The Ultimate Guide to Boat Diving in Diver’s Paradise Bonaire

Bonaire, located in the southern Caribbean, famous for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life. While shore diving is often the highlight of many trips to Bonaire, boat diving offers a unique way explore the island's less accessible underwater treasures. We have been working on the island for several diveshops on diveboats on Bonaire everyday for over 4 years. In this blog we will give our inside view on boatdiving on Bonaire and guide you through the best divespots, expectations and provide you with a packing list!

1.Why Choose Boat Diving in Bonaire?

Access to Remote Dive Sites with Pristine Reefs

One of the major perks of boat diving in Bonaire is reaching those untouched dive sites that are inaccessible from shore. Bonaire’s underwater world is already renowned, but some of the most vibrant, untouched coral reefs are best explored by boat. This includes the uninhabited island of Klein Bonaire and the rugged east coast, which boat trips can easily access. Because these sites are less frequented, the reefs are healthier, teeming with marine life, and far less crowded, offering a more intimate diving experience. (I’ll dive into specific boat dive spots later in this blog!)

2. Calm, Crystal-Clear Waters

Bonaire’s western coast and Klein Bonaire are famous for their calm, tranquil waters. This makes boat diving not only enjoyable but also perfect for those who might be prone to seasickness. The gentle waves reduce the chances of motion sickness, so even if you’re unsure about diving from a boat, Bonaire is a great place to give it a try. Plus, with visibility often exceeding 100 feet (30 meters), the underwater scenery is nothing short of spectacular.

3. No More Sandy Gear!

One of the best parts of boat diving? No sand! Because you’re entering the water directly from the boat, you skip the hassle of trudging through the beach, which means no sandy feet, no sand in your boots, and most importantly, no sand getting into your gear. It’s a much cleaner, smoother start to your underwater adventure.

4. Easy and Convenient Access

Boat diving takes away the hassle of finding the right shore entry point, dealing with tricky parking, battling the wind, or leaving your valuables unattended. You won’t have to worry about struggling in the surf or losing your balance in the waves. With boat diving, all you have to do is a giant stride or backroll off the boat, and you’re instantly at the dive site. This makes it ideal for divers who might be less confident, have mobility issues like bad knees, or simply want a more relaxed experience.

5. Let the Crew Take Care of You

Boat diving in Bonaire is all about relaxation. The dive crew takes care of everything — from setting up your gear to guiding you through the dive sites. All you need to do is gear up, dive in, and enjoy. After the dive, sit back and relax as they handle the cleanup and transport, letting you focus solely on enjoying the underwater beauty and the island’s stunning views.

6. Bring the Family Along for an Adventure

Bonaire might be a diver’s paradise, but that doesn’t mean non-divers have to miss out. Many boat diving operators offer trips that cater to both divers and non-divers alike. Whether it’s a

family member who’s curious about snorkeling or just wants to relax on deck, boat diving trips are an excellent way to share your passion for the ocean. Options like “sail-and-dive” excursions also make it easy for non-divers to enjoy the day on the water, making it a perfect family outing. Everyone gets to enjoy Bonaire’s beautiful seascape, whether they’re diving below the surface or simply soaking up the sun above.