Island Tips – Your Smooth Dive Trip to Bonaire

Practical, friendly guidance from our team in Kralendijk. From shore-diving etiquette to local logistics, here’s how to make the most of your time on Bonaire.

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Getting Around Bonaire

  • Pick-up trucks: the easiest and most practical way to explore Bonaire’s famous shore dive sites. Keep valuables out of sight and windows open slightly when parked.
  • Parking at dive sites: leave space for others and avoid soft sand.
  • Navigation: the west coast is easy to follow, ask us which sites suit your level and today’s wind conditions.
  • Fuel & groceries: plan quick stops between dives; our shop in central Kralendijk is close to everything.
  • Reusable water bottle & reef-safe sunscreen
  • Lightweight long-sleeve shirt for sun & wind
  • Cash or card for local food spots
  • Dry bag & microfiber towel
  • WhatsApp ready for quick contact and dive updates
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Shore-Diving Etiquette

Respect for Bonaire’s reefs keeps our island beautiful for everyone. Please:

  • Enter and exit calmly, give other divers space.
  • Avoid standing on coral or seagrass.
  • Keep your fins low and maintain good buoyancy in shallow areas.
  • Use a surface marker buoy (SMB) where required.
  • Take only photos and pick up small debris if it’s safe to do so.
  • Rinse your gear responsibly to conserve fresh water.

New to Bonaire’s shore diving? Book a Guided Shore Dive for site-specific tips and safe entries.

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Marine Park & Responsible Diving

Bonaire’s reef system is a protected marine park, and we’re proud to help keep it that way.
All divers must have a valid nature tag before entering the water, we’ll guide you through the quick online registration when you arrive.
At Wanderlust Dive Center, we run entirely on solar energy, avoid single-use plastics, and make every dive a clean-up dive.

Learn more about our initiatives on our Sustainability page.

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When to Dive

Bonaire offers perfect diving conditions all year round. Here’s what to expect:

  • Mornings: calm water, great visibility and ideal for wide-angle photography.
  • Afternoons: warm light and active reef life, tarpon, turtles and schooling fish.
  • Night: magical bioluminescence and hunting life; see our Night Dive.
  • Ostracod Dive: this spectacular bioluminescent event occurs only 3–5 days after the full moon, limited availability, so book early!
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Gear & Tanks Made Easy

Pick up clean, serviced air or Nitrox tanks and rental gear right here in central Kralendijk.
We make it easy to swap tanks between dives, adjust gear sizing and plan your next dive site.
All our tanks are inspected regularly and filled with clean, dry air using 100% solar energy.

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Food, Rest & Recovery

Stay hydrated, rest well, and enjoy Bonaire beyond the water.

  • Eat light before diving; hydrate between dives.
  • Take surface intervals of 60–90 minutes on repetitive dives.
  • Plan a sunset break. It’s perfect before a night dive.
  • Ask us for local restaurant and coffee tips near your route.
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Frequently Asked Questions – Island Tips

Yes — Bonaire’s Marine Park requires all divers to purchase a nature tag before entering the water. You can easily register and pay online or at the park office when you arrive.

The west coast offers calm, clear conditions and easy access from shore. Most of our Guided Dives start here.

Absolutely! Start with a Guided Shore Dive — we’ll match the site to your level and make sure your first entries are comfortable and safe.

Yes, certified divers can upgrade any package to EAN32 Nitrox for longer no-decompression limits.

The Ostracod Dive is a rare bioluminescent night dive that happens 3–5 days after the full moon. Tiny glowing creatures light up the reef — truly a must-see.