Bonaire: Buddy Dive Resort Bonaire

A charming resort and very family-friendly.

Introduction

24-hour diving from shore with some of the best marine life right under the dock

We have provided custom family dive vacations at Buddy Dive Resort for over 30 years. Our rates and level of experience are the best worldwide. Book Buddy Dive resort any time of year from $899pp 6 nights, 5 days of diving, unlimited shore diving, 3 bedroom villa per person for 6 divers. Upgrade to 2 boat dives per day for $200 for 10 boat dives.

Buddy Dive: Special offer for September 2025 – October 2026. “2nd diver dives for FREE” special! See details below or give us a call at 803-419-2556

Buddy Dive is simplicity at its finest. It’s a charming resort and very family-friendly. Buddy Dive offers studio rooms, hotel rooms, and 1,2, and 3-bedroom villas with full kitchens. Parents who know Bonaire well like to hang back and enjoy a later breakfast and coffee by the sea, and then, at your leisure, jump off the dock with your dive buddy and kids. Bonaire diving is easy to navigate and even more accessible for daily blowing bubbles. Rated the world’s best shore diving, this island is calm, warm, and clear 12 months a year. We can customize your package to include certification courses, private guides, and shore or boat dives as you desire. We also provided discounted rates for the Buddy Fly and Dive packages, with or without a local guide. Just let us know your needs for your Bonaire diving experience at 1.803.419.2556.

You can go at your own pace daily: no hustle, deadlines, or worries. Buddy Dive has 24-hour diving from shore with some of the best marine life right under the dock and the wall just 20 meters away. There are giant tarpon, schools of silversides, and plenty of angelfish, just waiting to be photographed when you jump in.

Buddy Dive condos are simple and basic. They are perfect for families who come to be outdoors and enjoy the underwater world. Buddy Dive Resort offers studios for a two-person buddy team – a father and son, a couple, or a mom and a daughter. For three people, the one bedroom will work; you can add a daybed to the living room if needed. Or you can go with the two bedrooms to give everyone their space. For larger families of 5 and 6, the three bedrooms and three bathrooms are the way to go. Each bedroom can be configured for a king bed or two single beds. The villas are fully furnished with full kitchens and spacious living rooms overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

Take the Buddy Dive Tour

Family Dive Adventures will tailor your package to meet your family’s specific needs. Mom and Dad can choose to go boat diving while the kids are in SASY, Seal Team, or even taking a JOW class, but parents will have opportunities to dive with their kids as well. If you or the kids are getting certified, we will arrange for PADI eLearning to be done before arrival so you can get the most out of your diving experience on the island. We can arrange for a private instructor to dive with you and your family on the extra days available after certification.

Sail, Dive & Dine at Buddy Dive

Are you seeking a diving experience beyond the incredible shore and boat dives on Bonaire? Look no further. The Sail, Dive & Dine tour combines Buddy Dive’s guided diving with all-inclusive service from Epic Tours, ultimate relaxation, and the luxury of a lunch and 4-course dinner on board a catamaran!

The Sail, Dive & Dine Tour includes:

  • 8 Hours of all-inclusive service onboard a 44ft sailing catamaran
  • Two guided dives (or guided snorkeling)
  • Open bar including ice cold drinks(sodas, beers, wines, prosecco)
  • Lunch
  • 4-Course dinner
  • Fresh water shower on deck

During the 8-hour Sail, Dive & Dine tour – from 11 am – to 7 pm – you will make two guided dives in the Marine Park of Bonaire and Klein Bonaire. After the first dive, lunch and drinks are served (remember, no alcoholic beverages before dives). We will smoothly sail toward the next dive spot while you and your buddy gear up for the second guided dive. After the second dive, the boat will moor on a beautiful, sheltered place for ice-cold drinks and downtime on board the catamaran while the crew prepares dinner. The day will end with a 4-course dinner and drinks during one of Bonaire’s famous sunsets.

This is the perfect tour for divers, but spots are also available for non-divers! During the dives, they can enjoy guided snorkeling.

Rates, Prices & Specials

“5% Family Diver Discount” applies. We provide year-round reservations for Buddy Dive Resort Bonaire.

2nd Diver Dives for Free – Discount on Reef ID Books!

7 Nights’ accommodations, Round-trip Airport Transfers, Daily Breakfast, 6 Days of Unlimited Shore Diving with Tanks, Weights, Weight Belts, and Free Nitrox (Not Included: Hotel Taxes, Bonaire Government Entry Tax, and Marine Park Fees)

Travel Period: September 1 2025 – October 31, 2026

Price and Room Selections:

  • from $1,282 1st Diver Pays / $1077 2nd Diver Pays Studio (Double Occupancy)
  • from $1,379 1st Diver Pays / $1174 2nd Diver Pays 1 Bedroom Apartment (Double Occupancy)
  • from $1,849 1st Diver Pays / $1644 2nd Diver Pays 2 Bedroom Apartment (Double Occupancy)
  • from $1,119 1st & 3rd Divers Pays / $914 2nd & 4th Divers Pays 2 Bedroom Apartment (Quad Occupancy)
  • from $1,226 1st & 3rd Divers Pays / $1021 2nd & 4th Divers Pays 3 Bedroom Apartment (Quad Occupancy)
  • from $1,031 1st, 3rd & 5th Divers Pays / $826 2nd, 4th & 6th Divers Pays 3 Bedroom Apartment (6 Diver Occupancy)
  • **Add On**
  • 6 Boat Dives for $275 1st Diver pays and 2nd Diver Free

General prices for Sail, Dive, and Dine

  • Adult diver 13+ excl tanks: $286
  • Adult diver 13+ incl tanks: $300
  • Adult non-diver 13+: $200
  • Two tanks: $14
  • Rental gear: $46
  • Dive computer: $14

The Dive Packages

Buddy Dive packages for individual family vacations(not a Kids Sea Camp week or trip) are available for 1,2, and 3-bedroom ocean-view condos. Let us know how many people, divers, and kids are on your part, and we will be happy to book your Buddy Dive and Drive package for your family vacation.

2026 6-day unlimited shore diving: The Buddy Dive Dive and Drive package. From $894.35pp

Package includes:

  • Seven nights in selected accommodation
  • seven-day rental vehicle
  • *6 days of unlimited shore diving
  • Free Nitrox upgrade
  • American-style breakfast daily
  • Free Wifi
  • Airport transfers
  • Car Insurance
  • Four divers in a 2-bedroom condo, from $1,167.00 per diver (low season). Includes a 5% discount
  • Six divers in a 3-bedroom condo, from $999.00 per diver (low season). Includes a 5% discount

2026 Drive & Dive 6- boat dive package for two divers

  • Seven nights in a one-bedroom condo
  • 6 x 1-tank boat dives
  • Unlimited shore diving
  • 7-day truck rental
  • Unlimited Air/Nitrox
  • Unlimited shore diving
  • Daily breakfast
  • Airport transfers
  • Free WIFI
  • Welcome drink
  • Manager’s Rum Punch party

From $1,198.10 per diver sharing a bedroom condo (double occupancy). Includes a 5% discount

Accommodations

Buddy Dive Resort

At Buddy Dive, apartments are available with either 1, 2, or 3 bedrooms. All rooms at Buddy Dive Resort, Bonaire are air-conditioned with bedrooms containing twin or king beds. Rooms all come with fully equipped kitchens including microwaves, stoves, dishwashers, and refrigerators as well as a comfortably furnished living area with cable TV and phones. Everyone in the family will be comfortable!

There are free safe deposit boxes in every apartment and all include large private balconies or patios. There is a daily housekeeping service for you and free use of beach towels. Should you require a babysitter, the front office will be glad to make all the arrangements for you.

Buddy Dive even has a laundry facility should you wish to do some extra washing. From each of our apartments, you’ll enjoy the view of either the ocean or lush tropical gardens from your own private balcony or patio. And for relaxing outside, nothing can beat a nap in one of the hammocks in our shaded and flower-covered gazebo. For a stunning location with the ultimate view, there’s no place better than on our raised sand beach areas overlooking the clear, turquoise waters of the Caribbean. A short stairway provides easy access to the tranquil ocean below which is excellent for snorkeling and swimming.

Diving / Diving Site(s)

The best diving in the Caribbean!

The Diving

If you want to fall in love with diving, become a better diver, or dive safe and relaxed as a family, welcome to Buddy Dive Bonaire. Here you can just jump off the dock to enjoy large schools of fish, shallow wrecks, and easy diving with newly certified kids. The water is warm, the view is fantastic and the marine life is abundant. The dive team here is among the very best in the Caribbean! Most are parents themselves, so kids’ safety is the priority. Buddy Dive is a PADI 5-star CDC center.

With as many as 60 officially listed dive sites on Bonaire and another 20 dive sites on Klein Bonaire, the dive operation at Buddy Dive Resort is geared up for you to make the most out of your dive vacation.

With a fleet of custom dive boats and a well-stocked ‘Drive Thru’ offering air and Nitrox tanks, every diver need can be satisfied. To help us keep our reef environment healthy for many years to come, we do encourage all divers traveling to Bonaire to familiarize themselves with the Marine Park Regulations before their visit.

Bonaire’s sea abounds with beautiful marine life and a fascinating variety of multi-colored tropical fish. The sea is remarkably calm, and conditions are superb for both scuba diving and snorkeling.

Let's Go Diving

You can start diving once you have checked in and completed your orientation dive. Bonaire Marine Park regulations require you to participate in an orientation program before you enter the water for your first dive. At Buddy Dive, this orientation is held each day.

If your flight arrives in time for you to participate in the dive orientation, you can begin diving the day you arrive, and this would count as the first diving day of your diving package. Divers arriving on afternoon flights will attend orientation the following morning.

The diving schedule will include boat departures at 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM each morning from Sunday through Thursday (Friday will be a Family Day dive). We have also scheduled a night boat dive on Tuesday while your kids will be enjoying pizza and a movie.

Easy Diving

On average, Bonaire’s visibility exceeds 100 feet (30 meters), and our average water temperature is 80 degrees Fahrenheit (29c). The fringing reef begins close to the shore; usually, a short 30-foot (10 meters) swim or less, making Bonaire world-renowned for its ease of shore diving.

All levels of divers can enjoy the freedom of our unlimited shore diving package, making as many dives as they want each day, according to their safe profiles. There are plenty of 80 and 63 cubic foot air and Nitrox tanks available at either the ‘Drive Thru’ or on the dock where there are convenient benches for gear set-up and two sturdy ladders that provide easy access to the water. Rinse tanks are located at the ‘Drive Thru’ as well as on the docks where there is a large gear storage room. This makes diving at Buddy’s easy and enjoyable.

One can join our experienced, friendly dive staff on our morning and afternoon boat dives. Every day of the year, our custom dive boats go out to explore the many dive sites on the nearby island of Klein Bonaire, a short 10-minute boat ride away, or to other spectacular dive sites not accessible from shore. Guided day and night dives are also arranged to great sites such as the Salt Pier or Town Pier, which have become a mecca for photographers. Even Klein Bonaire is visited at night on a regular boat night dive. And remember Bonaire is the shore diving capital of the Caribbean, so grab a tank or two and make some bubbles.

Dive Excellence

Buddy Dive is a DAN Member, as well as a PADI 5-Star Gold Palm Resort and Universal Referral Center. The Universal Referral designation enables Buddy Dive instructors to offer Open Water Completion courses to students from SSI and NAUI as well as a host of other training organizations. In fact, Buddy’s provides every level of instruction imaginable, conducted in several languages. In addition to all the standard PADI specialties, we also offer you the chance to become an Enriched Air Certified diver, or even try out a Rebreather!

As a full-service dive center, we also have a complete inventory of rental gear available. Buddy Dive guests who prefer to purchase instead of rent will enjoy shopping at the well-stocked retail shop. The on-property shop carries a wide range of dive and snorkel gear and accessories, as well as t-shirts, sandals, caps, dive lights, film, and souvenirs galore!

Fees (for the good of the Coral reef): It is necessary for all who use the waters of the Bonaire National Marine Park to pay a Nature Fee of $25 per year ($10 for snorkelers). At the time of payment, you will receive a specially designed tag indicating your support for nature preservation and a receipt. Keep both, as they will also provide you with complimentary admission to Washington-Slagbaai National Park throughout the year your tag is valid. Tags are available for purchase at all dive operations, hotels, resorts, windsurfing operations, sport-fishing charter boats, sail/snorkel/water taxi operations, marinas, and other water sports operations on Bonaire.

Dive Training

  • PADI SASY program: 6 mornings of activities from 8 am -1 pm daily. SASY kids keep fins, masks, and snorkel.
  • PADI SEAL TEAM: 6 mornings of activities from 8 am-1 pm daily including all 5 aqua missions. SEAL kids keep fins, masks, and snorkel.
  • PADI Open Water: All dives needed for certification (eLearning is not included. For eLearning, you will have to pay PADI directly. The link will be sent to you 4 weeks before departure to be completed prior to arrival.)
  • PADI Dive Master course: RSVP 14 DAYS REQUIRED $750 add-on to package price. Contact Margo at 803.419.2556 for more information. PADI C Card, E: learning, and Crew Pack included
  • PADI Dive Rescue Diver: RSVP $400 add-on to package price. Contact Margo at 803.419.2556 for more information. PADI C Card, E: learning, and Crew Pack included.

See more about Kids Sea Camp dive training

Dive Sites

Over 60 remarkable dive sites! (And yes, we have listed them)

1. Boca Bartol: This shore dive is the northernmost site in Marine Park. Advanced divers may encounter strong currents. The recommended depth is from 20-80 feet, with interesting coral reef formations in the shallows. Many of the larger fish species abound, and there is a chance to see rays and garden eels on the sandy bottom.

2. Playa Bengi: Located along the northwest coast of Washington Slagbaai Park, Playa Benge is known for its heavy currents. Recommended only for the advanced diver, the depth ranges from 15-100 feet. Ashore dive only, the experienced diver will be rewarded with some of the most pristine coral on Bonaire.

3. Playa Funchi: Located in Washington Slagbaai National Park, Playa Funchi is for the advanced diver and has moderate to heavy currents. There is no mooring here, so access is from the shore only. In depths of 15-100 feet, horse-eye jacks can be seen out in blue water. The shallows teem with spotted trunkfish that approach you looking for a hand-out.

4. Bise Morto: Another Washington Park dive, this boat dive site can have moderate to strong currents and is recommended for the intermediate to advanced diver. Depths of 20-100 feet offer shallows loaded with elkhorn and staghorn coral, hence the name, which means “dead deer.” The deeper waters provide an opportunity to see larger species, including whale sharks and manta rays.

5. Boca Slagbaai: Located in Washington Slagbaai National Park, this site is known for its moderate to strong currents and is recommended for intermediate to experienced divers. With depths of 20-100 feet, you may have a chance to see mantas or other smaller rays. At the southern end of the cove, there is a cannon in just 10 feet of water. Slagbaai is also accessible by boat diving.

6. Nukove: A bit hard to find, this site is a shore dive only. It ranges from 20-100 feet and has mild to strong currents. Intermediate-level divers will find huge elkhorn coral in the shallows, with schools of algae-eating reef fish present. Also seen are large midnight blue parrots. The drop-off has large coral heads that sometimes shelter nurse sharks.

7. Karpata: One of Bonaire’s most popular shore dives, Karpata can also be reached by boat. With depths ranging from 20-100 feet and light to moderate currents, novice and intermediate divers can pose for pictures alongside one of the many huge ship anchors embedded in the coral. Known for great visibility, wide-angle photographers can enjoy panoramic vistas to frame their subjects.

8. La Dania’s Leap: Known for the practice of “leaping” off the shore and then doing a drift dive to Karpata, this site has been recommended for intermediate divers by boat only. With light currents and depths of 15-100 feet, La Dania’s is one of Bonaire’s few vertical walls, with numerous canyons and sand shoots.

9. Rappel: The most often asked for the dive site, Rappel is reached only by boat. Due to the proximity to the rocky ledge, an intermediate skill level is required. With a depth of 30-100 feet and moderate currents, Rappel has huge sea fans in the shallows and an abundance of nudibranchs and other marine life.

10. Bloodlet: Too difficult for shore diving, Bloodlet has moderate currents and is for the intermediate boat diver. Averaging 20-80 feet, there is a dense reef structure that is home to schools of algae-eating blue tangs. Yellow and green tube sponges are also evident. Bloodlet is one of the places where sea turtles are often sighted and an abundance of marine life.

11. Ol’ Blue: This shore or boat dive site lies just off a long coral beach, east of 1000 Steps. Light to moderate currents and depths of 20-100 feet offer the novice and intermediate divers the chance to see numerous friendly French angelfish and schools of horse-eye jacks.

12. Country Garden: A boat dive with moderate currents for the beginner to an intermediate skilled diver. The average depth is 20-80 feet, and the shallows are covered with large boulders that have fallen from the cliffs and provide shelter for schoolmasters, grunts, and goatfish.

13. Bon Bini Na Cas: “Welcome Home” in the native language, this site lies just next to 1000 Steps and is a boat dive only. With light to moderate currents, beginner and intermediate divers will enjoy schools of Creole wrasse and blue tangs in depths ranging from 20-100 feet.

14. 1000 Steps: Situated in front of the Radio Netherlands towers, 1000 Steps is a shore or boat dive (actually, for the shore divers, 64 steps down to the site from the road and it seems like 1000 steps coming back up with scuba gear!). Currents are light, and the novice diver will have a chance to observe hawksbill turtles or a passing whale shark or manta.

15. Weber’s Joy/Witches Hut: This easy shore or boat dive, with light currents and a depth of 20-100 feet, offers novice divers a chance to see mountainous star coral with abundant fish life. Angelfish, rock beauties, and butterflyfish make their homes in the rocky reefs. This site is a favorite of underwater photographers.

16. Jeff Davis Memorial: Accessible from boat or shore, this site is great for beginners, with light to moderate currents and a depth of 20-100 feet. The shallows are covered with soft coral reefs and are a good place for sea turtles or maybe a seahorse. There are several large coral accumulations, forming chutes that lead to a sandy bottom.

17. Oil Slick Leap: Recommended as a boat dive, the hearty shore diver will find a steel ladder leading to the water. Named Oil Slick Leap because this was the original proposed site for the oil storage terminal, this dive is for the novice boat diver and has mild currents and a depth of 20-80 feet. There are generally large numbers of barracuda seen here.

18. Barcadera: This boat dive is located directly opposite the Bonaire Marine Park Headquarters. Moderate currents and depths of 30-100 feet are great for novice to intermediate divers. The shallows are covered with elkhorn coral and host schools of algae-eating blue tangs.

19. Andrea II: Located just past the desalination plant, Andrea I and II can be reached by boat or shore. Currents are mostly light, so they are ideal sites for beginner divers. With an average depth of 20-100 feet, there are many anemones and soft coral offering shelter to hungry trumpet fish. Both these sites offer a good chance of seeing seahorses.

20. Andrea I: See Andrea II.

21. Petrie’s Pillar: This is a shore dive only for the beginner, with moderate currents and an average depth of 30-100 feet. The terrain is much like Andrea I and II. Large stands of pillar coral are found in the shallows along with schools of blue tangs. Named by Capt. Don as a wedding present for a friend.

22. Small Wall: Located in front of the Black Dungeon Inn, this site offers the novice diver a chance to do a shallow wall dive. Accessed from boat or shore (you need permission to cross private property to shore dive), the currents are light to moderate, with the wall beginning at 20 feet. A cave can be found at 60 feet, with the possibility of seeing a sleeping nurse shark.

23. Cliff: Accessed either from shore or boat, Cliff is located in front of the Hamlet Villas, north of Habitat. With light to moderate currents in 20-70 feet of water, the novice diver will have a chance to see Capt. Don’s underwater Stone Memorial to the “divers who have gone before us,” which is marked with a plaque and dive flag.

24. La Machaca: Situated off Capt. Don’s Habitat, this site with mild to moderate currents allows the novice diver a chance to do a “wreck dive” in relatively shallow water. The 45-foot locally built boat lies in 40-50 feet of water, 30 yards from shore. Sometimes a large green eel will find refuge here so you should approach him with caution.

25. Reef Scientifico: South of La Machaca, in 40 feet of water, a grid system has been constructed to monitor algae growth on the reef. While the conditions are much the same as La Machaca, night diving here will reward you with a view of sleeping parrotfish and free-swimming spotted morays.

26. Buddy’s Reef: Located in front of Buddy Dive Resort, this shore dive has mild currents and is perfect for beginners. With depths of 30-100 feet, expect to see black chironomids perched on coral heads in the shallows. A resident school of tarpon almost always greets night divers. For a house coral reef

27. Bari Reef: Located at the Sand Dollar Beach Resort in 20-100 feet of water, it has light to moderate currents and is an ideal site for the novice or non-diver to learn scuba diving. Access is from the shore at the dive shop pier. A popular night dive, with friendly tarpons darting back and forth in front of your light beam!

28. Front Porch: Truly an easy dive, with light to moderate currents, Front Porch is located at the Sunset Beach Resort. Access is always from shore. The prolific fish life begins at 15 feet, right under the pier, and continues down to 80 feet, where a small wreck of a tugboat lies upside down.

29. Something Special: Located just south of the marina entrance, this is a shore or boat dive for the beginner. Currents are mild and the depth is from 20-80 feet. There is very little coral growth since this is one area where sailboats are allowed to anchor. However, the fish life is abundant, with a sandy bottom where rays are often seen. Great for night diving.

30. Town Pier: The most well-known dive site on Bonaire. All levels of divers will experience little current and depths from 20-40 feet. As a shore dive, you must have permission from the harbormaster and be accompanied by a local dive guide. It is a photographer’s dream location, with literally hundreds of photo opportunities.

31. Calabas Reef: Located in front of Dive Bonaire at the Divi Flamingo Resort, this reef is well suited for all levels of divers, with mild currents and a depth of 20-100 feet. All species of reef fish abound, with the occasional turtle or ray passing by.

32. Eighteen Palms: This shore or boat dive lies directly in front of the Lt. Governor’s house, which, coincidentally, has at least 18 palm trees planted in the front yard. Accessed from shore at the Plaza Resort, it has mild currents and ranges from 20-80 feet for the novice and intermediate divers. Southern and eagle rays are often seen in the sandy bottom.

33. Windsock: A shore or boat dive, Windsock offers the novice diver the chance to cruise the area located at the end of the runway off Flamingo Airport. With the depth ranging from 30-100 feet, divers often see turtles and rays. Named for the windsock that flies from a pole on the runway, this dive site also is excellent for snorkeling.

34. North Belnem: Also sometimes called Dick’s Place, this is an easy shore or boat dive for all skill levels. With moderate currents and a depth of 20-100 feet, the shallows have stands of elkhorn coral and schools of blue tang.

35. Bachelor’s Beach: A great boat dive, the novice diver will find Bachelor’s Beach also easy to do from shore. Located just past the airport, the 30-100 foot site has lots of soft coral in the shallows and mild currents. Also, the chances of seeing sea turtles are good here.

36. Chez Hines: Sometimes called South Belnem, Chez Hines is accessible from both shore and boat. With moderate currents, the beginning diver can expect a depth of 30-100 feet. This is another site where turtles are often seen.

37. Lighthouse Point: Located in the southern part of the island, this shore or boat dive has moderate currents for the intermediate diver. With a depth range of 30-100 feet, Lighthouse Point has a sandy bottom, with plenty of soft coral.

38. Punt Vierkant: Dutch for square point, this site marks the beginning of the double reef system. Either a boat or shore dive, the current can be moderate to strong and the depth ranges from 30-100 feet for the intermediate diver. Lots of soft coral can be found in the shallows.

39. The Lake: The second of the double reef dives. Lake is 30-100 feet and has moderate currents. Accessed from either boat or shore, the beginner diver will find soft coral in the shallows and schools of colorful reef fish.

40. Hilma Hooker: This internationally known shipwreck lies at the beginning of the double reef system. With light to moderate currents and an average depth of 60-100 feet, it is recommended for advanced divers. Can be a shore or boat dive. For penetration, some wreck and deep-dive training should be taken.

41. Angel City: Shore or boat dive, with moderate currents and suitable for all skill levels. This double reef dive was named for the friendly angelfish in the area which accompany divers. The depth is from 30-100 feet and there is a “swim-through” coral arch near the mooring, which provides a good frame for photographs.

42. Alice In Wonderland: Located along the double reef system, average depth is 30-100 feet with easy access by shore or boat. For intermediate skill levels, the current is light most times. The two distinct reef systems are separated by a sand channel. Lots of friendly French angels and parrotfish are generally present. Sand channels are host to garden eels and stingrays.

43. Aquarius: Shore or boat dive, with mild to moderate currents. All levels of divers will find this an easy site with depths of 30-100 feet. Sandy bottom shallows offer an opportunity to see rays and turtles.

44. Larry’s Lair: This intermediate-level shore or boat dive has mild to moderate currents, with a depth ranging from 30-100 feet. Expect to see rays and large groupers at cleaning stations. The entry for shore divers tends to be a bit rocky, so booties are advised

45. Jeannie’s Glory: Another easy shore or boat dive for all skill levels with mild to moderate currents and depths ranging from 30-100 feet. Lots of soft coral in the shallows and sandy bottom for rays to hide in. Turtles are often seen along these southern dive sites.

46. Salt Pier: At the end of the salt conveyor system, it should not be attempted when a ship is in the process of loading. Depth is 15-50 feet, with very little current. As a shore dive, you must have permission from the harbormaster and be accompanied by a local dive guide. Great for photography. Pillars are fully encrusted with sponges and soft coral.

47. Salt City: Still part of the double reef system, Salt City is a shore or boat dive with depths of 30-100 feet. Mild currents offer the beginner to intermediate diver the chance to see eagle rays and sea turtles.

48. Invisibles: With depths ranging from 20-100 feet, this is one of the few places divers have a chance to see garden eels in shallow water. One of the last of the double reef dives, beginner to intermediate divers will have a chance to see “islands” of coral separated by sand chutes. The currents are generally mild to moderate.

49. Tori’s Reef: A shore or boat dive, Tori’s Reef runs from 20-100 feet. All levels of divers can enjoy shallows that have large stands of elkhorn coral and a sandy bottom for Rays to camouflage themselves. Located directly opposite the outflow from the salt works, the shore entry is fairly easy.

50. Pink Beach: A shore dive, just off one of Bonaire’s most famous beaches. Depth is 25-90 feet, with easy entry for shore divers. Intermediate skill is required. The current can be strong. There are lots of coral in the shallows and stingrays are often seen along the sandy bottom.

51. White Slave: A shore or boat dive, the currents can be moderate to strong. The intermediate diver will enjoy this dive since turtles are almost always spotted. The depth ranges from 20-100 feet. The site is named for the white pinnacle and slave huts that are on the shore opposite the mooring.

52. Margate Bay: A shore or boat dive that has mild to moderate currents and a depth of 30-100 feet, all levels of diver will enjoy this dive. There are schools of black margate generally swimming at the top of the reef and pristine corals abound. This is another site at which turtles are almost always seen.

53. Red Beryl: This shore or boat dive has moderate currents and a depth of 30-100 feet. Intermediate dive skills are required for this site. Turtles, rays, and large schools of fish feeding near the surface are generally encountered.

54. Atlantis: This is a shore or boat dive with moderate to strong currents. Intermediate skill levels are required, with depths ranging from 30-100 feet. Turtles and larger species of fish are generally seen in this area.

55. Vista Blue: A shore or boat dive with moderate to strong currents. Intermediate to experienced skill levels are required, with depths of 30-100 feet. Turtles and rays are sometimes seen in this area.

56. Sweet Dreams: Accessed from shore or boat, this site can have strong currents. Advanced skill levels are recommended, with depths of 30-100 feet found. The corals on this dive are generally lush in the shallows, with larger formations of stone species in the depths.

57. Red Slave: Lying adjacent to the second set of slave huts, this shore or boat dive has depths of 20-80 feet and moderate to strong currents. Advanced divers recommended. Horse-eye jacks and turtles are often seen.

58. Willemstoren Lighthouse: Located at the island’s southern tip, there is shore diving only, with depth ranges of 20-80 feet. This site is recommended for advanced divers only because its moderate to strong currents can cause a rough entry. Lots of schooling fish and, at times, tarpons and sea turtles.

59. Blue Hole: More often called White Hole, this is a shore dive that is for advanced divers only. It lies off Lac Bay and requires a long walk in shallow water to the drop-off. The dive begins in 15 feet and slopes down to 100 feet. Numerous tarpon are found here, as are rays and a chance of sharks.

60. Cai: Definitely a shore dive for advanced divers. Currents can be strong and unpredictable. Entry is made at the mouth of Lac Bay and depth ranges from 30-100 feet. Large species are often seen. This is truly a dive for strong swimmers with lots of experience.

On Klein Bonaire: All of Klein Bonaire’s sites are boat dives.

1. No Name: This dive lies directly in front of No Name Beach at 30-100 feet. Currents are mild. However, the coral is sparse. The advantage is that the sandy bottom is often home to rays and large schoolmasters. All levels of divers will enjoy this site.

2. Ebo’s Reef: This 40-100 foot site has light to moderate currents, suitable for the intermediate diver. What makes it so unique are the giant orange elephant ear sponges that are topped off with numerous black feather crinoids.

3. Jerry’s Reef: Good boat dive for beginners, the currents are moderate with a depth of 30-100 feet. Crinoids abound at this site, and large elephant ear sponges are evident. Lots of black coral is also seen in the depths. This site is also called Ebo’s Reef.

4. Just A Nice Dive: Closed.

5. Nearest Point: A dive with moderate currents and depths ranging from 20-100 feet. All levels of diver can enjoy stony mountain corals in the drop-off area. At lower depths, black coral can be found, as well as significant orange and purple tube sponges.

6. Keepsake: Closed.

7. Bonaventure: A dive with moderate currents and a 20-100 foot depth. Suitable for the beginner as well as the intermediate diver. A significant amount of soft coral in the shallows. Angelfish often accompany divers up and down the reef.

8. Monte’s Divi: The currents are mild, and beginner divers stand a good chance of seeing a seahorse here. The depth ranges from 15-100 feet, with large stands of elkhorn coral in the shallows. Alone divi-divi tree stands guard on shore, directly opposite the mooring site.

9. Rock Pile: The shallow (15-100 feet) water and mild to moderate currents make this site suitable for all levels of diving skill. A giant green moray eel is often seen hiding among the boulder coral. The mooring lies directly offshore from a pile of rocks on the shore

10. Joanne’s Sunchi: A dive site with 20-100 foot depths and moderate currents. For all levels of diver, Joanne’s Sunchi has lots of sand chutes and large tube sponges. Sunchi is the Papiamentu word for “kiss.”

11. Capt. Don’s Reef: Ranging from 20-100 feet with mild currents, Capt. Don’s Reef is a must dive for all levels. Located at the mooring is a plaque dedicated to Bonaire’s pioneer diver, Don Stewart, which thanks to him for his dedication to the preservation of Bonaire’s reefs.

12. South Bay: This dive has mild to moderate currents and depths ranging from 30-100 feet. All levels of diver can enjoy seeing different species of groupers and schools of horse-eye jacks.

13. Hands Off: A novice-level dive with mild currents and an average depth of 30-100 feet, Hands Off was established initially to gauge diver impact on the reef. No photographers or clumsy diving practices were allowed.

14. Forest: From 25-100 feet, the intermediately skilled diver will encounter mild to moderate currents here. Forest was named for the abundance of soft coral found in the shallows, especially black coral.

15. Southwest Corner: Ranging in depth from 15-100 feet, intermediate divers will encounter mild to moderate currents. Black Dungeons and, of course, an abundance of yellowtail snappers.

16. Munk’s Haven: A dive with mild to moderate currents, this site ranges from 20-100 feet. All levels of diver can enjoy lush, soft coral in the shallows, with sizeable sculptured coral heads in the drop-off area. Large groupers are often seen at cleaning stations.

17. Twixt: Closed.

18. Sharon’s Serenity: Located on the southwest corner of Klein Bonaire, Sharon’s Serenity has moderate currents suitable for intermediate levels of diving. A good site also for snorkelers, since the mooring located quite close to shore. With an average depth of 20-100 feet, there are numerous elkhorn and staghorn coral, as well as many varieties of soft coral. Large groupers have been sighted and many basket starfish make this a famous night dive.

19. Valerie’s Hill: A boat dive for all levels of diving skill, the range of depth is 30-100 feet. Usually, a mild current is present. Named after Capt. Don’s wife by local dive guides, has numerous sponges and abundant black coral. Scrawled filefish and gray parrotfish are often seen.

20. Mi Dushi: This dive averages 25-100 feet. All skill levels will find mild to moderate currents. Mi Dushi means “my sweetheart” in the local language. The shallows are filled with staghorn and yellow pencil coral. Many smaller reef fish also inhabit this site.

21. Carl’s Hill: This site is named after underwater photographer Carl Roessler and lies on the northwest tip of Klein Bonaire. This 20-100 foot photographer’s dream has light to moderate currents for the intermediate diver. The main feature of the dive is the sheer wall that begins 20 yards offshore and drops to a sandy bottom at 70 feet. The face of the wall is covered with sponges and soft coral, making for dramatic scenery. Barracudas and bar jacks are often seen here, as well as schools of blue tangs.

22. Carl’s Hill Annex: Also known as Yellow Man, this dive has mild currents, depths of 20-100 feet, and an abundance of soft coral in the shallows. Seahorses can be found close to the mooring barrels, and there are plenty of groupers and jacks in the deeper areas.

23. Ebo’s Special: Also known as Jerry’s Jam, it is named for Bonaire’s first certified diver, Ibo Domacasse. All levels of diver will enjoy mild currents on this site. One interesting feature is a cave that is in shallow waters and is the home of large groupers. A nurse shark has been spotted, at times, sleeping among the coral heads.

24. Leonora’s Reef: Just one site east of Carl’s Hill, this is an ideal site for the beginning diver. The currents are almost always moderate, and an average depth of 20-80 feet will take you to colossal plate coral and mountainous star coral. There is a small tunnel through the coral that makes an ideal frame for a picture. Tiger groupers are seen in the deeper water, while parrotfish, yellowtail snappers, and four-eyed butterflyfish prevail in the shallows.

25. Knife: This dive, with mild currents and depth ranges of 20-100 feet, is at all levels. Lots of schooling fish reside at the top of the reef and solitary species, such as ocean triggerfish, are often seen.

26. Sampler: On the north coast of Klein Bonaire, this 20-100 foot site boasts a light to moderate currents for the novice to an intermediate diver. Friendly angelfish willingly approach divers looking for a hand-out, as do many of the reef residents at this site. It is one of Bonaire’s most popular dive sites.

Dining / Restaurant(s)

Family Dining

Blennies: Lunch is served from 11 AM through 5 PM at Blennies Restaurant Bonaire, with a selection of salads, sandwiches, burgers, and delicious fruit shakes. It’s the perfect time to observe the activity happening on the dive dock below you.

At the end of the day come and join Happy Hour, daily from 5-6 PM, with a 50% discount on all soft drinks, juices, beers, wine by the glass, cocktails of the day, and house or call drinks. Visit with friends at Blennies Restaurant Bonaire and recapture the day’s events while enjoying refreshing tropical drinks. If you’re among the lucky, you might even see the famous green flash as you watch a beautiful island sunset.

Ingridients: The Van der Valk family on Bonaire has been in the tourism industry for decades; in that time they’ve had the chance of visiting hundreds of restaurants, but only a handful of them did earn a place in their minds and hearts. Ingridients food is based on Mediterranean cuisine and uses the fundamental principles of French, Spanish, and Italian cuisine.

Next, to that, they use local produce and serve all this next to the magical blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. Buddy Dive wanted to create a space of comfort and luxury, of fresh elegance; a place for you to dine differently.

The Van der Valk family put their personal experience into everything, from the food, the decoration, and yes, the name. Hopefully, they’ll earn a place in your good memories.

Friday is a special night: Every Friday you’re invited to join Kids Sea Camp at Bennies Managers Rum Punch Party, a lively event with snacks and free rum and fruit punch from 5:30-6:30 PM. Dance to the live music of the fun and fabulous Moogie until it’s time for a dinner break at 7:00 PM.

The evening is completed the evening with Buddy’s famous “All You Can Eat Barbecue”, featuring steak, fish, chicken, and ribs accompanied by a variety of stews, salads, rice dishes, soup, and of course, dessert! It is a feast you will not want to miss and will deserve after your dancing!

Activities

When you’re not diving there are a plethora of activities available to guests

Activity package available for non-divers is the same price as the diver rate.

  • Mangrove Kayak and Snorkel Tour: A guide will lead you in your kayak & teach you about the protected Red Mangroves, a real must-see! (Price upon request)
  • Boat Snorkel: Explore 2 different snorkel sites by boat with a guide.
    Island Tour: Buddy Dive has tours to every part of the island, so please do ask for more detours on the tours available. (Price upon request)
  • Boat Fishing Charter: Go fishing with people who know how to help you catch the fish you have always dreamed of! (Price upon request)
  • Cave Exploration and Snorkel: Guided through 2 caves, 1 dry & 1 freshwater, you will see the majestic stalactites & stalagmites. Note: some physical fitness is required. (Price upon request)
  • BLOW KARTING: Discover Bonaire differently. Enjoy some world-class land sailing around one of the world’s largest salt tracks. Karts come in single or two-seaters for $65per hr. Contact us for more information. This activity is included for the kids in the Kids Sea Camp family scuba diving vacation trips.
  • Rentals at Buddy Dive (Full Day Rental)
    • Kayak Single: $32
    • Kayak Double: $48
    • Mountain bike: $16

Additional activities offered on Island

  • Windsurfing: Learn to windsurf with the pros in the perfect on-shore winds & shallow waters of Lac Bay! (Pricing available upon request)
  • Kite Boarding Package: Learn the skills of kiteboarding with steady trade winds, in the crystal clear blue waters of Bonaire. As a student, you will be accompanied by your instructor by boat. (Pricing available upon request)

Know Before You Go

Flying to Bonaire

Traveling to Bonaire is tricky, but we can help. Direct flights come in from Miami, CLT, EWR, and Atlanta. DL, AA, and UA provide direct nonstop service. This changes from time to time, but give us a call at 803.419.2556, and we will be happy to help you out. The New Bonaire Visitor Entry Tax is a mandatory payment per person per visit for all tourists 13 and older and $10 for kids 12 and under. All tourists must pay this, which is only collected on the island upon arrival or prepaid before arrival through the link below. This form must be completed before arrival, and fees must be paid. A QR code will be issued, and you will need to print and bring the QR payment receipt with you and show it upon arrival in the country. If you have not done this prior, you can do it on arrival before going through immigration.https://tourismtax.bonairegov.com/Questions and answers.https://tourismtax.bonairegov.com/section/3

When to go

Bonaire is, for the most part, outside of the hurricane belt, so it’s the perfect place to go during July, August, September, and October. If you want to put a small group together, we even provide ten paid 11th free.

Other Info

Bonaire Nature Fee

Something unique about Bonaire’s nature parks is that they are managed and maintained almost completely with funding and support from their visitors. Therefore, your contribution really makes a difference as it enables us to protect Bonaire’s valuable and vulnerable nature parks. All visitors must pay this fee. PLEASE LINK SEE

Contact Family Dive Adventures directly for current information and pricing. Pricing is not guaranteed until paid in full. Package prices may not include some or all of the following: departure tax, round-trip airline reservations, luggage fees, gov’t taxes, port taxes, fuel surcharges, and marine park fees. These conditions are beyond our control and are generally payable to the vendor directly. Family Dive Adventures and its agents act solely as a reservation service for selected suppliers and operators. It is your responsibility to provide proper documentation for international travel. Travel insurance is highly recommended for all trips. Kids Sea Camp is not an insurance company and does not collect payment for any insurance purchased with DAN, MASA, or CFAR USI. We provide links to sources that may assist you on our website www.familydivers.com.

Terms & Conditions: No refund policy applies to all payments made to Kids Sea Camp inc. This includes disruptions due to weather, illness, pandemic, epidemic, acts of God, war, government mandates, canceled/delayed flights, and all unforeseen circumstances outside of Kids Sea Camp inc control. Travel insurance is highly recommended for all trips. Kids Sea Camp is not an insurance company and does not collect payment for any insurance purchased with DAN, MASA, or USI. We provide links to sources that may assist you on our website www.familydivers.com.