Bonaire – A Divers Paradise

Bonaire is one of five islands forming the Dutch Antilles located in the southern Caribbean near Aruba. The island is world renowned for its excellent scuba diving and is consistently rated among the best diving and locations in the world.

The Bonaire National Marine Park extends to 200 ft (60 meters) of depth; it covers an area of 6672 acres, or 27 km², and forming one of the greatest snorkeling and dive reefs in the world. There are over 55 species of coral that can be found along the one, almost continuous fringing reefs along with countless species of marine life that inhabit them.

The greatest attraction at the Bonaire Marine Park is simply the sheer variety of ecological systems you can explore and dive in, all while at one destination.  From expansive coral reefs, to mangrove forests, sea grass beds, and lagoon areas, all form part of the marine park diving experience.

Admission to the marine park is managed by STINPA – Stichting Nationale Parken Bonaire which is a non-governmental, non- profit foundation. All users of the waters of the Bonaire National Marine Park are required to pay an entrance fee of $25 for SCUBA divers and $10 for non-SCUBA divers for one calendar year. Day passes are also available at $10 for one day of SCUBA diving. Divers visiting the park are required to attend the Marine Park’s orientation sessions which are conducted each day on the island for new visitors which help them get acquainted with the park and its rules and regulations.

The island’s location in the south Caribbean gives it an arid climate with little rain fall; consequently, the waters are exceptionally clear of silt, calm, and diveable all year round. It is an ideal destination for underwater photographers. It’s no wonder that over 55% of visitors to Bonaire are repeat visitors.