We are snorkelers and I have seem some comments about currents. Had an experience in Belieze where I ended up swimming about a mile due to an unexpected current--without fins on an ad hoc snorkel--really do not want to do that again. What is the story on currents on Bonaire. We are average swimmers. Thanks.

Well, there are currents - some days worse than others. In order to enjoy your snorkeling experience, you should invest in some fins, a good snorkel and a good mask. My husband and I also use snorkeling vests. We are both fairly good swimmers and are comfortable in the water, but the vests are nice to have if we are out for a long time or if the water is choppy.

There are currents and there is often a need to maneuver through a channel as you enter or exit from a shore spot. Fins are not an option, they really are a necessity. I watched a woman with no fins get tossed onto fire coral out on Kleine Bonaire in January. It wasn't pretty.

I am not a strong swimmer at all and would never go in the water here on Bonaire without fins. One day we couldn't find a beach without strong waves or currents so I didn't swim but today we hit three beaches and I had no problem. And I have the sunburn to prove it! LOL

And do not go out snorkeling when the winds are really high (25 knots or more) because things get really unpredictable--even in front of Yellow Submarine, which looks fairly placid, had a horrendous current coming back this past December. My friend and I ended up walking in the shallows because swimming with fins was getting us nowhere.

And just several days ago when the winds were high, a 29 year old snorkeler died at Klein Bonaire, with currents implicated.

Overall when the winds are high like that, I opt to not snorkel.

Pauline, any details as to how that happened? What a horrible tragedy!

I just got back from my first trip to Bonaire today, and I have to say that I didn't find the currents to be bad at all. I am, of course, comparing the currents to things I've experienced in the north atlantic or the north shore of oahu - and I suppose it is possible the currents were simply mild last week.

probably best to play it safe, but it bears mentioning that not once did I feel in danger or overtaxed, even when snorkeling without fins.

I have just got back from a snorkeling trip on the Woodwind to Klein Bonaire. There was one very timid lady who had never snorkeled in the group. Dee took her under her wing and the lady loved it.
In fact she was very quick to spot the first ray!!! She did not wear fins but still enjoyed the guided drift snorkels. She was still there when we saw the second ray and the several turtles. All the gear is provided. Enjoy hour visit to Bonaire.