Bonaire Weather & Climate

The Caribbean Island of Bonaire is blessed with one of the gentlest climates in the Caribbean, the Island have very little rainfall (less than 22 inches annually) and a prevailing easterly trade wind that provides a consistent 15 mph (= 25 Kmh) breeze. This trade wind is also one of the coral reefs best friends and a major reason these reefs are among the most prolific in the world.   

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When the wind blows continuously from the same direction, one side of the island has "rough" water conditions (the windward side), the other side (the leeward side) is almost always clam. Since Bonaire lies at a 90 degree angle to its trade winds, the island's western side (where you'll find all of the snorkeling operations) is always calm and protected.
Not only does this provide perfect snorkeling conditions about 99% (no exaggeration) of the time, it also allows corals to grow prolifically in shallow water (rough water tends to knock some of the corals over, preventing them from attaining full growth). The low rainfall on Bonaire is also a blessing, since fresh water from rivers (there are no rivers on Bonaire) and rain runoff are enemies of the coral reef. Freshwater runoff almost contains sediments, which can harm the coral by literally smothering it. 

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