A diver’s paradise, the diving in Bonaire is absolutely fantastic. One of the first countries in the Caribbean to establish a marine park to preserve its underwater natural resources, Bonaire is among the most popular dive destinations in the region today. Home to a plethora of fish, superb dive settings and pristine coral reefs, the diving in Bonaire is truly out of this world!

Beautiful and unspoilt, Bonaire is considered one of the top 5 dive zones on the planet. This tiny Caribbean nation offers divers excellent and exciting underwater conditions, with amazing visibility and ideal warm water temperatures throughout the year. The marine life off Bonaire is also diverse and varied, making it one of the richest reefs in the West Indies. Plenty of brightly colored assorted corals and vibrant tropical fish can be found here alongside sponges, eels, gorgonians and other marine life.

With over 40 dive sites to visit, many of which have plunging walls to the sandy seabed some 60 meters below sea level, most of Bonaire’s diving is done on the leeward side of the island. Divers from all over the globe come to this tiny Caribbean country to be whose underwater allure leaves you awe-inspired and coming back for more.

The reef which surrounds Bonaire is a National Marine Park. Created to protect this beautiful ecological zone, it incorporates the entire coast of the island including the tiny offshore isle of Klein Bonaire. Policed by its own security force and offering tourists special services and facilities, this marine park also has a visitor center at the Karpata Ecological Center, which has exhibitions, shows films and provides plenty of information about diving in this part of the world.

If you plan on diving in Bonaire, it will cost you US$ 25, which is the park fee and includes a diver orientation session for people who have not dived in Bonaire in over a year. These dive sessions are held every morning and are mandatory if you want to go diving. It is also important that you respect Bonaire’s marine habitat while diving and avoid sitting or walking on corals. As all of the marine life is protected here, this means that it is illegal to pick shells or coral as well as fish here. Spearfishing is banned in Bonaire and all boats in the area are required to use permanent moorings.

If you are planning a dive trip to Bonaire, it is advisable to use a hotel-dive package. Most hotels on Bonaire offer customized and personal tours and trips upon request. This way you can relax and enjoy all that this tiny country has to offer, while explore its magnificent underwater world.