You got it right. If you are not a diver/snorkeler, Bonaire is the wrong place unless you like picnics by water taxi to Klein Bonaire. Curaçao has way better beaches, some with facilities and food all over the island. But if you want snorkel/scuba, Bonaire is as good as we have ever had.

The distance between Bonaire and Klein Bonaire is less that a half mile (7 minute walk if you walk on water), but the dept of the water drops to like 1500 ft. Diving is spectacular from either shore. But most Bonaire beaches are sand on rock.