Our Team – Wanderlust Dive Center Bonaire

We believe diving is personal — and so are we.

Get to know the faces behind Wanderlust Dive Center. We’re not a big dive factory; just two passionate instructors who love sharing Bonaire’s underwater world at an easy pace, with small groups and a lot of laughs.

We don’t just run a dive center, we’ve built a place where every diver feels at home.
Whether you’re here for your first breath underwater, a specialty course, or your instructor training, we’ll make it personal.

Stephan Velema

SSI Instructor Trainer | Co-Founder

From his very first dive in the cold lakes of the Netherlands, Stephan knew diving would become more than a hobby. After years of guiding and teaching, he became a certified SSI Instructor Trainer, the highest professional level within SSI.

At Wanderlust, Stephan’s focus is on training quality, instructor education, and helping divers feel confident and calm underwater. His teaching style is patient, structured and packed with real-life tips from years of diving around Bonaire and beyond.

“I love seeing that moment when a diver realizes they’re truly weightless, that’s when it all clicks.”

Linda Velema

SSI Open Water Instructor | Co-Founder

Linda brings warmth, organization and genuine island hospitality to Wanderlust. As an experienced SSI Instructor, she guides guests through their first underwater experiences and advanced courses with a calm, reassuring approach.

She also runs the behind-the-scenes operations, from scheduling dives and maintaining equipment to creating that relaxed Wanderlust vibe everyone talks about.

“For me, diving is about connection, with nature, with people, and with yourself.”