Bonaire diving holidays, with the Dutch Antilles experts.

Diving Holidays In Bonaire

Bonaire, with its little neighbour Klein Bonaire, is one of the three ABC islands of the Dutch Caribbean, along with Aruba and Curaçao. It's less developed than the other two and sees fewer tourists, but above and below the water it's one of the most striking islands in the Caribbean. It lies just north of Venezuela and south of the hurricane belt, so the weather is settled all year.

If you're new to diving, Bonaire is a good place to start. It was one of the first places in the Caribbean to set up a marine park, so you dive among a wide variety of fish on reefs that are well looked after. It isn't only for beginners, though, and it's a good choice for families too, with environmental learning programmes, guided group tours and other sports to try.

Diving In Bonaire

The diving on Bonaire is a mixture of both boat dives to neighbouring Klein Bonaire (approx 20 minutes away) and shore diving. The Bonaire Marine Park has marked about 80 yellow stones around the shore line marking dive site entry points. All the dive centers offer drive through filling stations (car hire is a must) giving you complete freedom to dive the island with your buddy at your own pace - this is what attracts so many visitors to Bonaire, the freedom to dive where, when and how you want at your own pace. Of course guided dives are always available if you wish.

On our visit to the island we were quite amazed by the pristine condition of the reefs and must assume that this is due to the care that the Bonaire Marine Park pays to its reefs. Clear water provides visibility of 100 feet (30 metres) year-round, and the islanders and government are extremely sensitive to the fragility of the environment. The marine park completely surrounds the island and also encompasses the waters surrounding Klein Bonaire.

Diving Seasons In Bonaire

The tropical climate is enhanced by the northeast trade winds. Annual average temperature is 28 degrees Celsius and Water temperature 25-29 degrees Celsius. Bonaire diving season is year-round, with visibility in excess of 30 metres.

Bonaire Between Dives

About half the people who visit Bonaire each year come for the diving. For a day off, or for anyone in your group who doesn't dive, there's plenty more to do. In the north-west of the island, the huge Washington-Slagbaai National Park has hiking and sightseeing, and elsewhere there's snorkelling, bird watching and some shopping.

Evenings are quiet. There are no nightclubs, but some of the restaurants are excellent and there are a couple of good bars. After a day's diving, a good dinner and a few drinks is the best way to finish.

Where To Stay For Diving In Bonaire

We've spent a lot of time looking at the hotels in Bonaire so that we can recommend the right ones. They range from the five-star Harbour Village on the beach to small, relaxed places like Bamboo Bali.

Whichever you choose, hire a car. Much of the diving here is from the shore, and with a car you can dive it when you like.