Bonaire is famous for shore diving, but if most of your diving has been from boats, your first trip can feel a little different. Instead of meeting a dive boat at a set time, you can load your gear and tanks into a truck, choose a dive site, and head out on your own schedule.
That freedom is a big part of what makes diving in Bonaire so popular. But shore diving also means handling things yourself, from choosing an entry point to navigating back to where you started.
How does shore diving in Bonaire work?
One of the most recognizable parts of diving in Bonaire is the yellow stones. Shore dive sites around the island are marked along the road with yellow-painted rocks, displaying the name of the dive site.
The basic routine is simple. Pick up tanks from your dive shop, load your gear into your vehicle, choose a dive site, and drive there. Once you arrive, you'll typically gear up beside your vehicle, enter from shore, complete the dive with your buddy, and return to the same entry point.
What are the shore entries like?
This is probably the biggest adjustment for divers accustomed to giant-striding off the back of a boat.
Bonaire shore entries vary considerably from site to site. Some are relatively easy, while others require walking over uneven or rocky terrain before reaching deeper water.
Sturdy dive boots or water shoes are one of the most useful pieces of equipment you can bring.
Before getting fully geared up, take a moment to look at the entry. Decide where you're going in, where you plan to come back out, and what conditions are doing.
If you're looking for easier shore entries, you can use TheScubaDirectory's Bonaire dive site search to filter sites by Shore and Easy entry.
Do you need a rental vehicle?
If you plan to explore Bonaire's shore dives independently, renting a vehicle is highly recommended. Pickup trucks are particularly convenient for carrying tanks and wet dive gear.
Having your own transportation gives you the flexibility to visit multiple dive sites and explore the island on your own schedule. You can carry everything you need for the day and move between dive sites without returning to your dive shop after every dive.
Since your vehicle will be left unattended while you're diving, avoid bringing valuables to dive sites whenever possible. Leave unnecessary belongings at your accommodation rather than in your rental vehicle.
How do you get tanks?
Rather than booking an individual boat dive each time you want to get in the water, shore divers typically arrange tanks through a local dive shop or resort.
Most dive shops offer tank packages that allow you to exchange empty tanks for full ones throughout your stay. Some even have drive-through tank stations, making it easy to load up and head out for another dive.
Nitrox is also widely available on Bonaire.
How difficult is shore diving in Bonaire?
One of the biggest differences from boat diving is that you and your buddy are responsible for more of the dive. You'll need to evaluate conditions, plan your entry and exit, navigate, monitor the dive, and find your way back to where you started.
Many Bonaire reefs run roughly parallel to shore, making navigation relatively straightforward. Before descending, identify your entry point, note recognizable landmarks, and plan your return with your buddy. Always account for your gas supply, depth, and any current.
If you're a newer diver or haven't done much independent shore diving, consider doing your first few dives with a local guide. This can help you get comfortable with Bonaire's entries, reef layout, navigation, and shore-diving routine before heading out on your own.
What rules should you know before diving?
Bonaire's reefs are protected by the Bonaire National Marine Park. Divers must pay the applicable nature fee and complete the required orientation before diving. STINAPA's published rules do not list a diver-down flag as a requirement, although carrying an SMB is recommended for surface visibility. Check the current STINAPA diving rules before your trip.
Can you boat dive in Bonaire?
Yes. Although Bonaire is famous for shore diving, boat diving is widely available through local dive operators and resorts.
Boat dives are particularly useful for visiting sites around Klein Bonaire, which are accessed by boat. Many divers combine independent shore diving with a few boat dives during their trip.
Bonaire Shore Diving Checklist
- Arrange a rental vehicle and tanks through a local dive operator.
- Pay your nature fee and complete the required orientation.
- Bring sturdy dive booties or water shoes for rocky entries.
- Choose dive sites appropriate for your experience and conditions.
- Check the entry and exit points before gearing up.
- Plan your dive and navigation with your buddy.
Ready to explore? Discover the island's top-rated dive sites in our Best Dive Sites in Bonaire, based on diver ratings and reviews on TheScubaDirectory.