on that when you book.

Can the boat pick me up from my hotel, or do I need to get to the dock myself?

Hotel pickup is available if you arrange it when you book. If your hotel is not on the pickup route, public transportation options run nearby the departure point.