Bonaire Bits - Bonaire National Marine Park

Bonaire is a "diver's paradise" - a tagline you will see on the island's license plates.  Located in the south Caribbean, it boasts an arid climate with little rainfall which, consequently, makes the waters calm, clear of silt, and diveable year round.  Visibility averages around 100 feet with temps generally from 78° to 84°F. 

Bonaire National Marine Park is an exemplary model of a marine preserve and because of this, Bonaire is like diving the Caribbean the way it used to be - untouched and unspoiled.  Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) fish watchers have recorded over 469 fish species on Bonaire’s reefs.

Bonaire's history of marine preservation began with the protection of turtles in 1961, the prohibition of spear fishing in 1971 and the protection of coral, dead or alive, in 1975.  In 1978 & 1980, the park instituted a permanent mooring system - first in the world - for boats to moor instead of dropping anchors.  The mission of the Bonaire National Marine Park (BNMP) is to protect and manage the island’s natural, cultural and historical resources, while allowing ecologically sustainable use, for the benefit of future generations.

The park is managed by STINAPA, a non-governmental, not for profit organization.  The park's staff of 6 has a big job on their hands so they ask that you obey the park rules and assist them by reporting any infringements you might witness.  Rangers employed by STINAPA have special police powers and can write citations for offenders.

 

SOME BASIC PARK RULES:

• Do not take anything out of the water (except garbage).
• Spear fishing is completely prohibited.
• Chemical light sticks are prohibited.
• Divers should not wear gloves. 
• Divers should make sure they are neutrally bouyant.
• Divers and snorkelers should make as little contact with the reefs as possible: do not sit, stand or hold onto coral.
• Do not take any corals, sea fans, shells or the like out of Bonaire.
• Turtles are completely and internationally protected. Do not be tempted to buy shells or other turtle by-products or you will be fined heavily!
• Conch are also internationally protected. Taking back one shell may cost you dearly.
• Contact the Bonaire Marine Park to report any infringements.

All SCUBA divers must attend an orientation with their dive operator (the center from which air tanks are obtained) before diving in the BNMP.  The orientation consists of a ‘dry’ part and a ‘wet’ part.  The ‘dry’ part is a briefing on the Bonaire National Marine Park rules.  The ‘wet’ part of the orientation is the check out dive, which is always supervised by the dive operation providing air.  All users of the Marine Park must pay an entrance fee.  Known as the Nature Fees, these are once yearly charges of U.S. $25 for SCUBA divers and U.S. $10 for other users.  A $10 one-day pass for SCUBA divers is also available.  The Nature Fee can be paid at dive centers, the activity desks of hotels, through providers of activities in the Bonaire National Marine Park or at the Visitor Center at the entrance to Washington Slagbaai National Park.  For further information on rules and regulations, please click on the link: BNMP Rules & Regulations

 

Bonaire has 86 official dive sites, 53 of which are easily accessible from shore.  Most sites are marked by yellow stones with the dive site's name on it.  The stones will be found on the side of the road.  Please honor those stones that are marked non-diving zones.

You can view the park's e-brochure for further information by clicking on the link below.

BNMP Brochure