How is diving in Bonaire?

Famed as one of the best Caribbean dive destinations, Bonaire hosts amazing coral reefs and long forgotten shipwrecks. Because the island's dive sites are protected from any currents, this is one of the best places in the world to gain a new certification. Visitors to Bonaire can choose between boat and shore diving.

What will I see diving in Bonaire?

Divers can see colorful large sponges and sea fans while scuba diving around Bonaire, as well as explore quite a few shipwrecks, and encounter various marine life like turtles, barracudas and groupers. Angelfish, butterflyfish, seahorses, crabs, and shrimps can also be seen.

Is Bonaire good for beginner divers?

Bonaire offers a large variation of stunning reefs and dive sites for all experience levels. Along the entire west coast you can walk into the gradually deepening water. The reef starts at just 16 feet (5m), making diving on Bonaire extremely suitable for beginners.

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

The official diving season, the island's peak season, is December through April. May through August is the windy season and November through January is the rainy season, where divers will experience daily, light showers. No matter when you plan your trip, the “best time” is really as soon as you can get there.

Where is the best diving in Bonaire?

How to Dive in Bonaire | East Coast Diving Bonaire

Is Bonaire good for scuba diving?

Famed as one of the best Caribbean dive destinations, Bonaire hosts amazing coral reefs and long forgotten shipwrecks. Because the island's dive sites are protected from any currents, this is one of the best places in the world to gain a new certification. Visitors to Bonaire can choose between boat and shore diving.

Does Bonaire have sharks?

Since March 2016 a couple of Lemon Sharks (Negaprion breviroster) are observed in a secret spot of Bonaire Island. Sharks are hardly seen along the coastal waters of the island, if you exclude the east coast, where some Nurse sharks are resident and other reef species were observed.

Is diving in Bonaire better than Curacao?

The sheer number of shore dive sites on Bonaire is staggering. I thought there was more life and the dive sites were well kept, in contrast to Curacao, where no one seems to care about shore dives or shore divers. Another reason I prefer Bonaire is because they make it so easy to shore dive.

Do I need a wetsuit to dive in Bonaire?

Although the water temperature in Bonaire is comfortably warm, we do advise wearing a thin wetsuit while diving. Please know it is prohibited to wear gloves. If you don't have your own dive gear, don't worry: VIP Diving offers a full range of rental gear!

Where is the best scuba diving in the Caribbean?

How many dive sites are in Bonaire?

Scuba Diving in Bonaire

There are 63 official dive sites off the coast of Bonaire and another 26 on Klein Bonaire. The National Marine Park has over 470 fish species, 57 species of soft and hard coral, and spectacular underwater topography.

Where is the best diving in the world?

Can you see whale sharks in Bonaire?

One dive locations where whale sharks have been spotted is Bise Morto. This location has strong currents, but if you're able to get into deeper waters, your chances of seeing a whale shark or a manta ray increase. Only divers that consider themselves immediate to advanced should attempt diving in Bise Morto.

Can I travel to Bonaire right now?

If you are not up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines, avoid travel to Bonaire. Even if you are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines, you may still be at risk for getting and spreading COVID-19.

Can you shore dive Klein Bonaire?

Although Bonaire is famous for its shore diving, we have many hidden wonders that can only be enjoyed by boat. We go to Klein Bonaire and the north of Bonaire, only visiting sites that cannot be accessed by shore.

Do you need a wetsuit to dive?

Wetsuits are perfect for mildly cold to warm water diving conditions. Drysuits are essential for very cold water conditions as they prevent water from conducting heat away from the body. If you are going to be diving in waters under 15 degrees centigrade you will need a drysuit to keep you warm.

Do I need a wetsuit in the Caribbean?

A 3mm wetsuit is best used when diving in warmer waters in the 70-85 degree F range. This is the typical wetsuit you will see when diving in the Caribbean or other tropical waters. Even when waters reach in the upper 80's don't be fooled into thinking you don't need a wetsuit.

Which ABC Island is best for diving?

Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao

Best of all, you can shore dive them 24 hours a day.

Is Bonaire a nice island?

Seriously, it's gorgeous down there – which is why it's one of the best dives on the island – it's thriving with coral, beautiful fish and sea turtles. Above water, you'll be one of a handful of people on the entire island. There's not much there, so pack everything that you need, especially drinking water.

Is snorkeling better in Bonaire or Curacao?

Does the snorkeling in Curacao compare to Bonaire? Underwater, not quite. The waters are not as protected legally, so there are less fish, particularly larger fish. But for beach lovers, those less sure on their feet, and less experienced snorkelers, we believe Curacao will be much more enjoyable than Bonaire.

How safe is Bonaire?

There is violent crime amongst members of the illegal drugs world, but this rarely affects tourists. The main tourist areas are generally safe, but you should take normal precautions. Avoid remote areas at night. Don't take valuables to the beach.

Which Caribbean island has the most shark attacks?

Florida shark attacks average from 20-30 per year, and the Bahamas has had the most attacks out of all the islands in the Caribbean. Still, though, the number is extremely small, with 35 attacks since 1896.

Is Bonaire still good for snorkeling?

With its shallow reefs, its calm and warm waters, its exceptional marine biodiversity and its dozens of snorkeling spots just steps from the shore, Bonaire offers some of the world's best snorkeling.

Is there a decompression chamber on Bonaire?

Recompression Chamber

In case of a diving accident or emergency, Bonaire has one of the Caribbean's best-staffed recompression chambers. The chamber is located behind Centro Medico Central, and people in need of treatment must go to the hospital to gain access to the chamber.

What is diving like in Curacao?

This Caribbean island features amazing coral reefs, walls and sunken ships. The island's dive sites are protected from strong currents, there is little river runoff to hinder visibility and the waters are warm year-round, making this is a great place for those just blowing their first bubbles or learning a new skill.