Everything you need to know about organizing a dive trip in Bonaire with a group of friends and fellow divers. Find out about accommodation options, transport while on the island, diving packages, booking tips and the best non diving activities we love to do in Bonaire.
We see couples come to Bonaire to dive, also many groups. Diving in a group with like-minded individuals sharing a common interest is a great way to spend your days. Then spend your evenings dining on Bonaire’s many cuisine options, sipping a cool drink and watching the sunset. Bliss! Organizing a group Bonaire dive trip will be one of the best dive decisions you can make. It is a special place to enjoy a magnificent underwater marine environment and become part of the well established Bonaire dive community.
Let's delve into what you need to consider when planning a group dive trip to Bonaire. Any travel is much better when you know what to expect and have everything you need booked in advance. Bonaire is a popular dive destination, so you so don't want to be leaving any booking plans to the last minute.
Diving in Bonaire
Bonaire is without question one of the best diving locations in the world. Outside the hurricane belt with minimal annual rainfall, and temperatures typically in the range of 77F to 90F every day, you have 365 days suitable for diving. When you combine that with spectacular marine life, a well-preserved reef system almost at the shoreline, and warm water with great visibility, you have fantastic diving conditions. It is no surprise Bonaire is a mecca for divers of all skill levels from learner through to technical diving.
Let's find out all you need to know about booking a group dive trip to Bonaire.
Bonaire accommodation options.
How to plan and book your group dive trip to Bonaire.
Let's delve into what you need to consider when planning a group dive trip to Bonaire. Any travel is much better when you know what to expect and have everything you need booked in advance. Bonaire is a popular dive destination, so you so don't want to be leaving any booking plans to the last minute. Important considerations are what type of accommodation will best suit your group, island transportation options between locations, the best time to dive in Bonaire, our tops booking tips, and what you can do on your dive down time.
Diving in Bonaire does not need to be complicated, however it does need to be well planned and booked in advance. You'll find with this diving information and booking tips your trip to Bonaire will be much easier.
What kind of diving is there in Bonaire?
Bonaire is known as the Shore Diving Capital of the Caribbean because there are 60 dive sites easily accessible from the shore. You can drive from one dive site to the next on the main road, then walk in off the shore. The reef is a short swim from shore where you’ll find abundant marine life in warm water, shipwrecks to explore and very healthy reef systems. These marine reserves have been protected for many years and their pristine condition is testament to Bonaire’s conservation efforts.
Plan on spending your time doing a combination of shore dives with some boat diving. Keep this in mind when picking your accommodation and rental vehicle.
What kind of marine life will we see in Bonaire?
The marine life you can expect to see diving in Bonaire includes seahorses, crabs, turtles, barracuda, grouper, large sponges, sea-fans, eels, octopus, nudibranchs and other smaller sea life. You’ll get some great photos and macro opportunities for close ups. Night dives are popular especially from the house reefs when you’re staying at one of the hotels or resorts.
Check out our Bonaire Diving Gallery - a collection of images and videos we've captured while out diving in Bonaire.
Where to stay in Bonaire for diving.
Bonaire might be a small island, but that doesn't mean there is a lack of choice for where to stay. There are several accommodation options available on Bonaire, including resorts, hotels and villas. You will find something to suit your group within these accommodation choices.
For best value, we recommend a resort inclusive package. These dive packages are designed specifically with your diving needs in mind and the means to take advantage of Bonaire's famous shore diving opportunities. With a dive package, you get resort accommodation, truck rental and unlimited diving. You'll find some great savings with these packages. You can find dive travel deals we have available here.
Can children be part of your dive group?
Children 10 years and over can take part in diving activities appropriate for their skill levels. However children under 10 years of age cannot dive, and will require supervision. This means that any children under the age of 10 will need to have a babysitter.
Tip: If you are staying at Belmar Oceanfront Apartments they offer a range of kids activities depending on their age and abilities.
What dive package would you recommend for a group?
Bonaire is a fantastic place to do shore diving, so it is a good idea to combine that with some boat diving. We recommend getting a package that allows you to have unlimited shore diving, a couple of boat dives, and truck rental. More boat diving can be arranged depending on your requirements.
How does shore diving work?
With shore diving, you drive from each dive site in your rental vehicle with all the gear you need. You can dive multiple times a day. It is at your pace and even better, it’s on your schedule. Most dive centers will allow you to take 2 tanks, then come back to drop off the empty tanks, and pick up new ones.
You can dive as many times as you like, following those rules. You can’t, for example, take 4 tanks each, they will not normally allow that. This is too many tanks in a vehicle and they need to be back so they can be refilled and used again.
How do you get around Bonaire with a large group?
You drive yourself in the truck rental. We make sure there are enough trucks available to cater for your group size. Most dive trucks are manual, so if you need an automatic vehicle, please ensure you tell your agent. By default, you get a manual with a dive package. It is easy to drive in Bonaire. You can find more information about Bonaire driving here.
Tip: It is recommended that you leave nothing valuable in your rental vehicle while you're diving. So don't leave any phones, cameras or handbags in the vehicle.
When is a good time to dive in Bonaire?
Bonaire is a year round diving destination because of the fantastic weather and being outside the hurricane belt. For the best diving prices, it's cheaper to come in low season which is mid June to mid December. Bonaire is a popular diving destination and accommodation books up quickly, so the earlier you secure your booking, the better. Early birds get the best accommodation options.
Tip: Group bookings get preferred booking rates. This is a very cost effective way to dive in Bonaire.
What are your top recommendations for non-diving activities?
There are many things to do on Bonaire that are not related to diving.
Here are some of our favorites:
Snorkeling
Lunch at Lac Bay (Sorobon)
Blowcarting (Landsailing)
A visit to Klein Bonaire beach
Enjoying an evening sunset catamaran cruise
You can find a more comprehensive list of Bonaire activities here.
Can you book everything we need for a group booking?
Yes! When we book for our clients, because we’re Bonaire based, we can organize every aspect of your trip. This includes flights, accommodation, diving, rental car/truck and activities. We can even get you a local tuna for your dinner, pre-delivered groceries and restaurant reservations.
Tip: If you would like to dine out together, any restaurant in Bonaire can cater for group bookings. It just needs to be planned and booked in advance. The cuisine options in Bonaire are wide and varied, and very delicious.
How can I get started on a Bonaire dive group booking?
Start by getting in touch. You can leave us details of your trip requirements here and we'll get back to you.
To help us better understand your travel requirements please include in your message information about the following:
Your budget.
Planned travel dates.
How many people in the travel group.
Any special interests or must do's.
We have a straight forward and free booking service. There's no time like now to get started on your Bonaire dive vacation.
Bonaire travel resources.
Check out these useful resources for your upcoming Bonaire trip.
Bonaire Travel Information - Best time to visit Bonaire. Bonaire entry requirements.
Diving in Bonaire including the marine life you will see
