Turtles of Bonaire: Ancient Swimmers, Modern Threats

If you spend enough time snorkeling or diving in Bonaire, sooner or later you'll spot a sea turtle gliding by—calm, unhurried, and completely at home in the reef. It might be a green turtle napping in some soft coral, a hawksbill weaving between coral heads, or even a loggerhead lumbering through the blue with an air of ancient wisdom. These gentle marine reptiles have graced our oceans for millions of years—and around Bonaire, they’re still holding on, thanks in part to a whole lot of love, science, and community effort.

Hawksbill turtles have an obviously pointed bill, unlike their cousins, the green turtles (as in the cover photo).

Bonaire is home to three main species of sea turtles: green, hawksbill, and loggerhead. Each plays a unique role in the ecosystem. Green turtles are grazers, snacking on seagrasses and algae like slow-moving lawnmowers, which keeps the underwater meadows healthy and productive. Hawksbills specialize in eating sponges (yes, really!), which helps coral reefs thrive by preventing sponges from overgrowing the reef. Loggerheads? They're the brutes of the bunch, with powerful jaws that crunch crabs, mollusks, and other hard-shelled treats. Together, they keep the reef balanced and bustling with life.

Turtle romance is a seasonal affair. Mating happens offshore, often in deeper water, but when it’s time to lay eggs, females haul themselves up onto the beaches of our southern shores and on Klein Bonaire. There, under the cover of night, they dig deep nests and deposit up to 100 eggs before vanishing back into the sea. About two months later, the hatchlings emerge in a sandy scramble for the sea, navigating by moonlight—unless artificial lights disorient them, or human footprints trap them. It’s a tough start to life. Statistically, only about one in a thousand will make it to adulthood.

Loggerhead turtles are unmistakable; they are typically much bigger compared to their cousins, and you will often find their shells are covered with barnacles.

Turtles face plenty of threats at every stage of their life. Plastic pollution, boat strikes, habitat loss, climate change, and even unintentional disturbance from snorkelers and divers can all take a toll. Fortunately, there are things you can do to help. Respect turtle space—don’t touch or chase them underwater. Avoid using bright lights or flash photography near nesting beaches. Choose reef-safe sunscreen. And consider supporting local conservation efforts through donations, symbolic turtle adoptions, or volunteering if you're staying on the island.

That’s where Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire (STCB) comes in. Since 1991, this dedicated nonprofit has been working to protect Bonaire’s turtles at every stage of life. They monitor nesting beaches, tag and track turtles to better understand their movements, remove ghost nets, and educate both locals and visitors about turtle-friendly practices. Their science-based approach helps inform policy and safeguard key habitats—making them a big reason turtles still thrive in Bonaire’s waters today.

So next time you glide past a turtle on a dive, give a little nod of appreciation. These ancient mariners have survived dinosaurs, ice ages, and continents shifting—but their future now depends on us. With a little care and conservation, we can help ensure that Bonaire’s reefs remain a safe haven for turtles for generations to come.