49-Salt Pier

Dive site number 49 - Salt Pier is a well-known spot for both locals and tourists. It’s frequently mentioned online and widely talked about on the island. But what makes Salt Pier so special?

Salt Pier is closely tied to Bonaire’s history of salt mining. Salt has been harvested from the island’s southern salt pans since the 17th century, often under harsh conditions by enslaved people. Salt became an important commodity, yet the infrastructure to transport it was simple and primitive.

The pier, as we know it today, was built in the 20th century to allow more efficient shipping of salt. Today it still serves cargo ships, but it has also become a popular dive site. Underwater, the pier’s pilings are covered in coral and home to countless fish. Note, however, that when a ship is moored, the pier is an active workplace and diving is not allowed.

Salt Pier is not just a site of history; it’s a unique meeting point between people and nature. Above water, you see the industrial workings of the pier and the large salt mountains, while below the surface, a colorful reef thrives, full of fish, sponges, and soft corals. The contrast between the busy pier above and the peaceful underwater world makes Salt Pier one of Bonaire’s most special dive locations, where every dive brings new discoveries.

↓ At the bottom of this page you will find some personal tips for dive site 49- Salt City ↓

💡Personal advice💡

At Salt Pier, I always start from the southern parking lot, just past the conveyor belt and behind the yellow building shown in photo 8, on the right-hand side. This entry is easy and relatively quiet.
When entering the water from the shore, I first use my compass to swim straight to the first set of pillars. Once underwater, I let go of the compass and use the pillars as natural reference points. As I follow the pier, I count the platforms or pillar sets I pass. This helps me know exactly how far I have to go to return safely to the starting point. Each pillar acts like a mini waypoint, forming a clear grid that allows me to navigate calmly and confidently.
Don’t miss the first shallow section of Salt Pier, it’s where I often spot many turtles! The small underwater blades of grass here provide them with an ideal source of food.