The ULTIMATE Caribbean diving and travelling blog

The shore dive capital of the world

prisca@tropicaldiversbonaire.com (GPS Resort Deutsch) — Mon, 01 Mar 2021 16:55:25 GMT

A DIVERS DREAM

With more than 60 shore dive sites, crystal clear blue waters and healthy coral reefs Bonaire is the number one dive destination in the world. A divers dream come true. The locations of dive sites are spread along the entire coast of the island. From North to South and East to West. Rent your pick-up, load up the tanks and let's go diving!

DRIVE & DIVE

With over 60 dive sites around the island there is plenty of choice and variation. The best way to get around the island is by renting a pick-up. There are many companies to rent a car with. But what is more interesting for divers are the Drive & Dive packages. This way you get your own pick-up + unlimited diving! The perfect way to schedule your dives on your time and get to know the island.

NORTH, EAST, SOUTH, WEST

Most dive sites you will find on the North and South side of the island. The East coast has a few stunning sites too but, due to the strong Eastern wind waves crash into the shore line here. Only on days with barely any wind diving here will be do-able, always take a local guide with you. On the east side you will find stronger currents.

The Northern part of the island has amazing sites. Here you will find reefs that are close to shore and have a steeper drop-off than on the South side. With a few famous sites like a 1000 steps and Karpata, this side is a go to for any diver, no matter the level of certification. These dive sites will never let you down. Even for the non divers it is worth to snorkel with turtles, squid and rays if you are lucky!

On the South side the reefs tend to lay further from shore which creates a sandy platform between the shore and reef shoulder. This is the perfect area for bait balls (picture above), rays and turtles to hang around. The sandy platform also creates the beautiful blue color of the water. Some sites on the South side have a shallow double reef, this adds some excitement to the dive. Instead of having one single reef to explore you now have two!!! The South has most dive sites with fairly easy entries.

Pictures: @daansdivingpics

Bonaire top 10 shore dives!

prisca@tropicaldiversbonaire.com (GPS Resort Deutsch) — Fri, 29 Jan 2021 02:37:54 GMT

Bonaire is well known as THE first class destination for shore diving worldwide. The dive sites are not only the just a short drive away from wherever you are on the island they also are really close to each other, with more than 85 dive sites to choose from it can be difficult to make a choice when being on vacation and time is limited. If after this list you still can't make a choice, you don't know about the right weather conditions for each dive? No problem just ask us or book a guided dive with one of our guide. We sure have moer than 10 favorites, but we made a selection of top 10 dive sites not to miss:

The ULTIMATE packing list for your Caribbean trip

prisca@tropicaldiversbonaire.com (GPS Resort Deutsch) — Fri, 29 Jan 2021 02:37:53 GMT

You have booked your trip to one of the beautiful Caribbean islands and are now in front of your empty suitcase not sure where to start and what not to forget?

We decided to help you out and create a packing list with most important things to bring on your trip.

MUST DO ON BONAIRE

prisca@tropicaldiversbonaire.com (GPS Resort Deutsch) — Fri, 29 Jan 2021 02:37:53 GMT

When Bonaire was first discovered by the Spaniards end of the 15th century Bonaire they called it "Isla Inutila" the useless island. Understandable enough for gold hungry explorers and adventurers Bonaire must have not seemed like much more than a dry rock in the middle of the ocean. Little did they know about all the activities Bonaire has to offer.

Read further to find out which 5 things you should not miss.

1. Explore the caves of Bonaire
The cave system of Bonaire is still one of the best hidden secrets of the island. There are more than 200 caves under Bonaire. Only some of them are accessible and can be explored with the expertise and knowledge of a great cave guide. This tour takes about half a day and will take you through 3 different caves. All completely different and even one wet cave. Are you curious yet? Contact us and book your tour

2. Kayak in the mangroves
Bonaire is not only well known for it's pristine reefs but also the mangroves are a crucial part of Bonaires ecosystems. The mangroves act as a nursery for all the pretty fish you have seen during your dives. You will also be able to snorkel on this trip. When exploring this unspoilt piece of nature we sure want to do it as respectful as possible. This is way you can choose to take a tour with the kayak or with the electrical boat.

3. Sail and dive catamaran trip
Enjoy an 8 hour sail & dive tour around the island! During this tour you will dive at 2 spots with our personal dive guide. After the dives there is more than enough time to snorkel and enjoy the beauty of Bonaire from sea. The tour includes a healthy tasty lunch, luxury sunset BBQ and an open bar. Book your spot on our website

4. East coast diving

Are you ready for a challenge and adventure? Let us take you to the east coast for beautiful dives with bigger marine life and a wide variety of corals. The entries might be more challenging on the East coast but it sure is worth it. You can see so many turtles that you loose track of them, sharks and different kinds of rays. During this trip you will also get to see the beautiful coast line with driftwood art and blow holes. Book your dives here!

5. Explore the National Park

Wind down in the untouched nature of Bonaire. Spend the day in the national park, swim and snorkel at one of the incredible bays and spot wild life along the way. Learn about the history of Bonaire and its native people. Rent a pick up truck and have an unforgettable day in the National Park. It is so unique to see so much untouched nature and only a handful of humans.