Oil Slick Leap
Experience a thrilling giant stride entry and vibrant underwater world at Oil Slick Leap, a top Bonaire dive site with coral restoration efforts.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Optimal visibility for marine life
Oil Slick Leap
Best Time
Optimal visibility for marine life
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience a thrilling giant stride entry and vibrant underwater world at Oil Slick Leap, a top Bonaire dive site with coral restoration efforts.
"My favourite dive on Bonaire. Great water clarity, and a fun giant stride entry!"
🎯 Giant Stride Practice
Perfect your giant stride entry from the rocks; the ladder is an alternative if needed.
🐠 Dive for the Best Views
Corals and marine life are richer in deeper water, making it ideal for diving.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Giant Stride Entry
Rock platform
Experience a thrilling giant stride entry directly into the clear blue waters. A true diver's delight!
Coral Restoration Nursery
Underwater
Witness the impressive work of @reefrenewalbonaire with their innovative rope nurseries and growing coral fragments.
Abundant Marine Life
Underwater
Encounter a variety of marine life, including turtles and barracudas, in this thriving dive site.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Leap: Entry & Exit
Dive Deeper for the Best Sights
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Giant Stride Practice
Perfect your giant stride entry from the rocks; the ladder is an alternative if needed.
🐠 Dive for the Best Views
Corals and marine life are richer in deeper water, making it ideal for diving.
🐢 Turtle Spotting
Keep an eye out for sea turtles, a common and beloved sight here.
📸 Underwater Photography
Bring your camera to capture the vibrant corals and diverse sea creatures.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Giant Stride Practice
Perfect your giant stride entry from the rocks; the ladder is an alternative if needed.
🐠 Dive for the Best Views
Corals and marine life are richer in deeper water, making it ideal for diving.
🐢 Turtle Spotting
Keep an eye out for sea turtles, a common and beloved sight here.
📸 Underwater Photography
Bring your camera to capture the vibrant corals and diverse sea creatures.
🚗 Remote Location
It's a bit remote, so plan your transport. Parking is available for a few cars.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Oil Slick Leap is a beloved dive site on Bonaire, frequently cited as a favorite for its thrilling giant stride entry and vibrant underwater life. Divers appreciate the quick drop-off and the chance to see coral restoration projects. While snorkeling is possible, it's best suited for divers seeking the richest marine encounters. Some find the exit stairs a bit challenging, and the site is a bit remote, but the overall experience is highly rewarding.
"My favourite dive on Bonaire. Great water clarity, and a fun giant stride entry or you can climb down/up the ladder. The snorklers found it fair since it drops off fairly quickly and there's not as much in the shallows close to entry. It is a little remote and not very busy. Parking for a few cars but more across the road. A nice variety of corals and sea life."
Cory Sakai
"THIS IS MY FAVORITE DIVESITE ON THE ISLAND. 5 STARS ALL DAY"
Bryce janosko
"Fun spot for jumping off the rock to enter the water. Corals mostly in deeper water so better suited for diving rather than snorkeling."
Spencer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Oil Slick Leap is located on the northern coast of Bonaire. It's a bit remote, so a rental car or taxi is recommended. Parking is available for a few cars, with more parking across the road.
Public transport options are limited on Bonaire, especially to more remote dive sites like Oil Slick Leap. Renting a car is the most convenient way to reach this location.
From Kralendijk, head north along the coast. Oil Slick Leap is a well-known shore diving site, so follow signs for dive locations. The drive offers scenic coastal views.
Facilities are minimal at Oil Slick Leap itself. It's advisable to bring your own water and snacks. Some nearby resorts might offer amenities if you plan to combine your visit.
Yes, Oil Slick Leap is an excellent spot for a day trip, especially for divers. You can easily spend a few hours exploring the underwater world and enjoying the unique entry.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Oil Slick Leap is a public shore diving and snorkeling site, so there are no entrance fees or tickets required. You can access it freely.
The most popular entry is a giant stride off the rock platform. There's also a ladder available, though some find the exit stairs a bit challenging.
There is no specific entry fee for divers or snorkelers at Oil Slick Leap. It's a free-access site for enjoying Bonaire's marine environment.
As a public access site, there are generally no strict entry time restrictions. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and visibility.
The exit involves climbing stairs or using the ladder. While the bottom rung is missing, it's still manageable for most. Some prefer leaping from the flat rocks to the right of the wooden platform.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
You can expect to see a variety of corals, including elkhorn coral, as well as fish, barracudas, and sea turtles. +1
Oil Slick Leap is generally considered better for diving, as the most impressive coral formations and marine life are in deeper water. Snorkelers might find less in the shallows near the entry.
Its unique giant stride entry and the presence of a coral restoration nursery by @reefrenewalbonaire make it stand out. 
Yes, the giant stride entry is great for practicing. The site offers a good introduction to Bonaire's shore diving, with a quick drop-off.
Besides the natural marine life and coral nurseries, there have been temporary art installations, like the 'Trippin' Tuna' sculpture, displayed here.
📸 📸 Photography
The vibrant coral gardens, diverse fish species, and the chance to photograph sea turtles offer excellent underwater photography opportunities.
Yes, Oil Slick Leap is known for its great water clarity, which is ideal for underwater photography and videography.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the reef and larger marine life, while a macro lens can be used for smaller critters. A good underwater housing is essential.
Many photographers enjoy capturing the coral restoration efforts, the colorful reef fish, and the graceful sea turtles that frequent the area.
While you can take photos from the entry point, the best underwater shots will be achieved once you are submerged and exploring the reef.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing snacks and drinks as facilities are limited. The drive to the site can also be an adventure, showcasing Bonaire's rugged coastline. It's a less crowded spot, which can be a plus for families looking for a more relaxed experience.
💰 Budget Travelers
Pack your own food and water to avoid expensive purchases. The remote location means you'll likely need a rental vehicle, which is a common expense for exploring Bonaire independently. It's a great way to experience Bonaire's renowned underwater beauty without breaking the bank.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't miss the opportunity to capture the coral restoration nurseries, showcasing conservation efforts. Whether you're using a GoPro or a more advanced setup, the clear waters and rich biodiversity ensure stunning shots. Remember to bring appropriate gear for capturing both wide-angle reef scenes and macro details.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Entry Experience
This unique entry sets the tone for the dive, preparing visitors for the underwater wonders that await. It's a site that encourages a sense of adventure right from the start, making it a memorable part of the Bonaire diving experience.
Coral Restoration and Marine Conservation
+1Visitors have the opportunity to witness these conservation efforts firsthand while diving or snorkeling. The presence of these nurseries not only aids in coral propagation but also contributes to the biodiversity of the area. It's a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting our oceans and the incredible work being done to preserve them for future generations.
Diving vs. Snorkeling at Oil Slick Leap
Snorkelers can still enjoy the site, but the shallows closer to the entry point may not be as densely populated with corals and fish compared to deeper sections. Therefore, for those seeking the full spectacle of Oil Slick Leap's underwater world, diving is highly recommended. The clarity of the water, however, benefits both activities, offering good visibility for snorkelers as well.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit