The Lake - Klein Bonaire

The Lake, over on Klein Bonaire, is one of those spots we always try to hit. It’s not about huge pelagics or dramatic drop-offs, it’s about the sheer density of small, weird, wonderful things. We love to take our time here, really slow down and appreciate the details. The first thing you notice when you descend is the reef structure itself – big, established boulder brain corals and great star corals forming these intricate canyons and overhangs. It feels like swimming through an ancient city, sculpted by the sea. This place is a macro photographer's dream, no question. We’ve spent entire dives in a ten-foot radius, finding something new every time. Keep your eyes peeled for the reticulated brittle stars tucked into crevices, their arms waving like tiny alien antennae. The blennies here are particularly bold, especially the dusky blennies, often perched right on a coral head, eyeing you with a comical expression. We’ve seen more Molly Millers here than anywhere else on Bonaire, along with cherub pygmy angelfish flitting between the coral. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a yellowline arrow crab picking its way across the sponges. The Lake is also a reliable spot for green and loggerhead turtles, often resting on the sand patches or gliding serenely along the reef edge. Our best tip for The Lake? Go slow. Really slow. Bring a magnifying glass if you have one. This dive is for the patient observer, the one who loves the subtle beauty of the reef.

Location
Klein Bonaire, Bonaire, Caribbean
Coordinates
12.107128, -68.290000

Marine Protected Area: Het Lac

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 The Lake

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 The Lake

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