Top 10 FAQs About Scuba Diving on Bonaire

Bonaire is renowned for its world-class scuba diving opportunities. With crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and protected reefs, it’s no wonder divers from all over the globe flock to this island paradise. Whether you're a seasoned diver or a beginner looking to explore the underwater world, Bonaire has something to offer everyone. Below, we dive into the top 10 frequently asked questions about scuba diving on this spectacular island.

1. Why is Bonaire considered a top diving destination?

Bonaire is often ranked among the best diving spots in the world due to its healthy coral reefs, abundant marine life, and excellent visibility, often exceeding 100 feet. The island’s commitment to marine conservation, with a protected marine park since 1979, ensures that the underwater environment remains pristine. Additionally, Bonaire offers easy access to numerous shore dives, allowing divers to explore the underwater world at their own pace.

It’s a true Diver’s Paradise.

2. What is the best time of year to dive in Bonaire?

You can dive in Bonaire year-round, thanks to its consistently warm water temperatures ranging from 78°F to 84°F (25°C to 29°C). However, the most popular time for diving is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. During this period, you’ll experience slightly cooler temperatures and fewer chances of rain, making for ideal diving conditions.

3. Do I need to be an experienced diver to enjoy Bonaire?

Bonaire caters to divers of all experience levels. Beginners can take advantage of the calm, shallow waters to learn and practice their skills, while more experienced divers can explore deeper sites, wrecks or the East Coast. Scuba Elite offers courses ranging from beginner to advanced certifications and guides you along the shore dives.

4. What marine life can I expect to see while diving in Bonaire?

Bonaire’s marine life is diverse and colorful. Divers can expect to see a variety of coral species, sea turtles, eagle rays, seahorses, and an array of tropical fish like angelfish, parrotfish, and butterflyfish. The island is also known for its macro life, including nudibranchs, shrimp, and frogfish. Night dives reveal even more, such as octopuses and tarpons.

A Spotted Eagle Ray during one of the dives on Bonaire

5. Are there any must-see dive sites on Bonaire?

Absolutely! Bonaire boasts over 80 dive sites, each offering something unique. Some of the must-see sites include:

• 1000 Steps: Known for its picturesque entry and chances of seeing sea turtles.

• Hilma Hooker: A sunken shipwreck that rests at 60-100 feet, home to schools of tarpons and sometimes a green moray.

• Salt Pier: Famous for its dramatic underwater pillars, schooling fish and sea turtles.

• Klein Bonaire: A small uninhabited island, right off the coast with pristine reefs and vibrant marine life.

But, there’s so much more to discover!

6. What equipment do I need to bring, or can I rent it on the island?

Most dive shops on Bonaire offer rental equipment, including BCDs, regulators, wetsuits, masks, fins, and tanks. So do we! Visit our rental-page for more in depth information. If you have your own gear, you can bring it, but traveling light and renting on the island is a convenient option. It’s also recommended to bring a dive computer and reef-safe sunscreen.

Scuba Elite’s rental gear.

7. How do I access the dive sites, and do I need a guide?

Bonaire is famous for its shore diving, meaning you can access most dive sites directly from the shore without the need for a boat. The sites are well-marked with yellow stones indicating the entry points.

Some divers choose to explore independently with a rental car, while others hire a dive guide. This can enhance your experience, especially if you’re an beginner diver, unfamiliar with the area or looking to find hidden gems such as sea horses or frog fishes.

The easy, walk-in entrance of our house reef, Something Special

8. What conservation efforts are in place to protect Bonaire’s reefs?

Bonaire has been a leader in marine conservation for decades. The Bonaire National Marine Park protects the entire coastline and surrounding waters. Divers are required to pay a Marine Park fee before diving. The park encourages responsible diving practices, such as no-touch policies, proper buoyancy control, and the use of reef-safe sunscreen to minimize human impact on the reefs.

As a Green Fins affiliated dive shop, Scuba Elite is dedicated to promoting sustainable diving practices such as the use of reef-safe sunscreen. We’re also a Reef Renewal affiliated dive shop, offering specialized courses on reef restoration. Our certified instructor, René, can teach you the art of reef renewal, helping to restore and preserve the island’s fragile coral ecosystems.

Additionally, Scuba Elite offers lionfish hunting courses to help control this invasive species, which poses a threat to the local marine life. These courses emphasize excellent diving skills to ensure that you leave a minimal footprint while visiting Bonaire’s underwater world.

Reef-safe sunscreen, for sale at our dive shop

9. Are there any non-diving activities to enjoy on Bonaire?

Yes! Bonaire offers a range of activities for non-divers or for divers on a surface interval. Explore the island’s salt flats, take a kayak tour through the mangroves, visit Washington Slagbaai National Park for hiking and wildlife spotting, or simply relax on one of the island’s beautiful beaches. Windsurfing and kitesurfing are also popular due to the island’s consistent trade winds. Lastly, Bonaire boasts a fantastic selection of restaurants where you can unwind with delicious food and drinks after a day of diving.

This drink is called a Gin & Johnny, served at the Delfins Beach Resort

10. How can I best prepare for my diving trip to Bonaire?

Preparing for your diving trip to Bonaire goes beyond packing your gear. Here are a few key steps to ensure a smooth and responsible diving experience:

• Book in Advance: As a small dive operation focused on small groups, our availability is limited and fills up fast. To guarantee your spot, it's crucial to book your diving packages and courses well in advance.

• Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect both your skin and the delicate marine environment. Traditional sunscreens can contain chemicals harmful to coral reefs, so it's important to choose a product that’s eco-friendly.

• STINAPA Nature Fee: Pay your STINAPA nature fee upfront. This fee supports the conservation of Bonaire’s natural resources, including the Bonaire National Marine Park. Make sure to carry your proof of payment with you, as it’s required for diving.

• Car Rental: Book your rental car through 123 Car Rental, our reliable car rental partner. Having a car is essential for exploring the island’s many dive sites at your own pace, especially since many of the best spots are accessible via shore diving.

In addition to these practical steps, ensure your diving certification is up to date, consider brushing up on your skills if it’s been a while since your last dive.

Final Thoughts

Scuba diving in Bonaire offers an unforgettable experience, with its pristine reefs, abundant marine life, and easy access to diverse dive sites. Whether you're exploring a shipwreck, drifting along a coral wall, or encountering a sea turtle for the first time, Bonaire provides endless underwater adventures. Armed with the knowledge from these FAQs, you're now ready to plan your ultimate diving getaway to this Caribbean paradise.

Happy diving!

Southern Stingray