Bengé is the last dive site before the park’s long route intersects with the short route. Make your way to the park following the directions on page 21, then
proceed to Boka Katuna. A half mile down the road from there, you will reach an intersection with a road heading off to the right with a sign indicating Playa Bengé. Take this road and pass through the barrier. Follow the winding road for a half mile to a parking lot with enough space for several cars.
Access
A path adjacent to a green and yellow barrier leads down to a dry river bed and onto the beach. There
about 105 mins from Kralendijk
Access about 51 mins from the park entrance
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PLaya BengÉ
are lots of large rocks and rubble on the beach, which can be challenging to navigate with dive gear. Large swells enter the bay from the north and tend to break about 60 feet (18 meters) from shore. Once clear of the surf zone, kick out to the buoy located 450 feet (137 meters) from the shore.
Description
Sea turtles are known to nest on this beach, so do
not disturb any nests you might come across. This site is also known for particularly strong rip currents, so scope out the conditions before entering the water. Snorkelers will enjoy the shallow spur and groove formations, and the variety of marine life including staghorn coral, squid and nudibranchs. Divers may see schools of parrotfish, snapper and grouper along the deeper reef wall to the east, along with the occasional shark or manta ray.
Scan the water for signs of a rip current before entering. Areas without breaking waves, or with cloudy or choppy water, often indicate rip currents.
Observe any floating objects, such as bits of wood or seaweed. Areas where floating objects are washed out to sea are often rip currents.
If you are caught in a rip current, always swim perpendicular to the current to free yourself, rather than against it.
SAFETY TIP
Rip currents flow from the shore to the open sea and can be incredibly strong, particularly in stormy weather and at low tide. They can be extremely dangerous for swimmers, particularly weak or less-experienced swimmers. They can be difficult to spot, but there are several tips that can improve safety:
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Playa Funchi
Kralendijk
Playa Funchi
Difficulty
Current
Depth
Reef
Fauna
Level Open Water
Location
Slagbaai plantation
GPS: 12°16’56.6”N, 68°24’49.6”W
Getting there
Playa Funchi can be reached via either the long or short routes through the National
Park. It is a 5.5-mile (9-kilometer) drive from the park entrance if you take the short route, and about 2.2 miles (3.5 kilometers) south from Playa Bengé if you take the long route. It is the westernmost beach on
