Scuba diving in

Bonaire

Bonaire was first colonised by Spain in the late 1400s, followed by the Netherlands in the 1600s. Over the centuries, the island has developed its own distinct character combining European and Caribbean cultures. While the island has certainly grown up a bit, it hasn’t lost its tropical charm! Thanks to carefully monitored tourist development, with nature placed as a priority, the island is still home to large wildlife preserves and nature parks - and very few large-scale resorts.

Dutch for “Little Bonaire”, Klein Bonaire is a small uninhabited islet just a few kilometres off the mainland’s coast. This is one of the best places in the Dutch Caribbean where you can view the crumbling ruins of slave quarters and huts, evidence of the region’s colonial past. This tiny stretch of sand is also home to nesting turtles and migratory birds, making it one of the country’s most important protected zones.

Scuba diving, snorkelling, and other watersports are the main attractions around Bonaire and its smaller sibling. But beach bums and outdoors enthusiasts will find plenty to do thanks to the relaxed Caribbean atmosphere and stunning backdrop of swaying palms, turquoise sea and white tropical sand. Windsurfing, kiteboarding, and sailing are all popular here as well, thanks to the region’s prevailing winds.

Bonaire’s only port of entry is the Flamingo International Airport. Hardly more than an airstrip, this travel hub is surprisingly well connected, with daily international flights from the United States and the Netherlands, as well as domestic arrivals from Aruba and Curacao.

Getting around the island is easy, with taxi services at the airport and most resorts. But, rental cars and trucks are without a doubt the most popular way to tour the island, and the easiest way to manage your daily diving adventures. White pick-ups are the standard selection, with plenty of room for tanks and gear in the back. If you aren’t planning on shore diving, golf carts, scooters, and bicycles are also available for rental. Just remember, traffic moves on the right side of the road here!

Bonaire is larger than you might think, at nearly 300-square-kilometres. But, much of the island remains undeveloped, and is instead dedicated to wildlife preserves and national parks.

Nearly all tourist facilities on the island are found in and around Kralendijk, Bonaire’s biggest city. This is where you’ll find the international airport, most dive centres, and options for drinking, dining, nightlife and shopping. But, don’t come here expecting a major city. This colourful clapboard stretch of waterfront is hardly more than a village, boasting quiet streets and friendly locals. And, while it does host the island’s cruise ship port, few of these guests ever leave the immediate area.

Thanks to the island’s unique shore diving scheme, most dive centres can deliver each day’s tanks to you for a small fee - no matter where you’re staying. And, with the help of your rental car or truck, getting around the island is a cinch! Although there are a few larger resorts, most guests book into a small hotel, guesthouse, or private holiday rental. The island is perfectly equipped for group travel and self catering, making it easy for a more independent trip.

Bonaire enjoys a warm, arid climate, thanks to the trade winds which deliver sunny afternoons with temperatures between 29-33°C, and cool, slightly windy nights year round. Water temperatures fluctuate between 27-30°C with the warmest months in August and September. Though the island receives very little rain, these are technically the wet months when wayward storms can deliver precipitation, humidity, and higher than average winds. This, in turn, can slightly reduce visibility from 30-metres down to 12-metres or less, thanks to surge and sediment.

Bonaire lies below the hurricane belt, but tropical storms do occasionally turn this far south. The Caribbean storm season runs from May through November, with a peak between August and November. During these months, some powerful weather events can impact diving conditions on the island even if they don’t make landfall.

While November through April could be considered the busy season, there are two main peaks to avoid if you're hoping to skip the tourist crowds. These are Christmas and New Year holidays and Easter week. Most divers prefer to visit between February and July or just before the holiday rush in November. During these months, weather conditions are optimal and even the most popular dive sites will remain uncrowded.

Much of Bonaire’s land and sea is protected by Stichting Nationale Parken (STINAPA). This governing body manages both the protected Bonaire National Marine and Washington Slagbaai National Parks.

Founded in 1962 as STINAPA Netherlands Antilles, the organisation was formed as a foundation with the goal of actively protecting nature in the Netherlands Antilles. The first organised efforts were aimed at safeguarding the breeding grounds of the Caribbean flamingo. Then, the Washington Park was created in 1969 - the first official sanctuary of the Netherlands Antilles.

Later, in 1979, the National Marine park was established. Since the 1990s, when park protections were increased, this has become one of the planet’s most successful protected marine areas. Today, programmes including user fees, checkout dives, and strict management of the island’s lionfish population keep the park pristine.

Eco-tourism is becoming increasingly popular on the island, with new sustainable options popping up everywhere. These earth-friendly efforts are essential to keeping Bonaire’s wildlife habitats and protected areas in top form, and to safeguard essential resources like water for future generations. The island also hosts a sea turtle rescue and a coral reef restoration centre, both of which accept volunteer participants.