Bonaire National Marine Park
Bonaire
Established in 1979, Bonaire National Marine Park (BNMP) is one of the oldest marine reserves globally, encompassing 2,700 hectares of sea around Bonaire and Klein Bonaire, extending from the high water line to depths of 60 meters. The park includes coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, and the Lac Bay lagoon. It protects a rich ecosystem with about 60 coral species such as brain, elkhorn, and fire corals, alongside diverse marine fauna including surgeonfish, parrotfish, and reefperch. The seagrass beds serve as nurseries for reef fish and habitats for endangered green turtles and queen conch. Klein Bonaire is a legally protected nature reserve added in 2001, accessible by boat. The park is renowned internationally for snorkeling and diving, with 86 public dive sites mostly shore-accessible. Recent threats include stony coral tissue loss disease, which has led to temporary dive site closures to prevent spread. The park also features wetlands protected under the Ramsar Convention. Its healthy reef ecosystem shows higher coral cover and resilience compared to other Caribbean reefs. BNMP remains a vital conservation and tourism site, attracting divers worldwide to explore its vibrant underwater landscapes.
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Astuce: Visitors should check with local dive shops or STINAPA for current dive site status due to coral disease-related closures. The best time to dive is generally during calm weather; early bookings and purchasing the Nature Fee in advance are recommended. The Nature Fee grants access to both the marine park and Washington Slagbaai National Park. Divers and snorkelers should use gear sanitizing stations to prevent disease spread. Vehicles with high ground clearance are advised for park access. Note that some areas like Klein Bonaire have restricted access in the afternoon. Always respect park regulations to protect the fragile ecosystem.
Faits intéressants
- •Bonaire National Marine Park is among the oldest marine reserves worldwide, established in 1979.
- •The park covers 2,700 hectares including the sea around Bonaire and Klein Bonaire, coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, and Lac Bay lagoon.
- •There are 86 public dive sites, most accessible from shore, making it a premier diving destination in the Caribbean.
- •The reefs host about 60 coral species, including brain coral, elkhorn coral, and fire coral.
- •The park's seagrass beds act as nurseries for reef fish and habitats for endangered green turtles and queen conch.
- •In 2017, Forbes ranked BNMP among the top 10 must-dive destinations worldwide.
- •The park includes wetlands protected under the Ramsar Convention.
- •Recent outbreaks of stony coral tissue loss disease have led to temporary closures of dive sites to prevent spread.
Histoire
The Bonaire National Marine Park was established in 1979 as one of the first marine reserves globally, initially protecting the waters around Bonaire.
In 1999, it received official national park status from the Netherlands Antilles.
In 2001, the uninhabited island of Klein Bonaire was incorporated as a legally protected nature reserve.
Over the decades, the park has faced environmental challenges, such as damage from Hurricane Lenny in 1999 and recent coral diseases, prompting adaptive management to preserve its biodiversity.
Guide du lieu
Coral Reef Sites
Explore the extensive fringing coral reefs around Bonaire and Klein Bonaire, featuring diverse coral species and abundant marine life, accessible mostly from shore or by boat.
Seagrass Beds
Vast underwater meadows of seagrass species like Thalassia testudinum serve as nurseries for young reef fish and feeding grounds for endangered species such as green turtles and queen conch.
Lac Bay Lagoon
A 700-acre lagoon featuring the island’s only significant mangrove concentration, including red, black, white, and button mangroves, providing habitat for endangered species and protected as a Ramsar wetland.
Klein Bonaire2001
An uninhabited island added to the park as a protected nature reserve in 2001, accessible by boat and known for pristine dive sites and snorkeling opportunities.
Contact
Téléphone: 788 9015
