Diving on Bonaire

Over 80 marked dive sites line the coast, making shore diving the standard here. Park your rental car at spots like Salt Pier or 1000 Steps and walk straight into the water. Warm temperatures (82°F year-round) and visibility of 65-100 feet make diving possible anytime. Klein Bonaire, the uninhabited island offshore, is reached by 15-minute boat rides to steep walls and well-preserved coral gardens. Most dive shops offer PADI courses from Open Water to Divemaster, plus nitrox and technical diving programs. All diving activities require a $40 annual nature fee paid to STINAPA for marine park access.

Bonaire is known as the shore diving capital of the world, and that's no coincidence. With 88% of dive sites accessible from the beach, you don't need to book an expensive boat trip to explore the coral reef. The clear water, constant temperature of 79-84°F, and underwater visibility of 65-100 feet make this island perfect for your first diving experience in tropical waters.

This guide helps you start your first dive on Bonaire well-prepared. From the mandatory Nature Fee to choosing the right dive site, we explain what you need to know before entering the water.

each marked with a yellow stone by the road.

Permits and costs

Nature Fee: mandatory access

Before entering the water, you must pay the STINAPA Nature Fee of $40 per year. This permit gives you access to both Bonaire National Marine Park and Washington Slagbaai National Park. All dive operators check if you've paid this fee, without the Nature Fee, you're not allowed to dive.

You can pay the Nature Fee at dive centers, the STINAPA office, or online. Keep your receipt safe, as you must be able to show it during inspections. Children under 13 are exempt, unless they scuba dive.

Mandatory orientation dive

New to Bonaire? Then you must first do an orientation dive with a local divemaster. This dive introduces you to local conditions, reef structure, and diving rules. Most dive centers offer this as part of their introduction program.

Understanding Bonaire's coral reef

Reef structure and depths

The reef around Bonaire typically consists of a shallow reef terrace of 16-40 feet, followed by a steep drop-off (wall) to deeper water. Some sites have a double reef. The dive sites vary from 3 to 195 feet depth, but most dives take place between 10 and 100 feet.

Bonaire National Marine Park protects the coral reef around the entire island, from the high-water line to 195 feet depth. With nearly 60 coral species and an area of 10 sq mi, this is one of the best-protected reefs in the Caribbean.

The diversity of marine life is impressive. You'll encounter parrotfish, angelfish, surgeonfish, and trumpetfish. Sea turtles are regularly seen, three species nest on the island: hawksbill turtles, green sea turtles, and loggerhead turtles.

Also watch for eagle rays, reef sharks, and various wrasse species. At night, moray eels and octopi emerge, and Town Pier is known as one of the world's best night dives.

Shore diving: Bonaire's specialty

How shore diving works

Shore diving means you enter the water from the beach instead of from a boat. You park your car at the dive site, put on your equipment, and walk into the water. The coral reef often starts just 16-35 feet from shore.

Each dive site is marked with a yellow painted stone showing the number. Sites are numbered from 1 (Boca Slagbaai) to 86 (Lighthouse). This numbering helps you navigate and communicate with other divers.

Suitability by level

About 60% of dive sites are suitable for beginners, 25% for advanced divers, and 13% for experienced divers. Beginner-friendly sites like Te Amo Beach and Buddy's Reef have easy access and calm conditions.

Important diving rules

The Marine Park has strict rules to protect the reef. Gloves or knee pads are not allowed, this prevents divers from touching the coral. Spearfishing is completely prohibited, as is taking coral or other organisms.

Follow the SCTLD traffic light system (green/yellow/red zones) when planning dives to prevent coral disease spread. Two areas are completely closed to diving: the Queen Maxima Reserve and the King Willem-Alexander Reserve.

Klein Bonaire: the uninhabited paradise

Klein Bonaire, the uninhabited islet 0.5 miles from Kralendijk, has about 25 dive sites accessible only by boat. The water here is often even clearer than around the main island, with visibility up to 130 feet.

Various boat trips take divers to Klein Bonaire. The island also serves as an important nesting area for sea turtles, so respect the beaches if you go ashore.

Wreck diving: the Hilma Hooker

The Hilma Hooker is a sunken cargo ship at 100 feet depth near the beach. The 72-meter-long wreck sits upright on the seafloor and is one of the most famous wreck dives in the Caribbean. Suitable for advanced divers due to the depth.

Best time to dive

Year-round diving

Diving on Bonaire is possible year-round thanks to stable temperatures and minimal rainfall. Water temperature fluctuates between 26 and 84°F, a wetsuit isn't necessary, a rashguard or shorty suffices.

Seasonal conditions

The best conditions are from April to November with calm seas and maximum visibility. December to March may have more waves due to trade winds, but diving remains excellent. Most dive sites are on the sheltered west coast.

Practical preparation

What to bring

Bring reef-safe sunscreen, regular sunscreen can damage coral. A waterproof camera is recommended for the underwater world. Most dive centers rent complete equipment, but your own mask and fins often fit more comfortably.

For after diving: towels, dry clothing, and plenty of water. Many dive sites have no facilities, so plan ahead.

Equipment rental

All major dive centers on the island rent high-quality complete equipment. Reservations are recommended, especially during high season. Nitrox is available for certified divers.

Related

After your diving adventure, you can explore the rest of the island. Check our guide on boat trips and fishing for other water activities, or discover local souvenirs to capture your diving experience. For longer stays, our supermarket guide is useful for stocking up on supplies.