Is 1000 Steps Bonaire Worth It? A Firsthand Snorkeling Review

By Brian Dohrn | Dohrn Travels | 1000 Steps Bonaire

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If you’ve been researching snorkeling spots in Bonaire, chances are 1000 Steps Bonaire keeps popping up.

It’s one of the island’s most talked-about locations—praised for marine life, clear water, and dramatic views, but also questioned for those infamous “steps.”

So, is it actually worth the effort, especially if you’re visiting on a cruise stop or exploring independently?

I snorkeled 1000 Steps during a Holland America ABC Islands Cruise and went in with realistic expectations. This wasn’t my first time on Bonaire, and I planned this stop intentionally while exploring the northern part of the island by golf cart.

Below is the honest, firsthand breakdown—what it’s really like, who it’s best for, what surprised me, and whether I’d do it again.

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Table of Contents

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Firsthand Experience Snorkeling at 1000 Steps Bonaire

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This was my second visit to Bonaire and my second time renting a golf cart, which made a big difference in how smoothly the day went. I rented a premium cart from Bonaire Cruisers, aiming to explore the northern side of the island instead of sticking close to town.

Getting there is part of the experience. The road climbs up to a high rocky cliff, where the parking area sits above the water. Parking is limited, but the compact size of a golf cart made it much easier to grab a spot—something worth noting if you’re visiting on a busy cruise day.

Before heading down, I paused at the top. The views are excellent. You can look out over the rugged shoreline and see just how clear and blue the water is below. A couple of iguanas were sunbathing near the steps, which felt very “Bonaire” and set the tone for the stop.

Despite the name, there are about 67 steps, built directly into the cliff face. The “1000 Steps” nickname comes from how it feels after a day swimming and snorkeling—not the actual count. The walk down was straightforward, and honestly, the walk back up wasn’t nearly as bad as I expected.

At the bottom, the beach is rocky and coral-covered, not sandy. I found a large boulder to stash my belongings and geared up. We arrived early, and while it’s a popular spot, it wasn’t crowded at that time.

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The Water at 1000 Steps

Once in the water, it immediately delivered.

The water was warm, clear, and calm. Entry and exit were manageable, but there’s a rock shelf drop-off, so awareness matters. The seafloor is mostly coral and rock with patches of staghorn coral—and the marine life shows up fast.

Within minutes, I was seeing:

• Stoplight parrotfish
• Trumpetfish
• Spotted trunkfish
• Schools of colorful reef fish in bright yellows, purples, blues, blacks, and whites

Then came the highlight: my first sea turtle sighting in the wild. It moved slowly, unbothered, and completely lived up to why this spot gets recommended so often.

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At one point, I noticed fish clustering around movement—it turned out to be an octopus, actively changing colors as it moved to blend into the reef. Seeing both an octopus and a sea turtle alone made the stop worth it.

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Who 1000 Steps Bonaire Is For (And Who It’s Not)

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This spot is great for:

• Snorkelers who want high odds of marine life
• Independent travelers exploring by golf cart or rental car
• Cruise passengers comfortable leaving the port area
• Couples, families, and adults who don’t mind a short stair climb
• Anyone who appreciates scenic viewpoints, even if they don’t snorkel

This may not be ideal for:

• Travelers with mobility limitations
• Anyone expecting a sandy beach setup
• Visitors who don’t want to navigate rocky entry points
• Those short on time and unwilling to leave the immediate cruise port area

That said, even if you don’t go down the steps, the views alone are worth a brief stop.

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Where Is 1000 Steps Bonaire Located?

1000 Steps is located on the northern coast of Bonaire, about a 15–20 minute drive from the cruise port, and is easiest to reach with a rental car or golf cart.

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Tips for Visiting 1000 Steps Bonaire

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A little planning goes a long way here.

• Go early if possible. It’s quieter, parking is easier, and the water tends to be calmer.
• Watch the drop-off when entering the water—there’s a sudden depth change.
• Choose your entry point carefully to avoid sharp coral.
• Bring only what you need down the steps. There’s no formal beach setup.
• If you’re visiting by cruise, build in buffer time for the return trip.

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What to Pack for 1000 Steps Bonaire

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Packing the right gear makes the experience safer and more enjoyable. This isn’t a place to show up unprepared.

• Water shoes or sturdy sandals
  The beach and entry are coral and rock. This is non-negotiable.
• Snorkel gear you trust
  Clear water means visibility is excellent—good gear makes a noticeable difference.
• Dry bag or small backpack
  There’s no organized storage area; I used a rock to stash belongings.
• Reef-safe sunscreen
  You’ll be exposed on land and in the water.
• Light towel or quick-dry towel
  Nothing fancy—just something easy to carry up the steps.

If you’re exploring independently, renting a golf cart makes carrying gear and managing parking much easier, especially when visiting northern sites like this.

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Is 1000 Steps Bonaire a Good Fit for Cruise Passengers?

Yes—with the right expectations.

If you’re comfortable renting transportation and leaving the cruise port area, 1000 Steps is one of the most rewarding snorkel stops on the island. The key is time management and transportation.

I’d recommend pairing this with other northern stops rather than making it your only destination. If you’re deciding whether to rent a golf cart, I break that down fully in my Bonaire Cruisers Review: Easy Golf Cart Rental from Bonaire Cruise Port, which covers logistics and timing in more detail.

Shore excursions and taxis do visit 1000 Steps, but time at the site is usually limited. If you want flexibility to snorkel longer or wait for better conditions, getting there on your own gives you more control over how you spend your day.

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Verdict: Is 1000 Steps Bonaire Worth It?

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Yes—absolutely.

The snorkeling lived up to the reputation, the steps were manageable, and the marine life exceeded expectations. Seeing a sea turtle and an octopus on the same snorkel isn’t something I take lightly.

Would I return? Without hesitation.

It’s one of those places that reminds you why Bonaire is so highly regarded for snorkeling—clear water, healthy reefs, and real wildlife encounters.

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Quick Summary: Is 1000 Steps Bonaire Worth It?

1000 Steps Bonaire is one of the island’s most worthwhile snorkeling spots, offering clear water, abundant marine life, and scenic views. Despite the name, the stair climb is manageable for most travelers. Best visited early and easiest to access by golf cart or rental car, it’s a strong choice for snorkelers and cruise passengers willing to explore beyond the port.

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FAQs About 1000 Steps Bonaire

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Is 1000 Steps Bonaire worth it?

Yes. The snorkeling quality and marine life make it one of Bonaire’s standout spots.

How hard is the walk at 1000 Steps Bonaire?

There are about 67 steps. The climb back up is noticeable but manageable for most people.

What are the snorkeling conditions at 1000 Steps Bonaire?

Clear, warm water with rocky and coral seafloor. Marine life appears almost immediately.

Can cruise passengers visit 1000 Steps Bonaire?

Yes, especially if renting a golf cart or car. Time management is key.

What should I bring snorkeling at 1000 Steps?

Water shoes, reliable snorkel gear, reef-safe sunscreen, and minimal belongings.

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Ready to Plan Your Bonaire Day?

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If snorkeling is your priority and you want the flexibility to explore beyond the port, I confidently recommend renting a golf cart and including 1000 Steps on your route.

You may also want to check out:

• Best Cruise Ports in the Caribbean: What’s Worth Revisiting?
• Cruise to ABC Islands: Real Stories, Tips & Island Magic

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Closing Thoughts

1000 Steps isn’t hype—it’s a legitimate Bonaire snorkeling highlight when approached the right way. If you’re comfortable with a short stair climb and rocky entry, the payoff is clear water, active reef life, and real chances to see turtles and other standout marine life.

Go early, pack smart, and don’t let the name scare you off.

Adventure Awaits. Book It!