18th Palm
Protected Area
Bonaire
Why dive here
With 192+ marine species recorded in the area - including barracuda, blue sharks, orcas, sea turtles and sperm whales - 18th Palm offers some of Klein Bonaire's richest diving. Water ranges 27-30°C, warmest August, September, October.
We’ve probably drifted past 18th Palm a dozen times, and it’s always a good call for an easy afternoon dive. It’s one of those sites on Klein Bonaire that just delivers consistent, relaxed diving. Drop in, and you’re immediately greeted by the soft sway of turtle grass beds in the shallows, a haven for the smaller stuff. We love spending some time here, searching for tiny Spinyhead Blennies peeking out of old coral rubble – they’re surprisingly entertaining. The reef itself is a gentle slope, mostly finger coral and some impressive sheets of Lamarck's coral, stretching down to about 25 metres. Keep an eye out for Blackfish zipping between the coral heads, and we’ve often spotted Tiger Groupers lurking in the shadows. We once watched a pair of Hourglass Basslets darting in and out of a small crevice for a good five minutes. The current here is usually mild, a mellow drift that lets you take your time. It’s a great spot for photographers keen on macro, and for anyone who just wants a peaceful dive without too much effort.
Safety Notes
Strong currents typical this month (avg 36 cm/s). Good buoyancy control essential.
Nearest Dive Centres to 18th Palm
Dive shops near 18th Palm
VIP Diving
Dive Friends Bonaire @ PB
Dive Friends Bonaire
Wannadive Windsock
Wanderlust Dive Center
Xprodiver
Reviews for 18th Palm
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for 18th Palm
18th Palm Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for 18th Palm, sourced from Copernicus Marine satellite data
August Averages
Sea Temperature
29.02°C
84°F
Current Speed
36.24 cm/s
Direction: NW (332°)
Chlorophyll-a
0.085 mg/m³
Very clear (oligotrophic)
Salinity
34.9 PSU
Data sources: Copernicus Marine Service (EU)
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