Bonaire in the southern Caribbean is a special municipality in the Netherlands. It is one of three special municipalities; the others are Sint Eustatius and Saba. The capital is Kralendijk, on the island's west coast. Together with Aruba and Curaçao, they form the so-called ABC islands, about 80 km north of Venezuela.

The island is small, with a land area of ​​288 km2, with an additional 6 km2 for Klein Bonaire, a small uninhabited island off its west coast. The total area is therefore about exactly the same as the entire Maldives combined.

The northern part of Bonaire is relatively mountainous, although its highest peak is only 240 meters. The southern part of the island is almost flat and barely rises above sea level. A significant part of this southern part of the island is covered with seawater during evaporation for salt production.

Bonaire's economy is primarily based on tourism and caters primarily to divers and snorkelers. The surrounding coral reefs are well-preserved and easily accessible, making Bonaire widely recognized for many years in the diving world as one of the world's best shore diving destinations. The terms "diving freedom" and "divers paradise" are truly descriptive.

How much does a diving trip to Bonaire cost?

Of course, it depends on many factors how much a diving trip to Bonaire costs. Various You can find the determining factors here on our website. A one-week diving trip to Bonaire that includes flights, accommodation, transfers, car rental and diving can cost from around 30 – 35,000 SEK and upwards. For accommodation at resorts with higher standard the price can be higher as well as the time of year can affect flight prices a lot. The best thing is to contact us at Scuba Travel and ask for a free proposal for more details and a more accurate price for your dive trip to Bonaire.

When is the best time to go to Bonaire?

Bonaire has two main seasons, the dry season from January to September and the wetter season from October to December. The island lies outside the hurricane belt and offers a generally warm, sunny and windy climate year-round, with temperatures averaging around 29°C. The drier season is considered the best time to visit for pleasant weather, while the wet season offers relief from the heat with short, light tropical showers.

o Dry season, January – September
o Wet season, October – December

What can I see when diving in Bonaire?

The marine life in Bonaire is rich but quite similar wherever you dive. The northern parts are steeper and have more hard corals while the southern parts show off high swaying coral forests with soft coral, shallower and lighter sandy bottoms. Generally the diving is easy and you swim straight out and follow the reef and then come back to shallower water. Schools of fish, invertebrates with colorful sponges and swaying corals and sometimes larger animals such as sharks and rays can show up with a little luck. There are a couple of wrecks here and for those who like technical and a little more advanced diving that is also available.

Animals and nature

Bonaire is a nature lover's paradise, known for its coral reefs. Bonaire was also the world's first national marine park (1979). Here you will find a rich birdlife, especially the large colonies of Caribbean flamingos. The country's wildlife includes the endangered yellow-shouldered parrot (lora), iguanas, lizards and introduced donkeys and goats. Nature-based activities include snorkeling and diving around the island (the entire island is a marine park). Take a trip and discover Washington Slagbaai National Park, kayaking in the mangrove forest on the southeast part of the island or visiting the Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary.

Where is the best diving in Bonaire?

The “best” diving on Bonaire depends on your experience and what you want to see, but popular and highly rated sites include 1000 Steps for its abundant fish stocks and shallow reefs. The Hilma Hooker wreck is good. Salt Pier is popular for its unique atmosphere and diverse marine life. Karpata is popular for large coral formations and deep drop-offs. For turtle viewing, Turtle City is good. The east side of Bonaire requires local knowledge and a boat and offers chances to see plenty of tarpon and spotted eagle rays, but they can also be seen frequently on the more accessible west side of the island. 

Is there liveaboarding in Bonaire?

No, there are no liveaboards on Bonaire. The island is small and in principle all dive sites are accessible from land or a short boat ride. Bonaire itself can be described as a liveaboard even though you are and live on land. It is a distinct destination for land diving. Parts of the coast towards mainly the north and east side are not accessible for diving except possibly by boat a few days a year if conditions permit.

For those of you who want to go on a liveaboard in the Caribbean or another destination or are considering alternatives for diving in Bonaire, contact us with your wishes and concerns at tel: 0301-22100 – Departures

Great species richness

Bonaire's marine life includes various species of coral, both soft and hard. Fish such as parrotfish, angelfish, seahorses and frogfish, snappers, along with invertebrates such as shrimp and crabs, squid and anemones. You'll also find sea turtles, moray eels, tarpon and barracuda. ​​With a little luck, large animals such as stingrays, bull sharks, nurse sharks, dolphins, whale sharks and manta rays may show up out at the reef edge or on the wide sandy plains outside the reef.

For those of you who don't dive

Even if you don't dive, you can still explore Bonaire's natural beauty. Visit Washington Slagbaai National Park on the north of the island for hiking and off-roading. Kayak through the mangrove swamps or go windsurfing in Sorobon. Other non-diving activities include visiting the Donkey Sanctuary, exploring caves, watching flamingos, cycling, taking a boat trip out to and relaxing on Klein Bonaire, or visiting the Cadushi Distillery.
With a car you can easily get around the island and can also relax by the sea or a pool.