Dive Centers
Write a report
0
Hello, Chris. Great report. All of these Bonaire posts are making me homesick for the island. Looking forward to seeing you and the gang in October!
Find a Dive Center
I would like to dive with…
Diving Bonaire
Bonaire
Beginner
Intermediate
Expert
Shore Day Trip Live Aboard
Country: Bonaire Area: Caribbean Netherlands
Water Temp: 24 - 30°C (75 - 86°F)
Visibility: 12 - 30m (39 - 98 ft)
Coral Spawning - Late Aug to Mid Oct
Sea Turtle Nesting - Apr through Dec
Healthy Reefs, excellent macro marine life, world renowned shore diving and remarkably calm sea all contribute to make Bonaire a fantastic divine location.
With as many as 60 listed dive sites on the main island of Bonaire and 20 on the nearby Klein Bonaire, it really is easy to find a dive site to suit everyone. There are easy shore dives for beginners as well as trickier dives for the advanced or tech divers.
Climate & Sea Conditions
Bonaire has a tropical marine climate with year round great diving conditions. Early in the year it can be a bit windy but this dies down towards the month of June, picking up again late October. The “rainy” season officially runs from the last week of October through to the end of January, although it is still pretty dry and most rains are late at night or early in the mornings.
Bonaire is located on a position away from the Hurricane belt, which bringing safety to the Island and great weather conditions. Trade winds, sunny days and warm waters are the main characteristics and attractions of Bonaire.
Marine conservation
Bonaire is located in Bonaire Marine Park which extends from the high tide point to 60m of depth. The mission of the marine park is to protect and manage the island’s natural, cultural and historical resources, while allowing ecologically sustainable use, for the benefit of future generations.
Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire is a non-governmental research and conservation organisation that has been protecting Bonaire’s turtles for over 20 years. They monitor the nests during the nesting season of April to January, tag the turtles in the area and monitor their growth and check them for illness, and also educate people as to why turtle conservation is so important.
Coral Restoration Foundation Bonaire has developed offshore coral nurseries where they grow the endangered corals and then restore them to the reefs.
Content, Dive & Marine Life Information and Photos kindly supplied by Buddy Dive Resort.
Read more…
Hide content
Wildlife Calendar
Didn't find the information
you we're looking for?
Most questions are answered by our
diving community within 24 hours
Shore diving
The fringing reef rings the island and begins very close to shore on the Western and Southern sides, with usually a 10 meter swim or less which has helped to make Bonaire famous for its shore diving.
Most of the sites around the island are accessible from shore, simple to find and to dive, with easy navigation. There is a shallow terrace followed by a gentle drop off where you can find a lot of macro life as well as a big variety of reef fish, eagle rays and turtles which are common on Bonaire.
There are a few popular ship wrecks that can go from easy and shallow for beginners to advanced to Tech Diving level.
Boat diving
Although most of the dive sites around the main island of Bonaire are accessible from shore, there are a few that are not due to location, also half a mile away is the Island of Klein Bonaire.
This island is a short 10 minute boat ride form the main island and has around 20 dive sites in its waters.
All the sites visited are wonderful for photographers with an abundance of strange, interesting macro life, easy conditions and great vis.
Dive Centers in Bonaire
Buddy Dive Resort
An unhurried, unspoiled natural paradise offering spectacular sunsets, gentle breezes and crystal clear, turquoise waters. Buddy's is a resort where you can DIVE DIVE DIVE, take part in a multitude of activities or just sit back, relax and enjoy the atmosphere.
At Buddy Dive, we're known for our casual atmosphere, personable staff, spacious accommodations and a dive operation that has something for every diver: comfortable boats, complete rental and retail center, exceptional staff, and a unique "Drive Thru" with a two-lane air/nitrox fill station. No matter which apartment you are staying in, you're never further than a giant stride away from our popular and lively house reef which is perfect for diving and snorkeling, day and night.
Climb into the rental truck you receive automatically with your Drive & Dive package, and take advantage of the 60 dive sites, accessible from the shore line of Bonaire or tour the island with a guide on one of many excursions available to you through the Activity Center. Divers, snorkelers, adventurers and leisure travelers will feel equally at home at Buddy Dive.
Land-based facilities
Cameras For Hire, Compressor, Equipment For Sale, Equipment Hire, Own Day Boat, Servicing, Trimix, Free Nitrox, Lunch, Valve Adapters, Tech Diving
Didn't find the information
you we're looking for?
Most questions are answered by our
diving community within 24 hours
How to get there
Flamingo Airport is Bonaire’s international airport and accepts direct flights from Amsterdam but for most other European cities you will have to fly via Curacao. There are also many flights in from the major US cities throughout the week and also on smaller airlines from the nearby and surrounding islands.
There is a $33.40 USD departure fee for all international destinations per person and this can be paid in cash or by debit or credit card at the airport before check in. All credit cards are accepted but American Express.
There are no passenger ferries to the nearby island of Curacao or Venezuela. Some cruise ships do visit Bonaire in Season.
Didn't find the information
you we're looking for?
Most questions are answered by our
diving community within 24 hours
Where to eat & drink
Bonaire has a selection of restaurants with a quite varied cuisine considering the size of the island and the overall population. You can find traditional foods on some menus including conch, cacti, wahoo and rock lobster. Iguana is also traditionally eaten although this does not tend to be served in restaurants.
Other cuisines available are Argentine, Italian, Indonesian, Suriname and Chinese as well as many BBQ places. Check with the restaurant before turning up as they all have limited opening hours and are not all open every day, with many just working on the weekends.
Another popular food worth trying is the island made ice-cream.
Didn't find the information
you we're looking for?
Most questions are answered by our
diving community within 24 hours
Other activities
Although diving is one of the popular activities on Bonaire there is a lot more to take part in across the island. A few suggestions are snorkelling in the mangroves which is the nursery of the ocean. Here you can see baby barracuda and jellyfish along with lots of other marine life.
Another very popular water based activity is kayaking and there are many tours available through the mangroves or around the nearby island of Klein Bonaire. This activity can be teamed with exploring the island of Klein Bonaire with some guided walks or with some snorkelling where you can potentially spot turtles.
For those that want a break from the water or those with friends or family who are less keen on the water there are many guided walks on both islands and also mountain biking, cave exploration or just a bit of relaxation enjoying the sun
Didn't find the information
you we're looking for?
Most questions are answered by our
diving community within 24 hours
Tips
There is a $33.40 departure tax which can be paid at the airport. This can be made in cash or by credit card, although American Express is not accepted.
Local Dive Centers
Dive Reports
Write a Dive Report for Bonaire
Share a tip about diving in Bonaire
Ask the dive community a Question
Bonaire Sea Creatures
20 Nov 2011 - 13 May 2012 with Black Durgon Inn
Bonaire is known as a diver's paradise. For those of you who have non-diving family/friends, do not hesitate to take them to Bonaire. From this snorkeler's perspective, I can say with certainty that staying at the surface will not disappoint.
Other than possibly frog fish, sea horses and flamingo tongues, I have seen the same marine life as my diving friends. The variety of fish, both juvenile and adult, is the best in the eastern Caribbean. Trunkfish, parrotfish, grouper, black durgon, file fish, blennies, porcupines, rays, lobster, and so very many more. Add in a turtle, octopus, and some christmas tree worms and you have heaven under water.
The condition of the reef varies by dive site. Both hard and soft corals thrive in the waters of Bonaire. Some areas have little to no healthy reef while others are alive and full. In my experience, those spots that are not doing as well with reef still often have an abundance of fish activity.
Whether you are a diver or snorkeler, young or old, Bonaire is a great place for a vacation at any time of year.
0
Chris Colton
500+ dives
Island of Bonaire
14 Jan 2012 - 24 Jan 2012 with Black Durgon Inn
Been to Bonaire over 30 times. Great variety of dive sites. Some resorts run boat dives, but most of the diving is shore-based. Most groups rent a pickup truck: just decide where and when you want to dive, load up, drive to the site (max.20mins, kit up on the beach and in you go.
40+ dive sites on west (leeward) coast - wrecks, walls, coral buttresses, coral gardens - the lot.
No big pelagics but great fringing coral reef and abundant marine life. Sometimes dolphins, often turtles, eagle rays, only evre one manta in 30 visits.
Favourite sites - Something Special, Salt Pier, Hilma Hooker (wreck), Tolo, Karpata. Currents gentle, except way south. East coast is unsuitable for shore entries - East Coast Divers run trip to the wild side.
Restaurants varied and great - try At Sea, Mona Lisa, Bistro de Paris, Plazita Limeña...
Other activities - snorkelling, island touring, Slagbaai Park, donkey sanctuary, butterfly farm, great photo-opportinities.
I am hooked - guarantee you will be too.
See my report on Black Durgon Inn
Be safe...take only photos, leave only footprints - - 8)
0
Chris Colton
500+ dives
Black Durgon Inn
21 Apr 2012 - 4 May 2012 with Black Durgon Inn
This was my thirtieth stay at the Black Durgon Inn, Bonaire. Basic, but very comfortable, small inn. Bed and breakfast and fabulous house reef diving. Run by Al Catalfumo who delivers air twice a day. Great guy and wonderful island character
All Bonaire shore diving is within 20 minutes driving. This place is a great spot for the chilled diver and relaxed visitor. Don't expect glitz, but enjoy clean air-conditioned rooms with en suite showers etc., good breakfasts (Mon-Sat) and a fun clientele. Most guests are regular visitors - once you stay at the BDI, you'll keep going back - if not, poor you!
See you there...
0
Laura Foy
50+ dives
A week underwater
28 May 2012 - 4 Jun 2012
This was my first real 'dive vacation'. A trip geared entirely towards getting underwater as much as possible. I can't think of a place better suited to the purpose than Bonaire. My buddy and I rented a studio apartment at the Den Laman condos, located adjacent to Bari Reef.
As navigation novices I was initially a bit nervous about going it solo, but the sites all run parallel to shore making finding your way back mostly a matter of timing your trip out and back.
Some of the old hands at Bonaire diving may gripe that they've been watching the reef die over the years, but it all looked in excellent shape to me. The marine life diversity can't be beat.
Some sites are a bit harder to find. Do yourself a favour and get a copy of Bonaire Shore Diving Made Easy by Susan Porter.
I saw:
Green Turtles
Showing 3 of 4 comments. Show all
0
Hi Laura - loved your photos, especially the basket star. Try the Black Durgon Inn next time - you'll never have to dive alone there - just great folk go there and always willing to buddy with other guests. Unique place. Contact me if you need more info. I'm in UK, where are you? Chris
0
Hi Chris, thanks for the compliment and the recommendation. The BDI sure seems popular on here! I'm in Canada.
0
Bob Fraser
200+ dives
Bonaire Black Durgon Inn
29 Feb 2012 - 12 Mar 2012
Love the Black Durgon Inn. been going since 2001. Been back most years since. My wife and I love the idea of diving right from the property to the "Small Wall" dive site. Yes there are loads of other sites to dive but we love the ease and stress less diving right out back. have done many other dives too. Enjoy Al the owner and getting to know him and his family over the years. great people stay here too. its a small intimate place that is not for everyone but is for us. have stayed at Plaza, Buddy Dive and they are too big for us. Love the quiet of the Black Durgon!
Black Durgon Inn
13 May 2012 - 20 May 2012
The Black Durgon is a comfortable bed and breakfast inn with a laid-back atmosphere in a prime location. This is stress-free vacationing at its best with fantastic snorkeling, and diving, at the great reef right off the dock. Al and Doris are wonderful.
Stay for a week, stay for two, or you may decide you want to stay forever.
Delete comment?
This will permanently delete the comment. Are you sure?
Your Dive Report has been published.
Would you like to share it on Facebook or Twitter?Share it on Twitter 
Share it on Facebook 
Sign up now and join in!
Sign up now and join in!
Marie Le Haziff
Hi Susan, wonderful report! Im a diver and my partner isnt, so great to know the snorkelling options for him whilst i am diving :)
Susan Witzel
Thanks, Marie. Your partner would definitely enjoy the snorkeling in Bonaire. I go to sites with my diving friends - they dive, I snorkel, and everyone is happy. It seems every time I go out, I find something new.