This “diver’s paradise” has set the standard for dive destinations around the world by implementing strict marine protection policies over 30 years ago and establishing one of the world’s first marine parks. Bonaire is also arguably the best shore diving destination in the world with over 60 dive sites hardly a stone’s throw from shore and over 80 in total including those surrounding the offshore deserted island of Klein Bonaire.
The man that is widely recognized as Bonaire’s pioneer of marine conservation is a charismatic man by the name of Captain Don. After arriving in Bonaire from California in 1963 on his sloop, the Valerie Queen, Captain Don, an avid diver himself, recognized both the undiscovered potential and inherent threats of this pristine marine environment. His bold and courageous role as a leader in protecting not only the reefs of Bonaire but the reefs of the world continue to inspire divers and policy-makers around the world to take an active role in preserving their underwater resources.
Diving in Bonaire
Bonaire is located 50 miles north of Venezuela and 86 miles east of Aruba, well outside of the hurricane belt. It is part of the A-B-C (Aruba – Bonaire – Curacao) island chain. It’s pristine reefs and diverse marine life are unique to the Caribbean. Because the waters around the island are designated as an official marine park, diving Bonaire is like diving the Caribbean the way it used to be – untouched and unspoiled. The island’s location in the south Caribbean gives it an arid climate with little rainfall; consequently, the waters are exceptionally clear of silt, calm, and divable year round. It is an ideal destination for underwater photographers.
Water temperatures average a warm 78-84°F , with visibility often averaging between 100-150 feet. If you are planning a trip to Bonaire and have a dive/hotel package you will be given a thorough dive orientation and briefing before your first dive on the island. One of the Bonaire Marine Park Regulations is for all visitors to do a check-out dive as part of the briefing process before taking off on their own to shore dive or going on a dive boat. The main reasons for this are to have each diver check buoyancy so that damage to the reef is minimized or eliminated and also to check out their dive equipment, whether it be rented or owned.
Also, every diver on Bonaire must purchase a Marine Park Tag for $25 (payable to the dive shop), which is valid for one calendar year. Orientation procedures vary from dive center to dive center, so it’s a good idea to check in early. The license plates may read Diver’s Paradise but it would be a mistake to think that great diving and snorkeling are the only activities for which this island is famous. People who visit solely for the Marine Park may be surprised to find themselves caught up in Bonaire’s world-renowned windsurfing. Other popular topside activities include: birdwatching, sea kayaking, mountain biking, cave snorkeling, sailing or horseback riding.
Dive Primer
- Water Temp: 78-82°
- Visibility: 100′+
- Wetsuit: skin to 3mm
Best Time to Travel
- Year-round
Favorite Dive Sites
- Hilma Hooker
- Town Pier or Salt Pier
- Forest on Klein Bonaire
Topside Attractions
- Mangrove Kayaking
- Windsurfing at Sorobon
- Sunday afternoons at Cai