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Salt Pier

4.6
·832 reviews·Kralendijk, Caribbean Netherlands

An industrial pier transformed into a vibrant artificial reef, teeming with marine life and offering stunning underwater vistas.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, calm waters

CrowdLow
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Salt Pier - Image 1

Salt Pier

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, calm waters

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An industrial pier transformed into a vibrant artificial reef, teeming with marine life and offering stunning underwater vistas.

4.6
(832 reviews)

"Salt Pier is an absolute must if you're visiting Bonaire! It quickly became one of our favorite snorkeling spots."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Rent a Vehicle

Essential for accessing Salt Pier and other dive sites. :car:

🐢 Turtle Encounters

Expect friendly turtles! They're used to divers and snorkelers. :turtle:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Underwater Pillar Forest

Underwater Pillar Forest

Beneath the Salt Pier

Steel pilings transformed into vibrant artificial reefs teeming with marine life. A photographer's dream!

Instagram
Abundant Marine Wildlife

Abundant Marine Wildlife

Around the Salt Pier

Encounter turtles, tarpon, eels, and countless colorful fish in this thriving underwater ecosystem.

InstagramReddit
Historical Industrial Site

Historical Industrial Site

Salt Pier

Explore the functional pier used for salt export, a significant part of Bonaire's economic history.

InstagramReddit
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Planning Your Visit

Vehicle Rental is Key

While some areas might seem walkable, Bonaire is best explored with a rental vehicle. This gives you the freedom to access numerous dive and snorkel sites, including Salt Pier, at your own pace. Budget for this essential if you want to truly experience the island's underwater wonders. Reddit

Dive Site Access & Etiquette

Salt Pier is a working industrial site. Access for diving or snorkeling is sometimes restricted if a boat is present for salt loading. Always check with your dive operator about current access and be mindful of the pier's operational schedule. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, calm waters
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon (3-4 PM)
Why
Golden hour light, turtle sightings
Crowd
Medium
When
Night dives
Why
Unique nocturnal creatures
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📍Kralendijk, Bonaire 🇧🇶 I bought a pure salt scrub back with me lol my favorite part of the trip. #abcislands #abcislands🇦🇼🇧🇶🇨🇼 #bonaire #bonaire🇧🇶 #bonaireisland #vacationideas #caribbean #caribbeantiktok #dutchcaribbean
@thatchickblair
3.7K likes • 45.6K views

🚗 Rent a Vehicle

Essential for accessing Salt Pier and other dive sites. Reddit :car:

🐢 Turtle Encounters

Expect friendly turtles! They're used to divers and snorkelers. Reddit :turtle:

📍 Salt Pier, Bonaire #freediving #bonaire #saltpier #freedivinggirl
@kikimultem
2.5K likes • 59K views
Another day, another dive!! 🩵🌊🐬 From the drive-through tank pickup to the beautiful coastal drive, every part of the journey to Salt Pier is part of the fun. We love diving this site—it’s perfect for both macro and wide angle photography 🦐🪼🪸 - #divingwithbella #scubagirl #wetsuit #wetsuitgirl #scubalife #tropicaldiving #bonaire #bonairetourism #bonairediving #insta360 #marelux #mares #maresjusta...
divingwithbella
524 likes • 21.7K views

📸 Macro & Wide-Angle

Perfect for both close-up marine life and expansive underwater scenes. Instagram :camerawithflash:

🌙 Night Dive Magic

Dramatic experience, though marine life can be quieter. Reddit :moon:

Salt Pier at its best! 🐠🐡🦀🐙🐟 What an explosion of marine life diversity! #4wheeldiving #divelikealocal #bonaire #bonaireisland #wesharebonaire #divebonaire #bonairediving #scubabonaire #abcislands #dutchcaribbean #netherlandsantilles #privatedive #exclusivediving #privateadventure #scubadivingmagazine #divermag #divernet #divermagazine #diversparadise #shorediving #diving #scubadiving #divevaca...
4wheeldiving
1.1K likes • 7.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Rent a Vehicle

Essential for accessing Salt Pier and other dive sites. Reddit :car:

🐢 Turtle Encounters

Expect friendly turtles! They're used to divers and snorkelers. Reddit :turtle:

📸 Macro & Wide-Angle

Perfect for both close-up marine life and expansive underwater scenes. Instagram :camerawithflash:

🌙 Night Dive Magic

Dramatic experience, though marine life can be quieter. Reddit :moon:

☀️ Sun Protection

Wear a rash guard or wetsuit top; you'll want to stay in the water! Reddit :shirt:

📍 Night Dive Entry

South of pier, ~50m at a small beach marked by a stone. Reddit :map:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(832 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Salt Pier is overwhelmingly praised as a must-visit dive and snorkel site in Bonaire, celebrated for its incredible marine biodiversity and the unique 'underwater city' formed by its pilings. Visitors consistently highlight encounters with turtles and tarpon, and the ethereal beauty of sunlight filtering through the structure. Some note that access can be restricted if a boat is present for salt loading, and night dives, while dramatic, may offer less abundant marine life.

"This dive site has incredible coral and a huge variety of marine wildlife. We went on a total of two dives here (one to the left side of the pier and the other to the right). Both dives were special spotting many different species. During both dives we were able to get close to huge tarpons and different size turtles. The coral on the pillars is also very impressive to see with many fish stationary around them. Definitely a dive site to recommend with a personal preference towards the left side of the pier. Do make sure to check with your dive school whether there is a boat situated at the pier beforehand. If there is a boat at the site you are not allowed to enter the dive site."

Tom Brattinga

"We visited the salt pier for its historical and industrial significance on Bonaire. Plus went scuba diving there. Was a great experience! We saw lots of parrot fish, turtles, trunk fish, variety of angel fish. Plus many others! It was very ethereal seeing the light coming thru the pier pilings. A great spot for snorkling too"

Karen York

"Interesting to visit this Cargill company salt mine. The pier is a huge conveyor belt to load loose salt onto freighters. If you continue south a couple of kms you may see flamingos in the mangroves. Nice excursion.

I also did a night dive here. Best entry point is south of pier about 50m at a small beach. There is a painted stone to mark it. While the sea is usually calm, the slight surge makes entry difficult elsewhere because of rocks. My group swam parallel to the shore till we got back to the shallow end of the pier, then followed it out to the end. We then swam down to the south end and reversed course back Deepest point was around 14m.

Diving the pier in the dark was dramatic but the sea life was zzz."

Chris Crawford

What People Like

Abundant marine life
Unique underwater scenery
Great for turtles

What People Dislike

Access restrictions
Quieter night dives

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Salt Pier is located south of Kralendijk. The most convenient way to reach it is by renting a car or truck, as public transportation is limited on Bonaire. The drive is scenic, and there's usually parking available near the pier. TikTokReddit

Yes, Salt Pier is a well-known landmark. Follow the coastal road south from Kralendijk, and you'll see the industrial structure. Look for signs or ask locals if you're unsure. Instagram

While technically possible, it's a long walk (several kilometers) and not recommended, especially in the Bonaire heat. Renting a vehicle is highly advised for comfort and efficiency. Reddit

Generally, there are no entry fees for snorkeling or diving at Salt Pier itself, but you will need to pay for any dive services or rentals if you're not self-sufficient. Instagram

Renting a truck or a car is the most popular and practical method for exploring Bonaire's numerous dive sites, including Salt Pier. This allows for flexibility and easy access to shore dives. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No reservation is typically needed for Salt Pier. You can usually just show up and enjoy, especially on weekdays. However, always check with your dive operator for any specific site access rules. Reddit

While there aren't strict posted hours for public access, it's best to visit during daylight for snorkeling and diving. Night dives are also popular but should be arranged with a dive operator. Reddit

Absolutely! Salt Pier is a fantastic snorkeling spot with incredible marine life visible right from the surface. The clear waters make it accessible and enjoyable for snorkelers. InstagramReddit

If a boat is present for salt loading, you may be restricted from entering the dive site. It's crucial to check with your dive school or operator beforehand about potential access limitations. Reddit

Yes, Salt Pier is generally suitable for beginners, especially for snorkeling. Divers should be comfortable with entry and exit procedures, and the shallow areas around the pier offer a good introduction to Bonaire's underwater world. Instagram

🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience

You can expect to see a vast array of marine life, including sea turtles, tarpon, moray eels, barracuda, parrotfish, angelfish, trunkfish, and countless smaller reef fish. The pier pilings are also encrusted with colorful corals and sponges. InstagramReddit+1

Many divers prefer to dive to the left or right of the pier, exploring the pilings. Night dives are also popular for a different perspective. The deepest point is around 14 meters (46 feet). Reddit

Salt Pier is exceptional for both macro and wide-angle photography. The sunlight filtering through the pilings creates a unique, ethereal atmosphere, and the diverse marine life offers endless subjects. Instagram+1

For sun protection and comfort in the water, it's highly recommended to wear a rash guard or a wetsuit top. You'll likely want to spend a good amount of time exploring. InstagramReddit

There are typically no dedicated public facilities like restrooms or showers directly at Salt Pier. It's advisable to use facilities at your accommodation or dive shop before and after your visit. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

No, Salt Pier is an industrial site and does not have any food or dining facilities. You'll need to plan your meals before or after your visit in Kralendijk or other nearby areas. TikTok

The closest dining options are in Kralendijk, the capital of Bonaire. You can find a variety of restaurants offering local and international cuisine. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour light filtering through the pier. Midday sun can also create dramatic shafts of light underwater. Night photography can capture bioluminescence and nocturnal creatures. InstagramReddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the pier and the schools of fish. A macro lens is perfect for the smaller critters and intricate details on the coral-encrusted pilings. Instagram

Focus on the interplay of light and shadow through the pilings. Get close to the marine life for detailed shots, but always maintain a respectful distance. The vibrant colors of the corals and sponges are also key subjects. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Salt Pier is a fantastic spot for families looking for an accessible underwater adventure. Snorkeling here is particularly great for children, as the water is usually calm and clear, offering easy viewing of marine life like turtles and colorful fish right from the surface. InstagramReddit

Key recommendations: Rent a vehicle for easy access, pack plenty of sun protection (rash guards are ideal), and consider visiting on a weekday to avoid potential crowds. While the industrial aspect might not thrill younger kids, the abundance of sea creatures is sure to captivate them. Ensure children are comfortable swimmers or use appropriate flotation devices.

💰 Budget Travelers

Salt Pier is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers as it's a shore dive/snorkel site with no entry fee. The main cost will be your rental vehicle, which is essential for exploring Bonaire anyway. Reddit

Tips for saving: Pack snacks and water, as there are no facilities. If you're a certified diver, bring your own gear or rent from a local dive shop for shore diving. Snorkeling can be done with just a mask, snorkel, and fins, making it a very affordable activity.

📸 Photographers

For underwater photographers, Salt Pier is a dream destination. The unique structure of the pier pilings creates dramatic light shafts, perfect for wide-angle shots. The vibrant corals and sponges offer colorful backdrops, while the diverse marine life provides endless subjects for both macro and telephoto lenses. Instagram+1

Photography advice: Visit during the 'golden hour' in the late afternoon for the best light. Bring both wide-angle and macro lenses if possible. Be patient and respectful of the marine life to capture the best shots. Consider a night dive for unique nocturnal subjects.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Industrial Marvel: Salt Pier's History and Function

Salt Pier is more than just a dive site; it's a functional industrial structure integral to Bonaire's economy. Constructed in the 1930s by the Dutch, its primary purpose is to facilitate the export of salt harvested from the island's vast salt pans. The pier features a massive conveyor belt system designed to efficiently load loose salt onto large freighters, making it a crucial link in the global salt trade. Instagram+1

Visitors can observe this industrial marvel from above, appreciating its scale and engineering. However, the true magic of Salt Pier unfolds beneath the surface. The submerged pilings of the pier have, over decades, transformed into vibrant, thriving artificial reefs. These structures provide a habitat for a diverse array of marine life, creating a unique juxtaposition of industrial infrastructure and natural beauty. Instagram+1

Understanding its industrial significance adds another layer to the experience. While the pier is a working site, its underwater environment has become a celebrated destination for divers and snorkelers worldwide, showcasing how human structures can, over time, become integral parts of the marine ecosystem. Instagram+1

An Underwater Wonderland: Marine Life at Salt Pier

Salt Pier is renowned for its astonishing biodiversity, making it a top dive and snorkel spot. The submerged steel pilings act as a natural reef, encrusted with a kaleidoscope of corals, sponges, and anemones. This creates a rich habitat that attracts a wide variety of marine creatures. Instagram+1

Divers and snorkelers frequently encounter majestic sea turtles gracefully navigating the waters, often seen feeding or resting near the pier. Large tarpons, with their impressive size and silvery scales, are a common sight, often patrolling the deeper sections. Other notable inhabitants include moray eels peeking from crevices, schools of various reef fish like parrotfish and angelfish, and smaller critters such as trunkfish and pufferfish. InstagramReddit+1

The sheer density and variety of marine life make Salt Pier a photographer's paradise. Whether you're using a wide-angle lens to capture the scale of the underwater 'pillar forest' or a macro lens to focus on the intricate details of nudibranchs and small crustaceans, the opportunities for stunning shots are abundant. The sunlight filtering through the pier's structure adds a dramatic and ethereal quality to underwater photography. Instagram+1

Navigating Salt Pier: Diving and Snorkeling Tips

Salt Pier offers accessible diving and snorkeling, but a few tips can enhance your experience. For divers, the site is typically entered from the shore. Many prefer to dive to the left or right of the pier, exploring the pilings that extend down to about 14 meters (46 feet). The underwater landscape is rich with coral and marine life. Reddit

For those interested in night diving, Salt Pier provides a dramatic, albeit sometimes less active, marine life experience. The recommended entry point for night dives is about 50 meters south of the pier at a small beach marked by a painted stone. This entry can be easier than others due to potential rocks and surge. Reddit

Snorkelers will find Salt Pier equally rewarding. The clear, calm waters allow for excellent visibility, and you can often spot turtles and other marine life right from the surface. It's highly recommended to wear a rash guard or wetsuit top for sun protection, as you'll likely want to stay in the water for an extended period to soak in the incredible underwater scenery. InstagramReddit

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