Destination Overview:
Bonaire is a small, boomerang-shaped island located just off the Venezuelan coast in the Southern Caribbean. It is part of the group of islands known as the Netherlands Antilles, as is sister island Curacao, just 40 miles away. Bonaire enjoys a typical Caribbean lifestyle…laid-back, slow-paced, and thoroughly relaxing.

Diving Details:
Bonaire boasts over 80 dive sites, many of which are easily accessible by shore….which explains why it is consistently ranked one of the top diving destinations in the world, one of the top snorkeling destinations in the world, and the “shore diving capital” of the world. The waters surrounding Bonaire are designated as an official marine park, and thus offer the most pristine reef diving in the Caribbean. Expect hard coral formations, dense soft coral stands, colorful sponges, and an incredible diversity of reef inhabitants including tangs, damsel fish, butterfly fish, angel fish, lizard fish, scorpionfish, sergeant majors, and more. You’ll also spot schooling pelagics such as snapper and jack. Because the Southern Caribbean enjoys an arid climate with little rainfall, water temperatures range from 78-84 degrees and visibility ranges from 100-150 ft!

Insider Information:
Conservation has long been an issue of importance to the people of Bonaire. The result is an abundance of eco-adventures both above and below the water. The topography of the island includes three distinct regions that each offer unique opportunities for exploration and adventure. Be sure to include a few in your itinerary.

Dive Operators

Dive Sites

BONAIRE DIVE SITES

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Hotels

image Belmar Oceanfront Apartments
image Buddy Dive Resort
image Captain Don's Habitat
image Caribbean Club Bonaire
image Den Laman Condominiums
image Divi Flamingo Beach Resort
image Plaza Resort Bonaire
image Sand Dollar Condominiums

Restaurants

Non-Diving Activities

  • Go snorkeling….most dive sites are accessible from shore, making this a snorkelers paradise!
  • Kayak through the mangrove forest.
  • Learn about the natural flora and fauna of Bonaire with a visit to Washington Slagbaai National Park.
  • Try kiteboarding, Bonaire’s newest wind sport!
  • Enjoy striking inland views with a bike ride to Goto Lake.
  • Climb down (and back up) the limestone stairway at 1,000 Steps…the view is well worth the effort.
  • Observe flamingos in their natural habitat at the salt pans of Pekelmeer.
  • Learn about Bonaire’s past as you tour historical sites.
  • Visit Butterfly Farm Bonaire.
  • Visit Donkey Sanctuary Bonaire, which has been rehabilitating sick, wounded, and orphaned donkeys since 1993.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Bonaire, and its sister island Curacao, are located just off the Venezuelan coast in the Southern Caribbean. Also nearby is the island of Aruba

Non-stop flights from Newark take approximately 5 hours, 45 minutes. Non-stop flights from Houston take about the same amount of time. Total flight time will obviously depend on your departure city and connecting flights.

Bonaire, along with the rest of the Netherlands Antilles, uses the Netherlands Antillean Florin (NAFl), which is also known as the guilder. Just as in the US, change valued below 1 guilder is in cents. You’ll encounter 1 cent, 5 cent, 10 cent, 25 cent, 1 guilder, and 5 guilder coins, as well as paper money in 10 guilder, 25 guilder, 50 guilder, and 100 guilder denominations. The exchange rate is approximately NAFl 1.75 to US $1. Credit cards are widely accepted, and there are about a dozen fee-free ATMs around the island that dispense money in either guilders or US dollars.

The official languages are Dutch, Papiamentu, and English. Spanish is also widely spoken.

Yes, you will need a valid passport to enter Bonaire, as well as to re-enter the US. Visitors to the Netherlands Antilles may be asked to show onward/return tickets or proof of sufficient funds for their stay. Length of stay is granted for two weeks and may be extended for up to 90 days by the head office of immigration. Always check www.travel.state.gov before traveling for the most current information.

For legal reasons, we cannot make official recommendations regarding shots and immunizations. Please consult with your physician or visit www.cdc.gov for more information.

127 V, 50 Hz. US appliances tend to work, but may run hotter. Some resorts are equipped with 220 V outlets. We always recommend carrying your own universal converter.

Please check with your airline for luggage requirements and restrictions.

Yes, unless otherwise specified, we will arrange for your transfers to and from the airport.

Bonaire is the “shore diving capital” of the world. The waters surrounding Bonaire are designated as an official marine park, and thus offer the most pristine reef diving in the Caribbean. Expect hard coral formations, dense soft coral stands, colorful sponges, and an incredible diversity of reef inhabitants including tangs, damsel fish, butterfly fish, angel fish, lizard fish, scorpionfish, sergeant majors, and more. You’ll also spot schooling pelagics such as snapper and jack. Because the Southern Caribbean enjoys an arid climate with little rainfall, water temperatures range from 78-84 degrees and visibility ranges from 100-150 ft!

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Most dive sites are within a 15-20 minute boat ride of the resorts, and many are alternately accessible by shore.

Most dive operators offer either a one-tank or two-tank morning dive, followed by an afternoon dive. Night dives are typically scheduled once or twice a week.

Marine Park fee ($25), Airport departure tax ($35)

E-tickets and vouchers are sent approximately 3 weeks prior to your departure.