Sara’s Smile - Klein Bonaire

The Arch, down south from Sydney, is one of our local favourites when the conditions align. It’s exactly what it sounds like – a huge natural archway, maybe four metres tall, carved into the rock. We’ve done it as a shore dive, a bit of a kick from Bushrangers Bay, but a boat makes it easier. Dropping down, you’ll usually find yourself on a sandy bottom at around 16 metres before spotting the dark maw of the arch itself. Swimming through, the light shifts, it gets a touch cooler, and the acoustics change – a strange, echoing quiet. We always take our time here, running our lights along the ceiling to spot the slipper lobsters tucked into crevices. Occasionally, you’ll get lucky with a grey nurse shark cruising through, a real treat, but even without them, the sheer scale of the natural architecture is impressive. It’s a pretty straightforward dive, perfect for advanced open water divers who appreciate unique topography and don’t mind a moderate current if you catch it wrong.

Location
Klein Bonaire, Bonaire, Caribbean
Coordinates
12.120300, -68.292100
Type
cave

Marine Protected Area: Bonaire

Best Time to Dive in Klein Bonaire

The warmest water temperatures in Klein Bonaire occur in October, averaging 29.6°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 26.8°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.1°C
  • February: 26.8°C
  • March: 26.9°C
  • April: 27.1°C
  • May: 27.7°C
  • June: 28.1°C
  • July: 28.2°C
  • August: 29.0°C
  • September: 29.6°C
  • October: 29.6°C
  • November: 28.9°C
  • December: 28.2°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Klein Bonaire

Nearest Dive Centres to Sara’s Smile

Marine Life in Klein Bonaire

Home to 202 recorded species including 150 reef fish, 18 hard corals, 6 other, 6 seagrass & algae, 5 crabs & lobsters, 4 sharks & rays.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Sara’s Smile

Based on average water temperature of 28.1°C, currents 34 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 28°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins (stiff blade recommended for strong currents)
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth at Sara's Smile dive site?
The maximum depth at the Sara's Smile dive site is 21 meters. This moderate depth makes it accessible for many certified divers to explore its beautiful reef and encounter diverse marine life.
What kind of marine life and coral can divers expect to see at Sara's Smile?
At Sara's Smile, divers can expect to encounter typical Caribbean marine life. You might spot nurse and reef sharks, possible eagle rays, and stingrays. The reef is also teeming with various fish species, including snapper, angelfish, grunts, and parrotfish, making for a vibrant underwater experience. For more information on marine life, visit our wildlife database.
How difficult is the Sara's Smile dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Sara's Smile dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty. While not explicitly for advanced divers, it may present more challenges than a beginner-level site. Divers should have some experience and comfort in various conditions before exploring this beautiful location.
When is the best time of year to dive Sara's Smile for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive Sara's Smile for optimal conditions or marine life sightings. For general guidance on diving seasons in the region, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Sara's Smile, and are there any permits needed?
While specific scuba diving certifications are not detailed in the provided information for Sara's Smile, standard open water certification is generally required for any dive site. It is important to note that if you plan to dive from the shore, you will need to obtain permission, as it is the house reef of Belmar Private Oceanfront Apartments. For more details on diving in Bonaire, check local regulations.
What are the typical currents and visibility like at the Sara's Smile dive site?
At the Sara's Smile dive site, divers can expect an average visibility of 17 meters, offering clear views of the vibrant reef. Information regarding typical currents at this site is not available in the provided data.