Maximizing Your Visit to Bonaire National Marine Park: Shore‑Diving Tips from Dive Friends at Delfins
Planning a shore‑diving trip to Bonaire National Marine Park? You’re in the right place. Bonaire is world‑famous for easy, flexible shore diving—and with Dive Friends Bonaire located on‑site at Delfins Beach Resort, you can pay the required STINAPA nature fee, gear up at the island’s largest scuba drive‑through, and step straight into calm, clear water on our house reef. Use this guide to streamline your prep, dive responsibly, and make the most of every minute underwater.
Bonaire National Marine Park at a glance
Bonaire has earned its reputation as a “Diver’s Paradise” thanks to long‑standing marine protection and shore‑diving access.
- Established in 1979, the Marine Park encompasses all waters surrounding Bonaire and Klein Bonaire—from the high‑tide mark to a depth of 200 feet.
- It protects coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves—habitats that support remarkable biodiversity.
- A strict no‑anchoring policy is enforced; there are 100+ public moorings available for use.
- Both Lac and Klein Bonaire are designated RAMSAR sites—wetlands of international importance.
- Bonaire has consistently ranked among the top 5 shore‑diving destinations for many years, thanks to its accessibility and site variety.
Featured snippet: What is Bonaire National Marine Park?
Bonaire National Marine Park is a protected area covering all waters around Bonaire and Klein Bonaire down to 200 feet, safeguarding reefs, seagrass, and mangroves. Anchoring is prohibited; public moorings are provided.
How to pay the STINAPA Nature Fee (and why it matters)
To support conservation and access, everyone entering Bonaire’s waters pays a STINAPA Nature Fee of $40 USD.
- Pay conveniently at Dive Friends—the on‑site dive school at Delfins Beach Resort—before you enter the water.
- The fee supports STINAPA, the non‑profit managing Bonaire’s national parks, including the Marine Park and Washington Slagbaai National Park.
Quick answer: How much is the STINAPA Nature Fee?
The STINAPA Nature Fee is $40 USD and can be paid at Dive Friends at Delfins.
Shore diving made easy with Dive Friends at Delfins
With Dive Friends Bonaire right at Delfins, everything you need is steps from your room.
- Island’s largest scuba drive‑through for fast tank exchange.
- Gear rental, guided boat dives, and PADI courses for all levels.
- Rinse tanks conveniently located near the Front Desk.
- Delfins’ house reef accessible directly from the pier and the beach—expect calm, crystal‑clear water with turtles, parrotfish, and colorful coral slopes just a few fin kicks from shore.
- Load your pickup and explore more than 85 marked dive sites around the island at your own pace—the essence of Bonaire’s shore‑diving freedom.
Pro tip: New to scuba? Join our Free Try Dive every Monday from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the pool by Restaurant Koló. Sessions last 10–20 minutes. Minimum age 10; participants under 18 must have a parent/guardian at poolside to provide consent. Free for Delfins guests—just bring swimwear and a Delfins towel.
Responsible diving: Put reef protection into practice
Bonaire’s marine life thrives because divers follow simple habits that protect fragile habitats.
- Never anchor: Use public moorings when boat diving; anchoring is prohibited in the Marine Park.
- Master buoyancy: Hover, don’t kneel; keep fins high to avoid stirring sediment or contacting coral.
- Streamline your setup: Secure gauges, octos, and accessories so nothing drags or snags.
- Look, don’t touch: Corals, sponges, turtles, and all marine life are strictly hands‑off.
- Entry/exit care: Choose sand channels; avoid standing on or brushing against reef structures.
- Sunscreen smart: Use protective clothing (rash guard or wetsuit) to reduce sunscreen use.
- Respect wildlife: Give animals space; avoid chasing or blocking their path.
These practices align with the Marine Park’s conservation goals and help ensure Bonaire remains a top shore‑diving destination for years to come.
Plan the perfect shore dive: A step‑by‑step playbook
- Choose your site and objective
- Bonaire offers relaxed shallows, vibrant slopes, and iconic structures. Decide whether you’re macro hunting, photographing pilings, or exploring a wreck.
- Check conditions
- Assess wind, wave action, and visibility from shore. Identify safe entry and exit points before gearing up.
- Gear up efficiently
- Use the Dive Friends drive‑through to pick up tanks and rental gear. Confirm weights, test inflators and regulators, and streamline hoses.
- Plan navigation and limits
- Agree on compass headings, max depth, turn pressure, and reserve gas. Review hand signals and emergency procedures with your buddy.
- Controlled entry and descent
- Time your entry with lulls, don fins in safe depth, and descend slowly over sand where possible to fine‑tune buoyancy.
- Mindful dive conduct
- Keep a steady pace, maintain situational awareness, and avoid contact with the bottom and reef contours.
- Exit and debrief
- Surface with a safe reserve, exit at the planned point, and return to Delfins’ rinse tanks to clean gear. Log sightings and conditions to plan your next dive.
Top shore dives to consider
Bonaire’s site variety means there’s always something new to discover. Here are guest favorites to match different goals.
| Site | Why it’s great |
|---|---|
| Delfins House Reef | Easy access from the pier and beach; calm, crystal‑clear water; turtles, parrotfish, and colorful coral slopes just a few fin kicks from shore. |
| Hilma Hooker | A 71.8‑meter former cargo ship; schools of tarpon often shelter in the holds; the surrounding slope is covered in beautiful coral. |
| Andrea 1 & 2 | Relaxed, beginner‑friendly shore dive with frequent parrotfish and soft corals; seahorses are possible with a careful eye. |
| Salt Pier | Photographer’s playground: growth on pilings, schooling fish in the pier’s shadow; watch for grunts, trunkfish, snapper, and parrotfish. |
| Bari Reef | Turquoise water with little to no current; great for beginners and critter fans; ranked #1 in the Caribbean for fish diversity with 300+ species sighted and surveyed. |
Want more? Bonaire offers 350+ fish species, 57 coral types, and unforgettable night dives with glowing ostracods—a magical bioluminescent display you won’t soon forget.
FAQs: Quick answers for fast planning
Is Bonaire National Marine Park good for beginners?
Yes. The park is renowned for its accessibility, with many relaxed shore entries and more than 85 marked dive sites, including beginner‑friendly options like Andrea 1 & 2.
Are moorings available inside the park?
Yes. Anchoring is prohibited, but there are over 100 public moorings available for use.
Where can I pay the STINAPA Nature Fee?
At Dive Friends on the grounds of Delfins Beach Resort. The fee is $40 USD and should be paid before you enter Bonaire’s waters.
Can I try scuba at Delfins before I book a course?
Yes. Join the Free Try Dive every Monday from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the pool by Restaurant Koló. Sessions last 10–20 minutes. Minimum age 10; under 18 requires a parent/guardian at poolside to provide consent. Free for Delfins guests.
Practical takeaways
- Pay the $40 STINAPA Nature Fee at Dive Friends before entering the water.
- Use the drive‑through to grab tanks fast and hit multiple sites in a day.
- Start at Delfins’ house reef for an easy, rewarding dive just steps from your room.
- Follow no‑anchoring rules and always use public moorings when boat diving.
- Protect the reef: buoyancy control, no touching, streamlined gear, and mindful entries.
- Consider a guided dive or PADI course with Dive Friends to sharpen skills and discover hidden gems.
- Rinse and reset at Delfins’ rinse tanks and plan your next shore hop.
Conclusion
Bonaire National Marine Park offers unmatched freedom and biodiversity for shore divers—and with Dive Friends at Delfins, you have everything on site to make your dives seamless and sustainable. Pay your STINAPA Nature Fee at the shop, pick up tanks at the island’s largest scuba drive‑through, and step into Delfins’ house reef or set out for icons like Hilma Hooker, Salt Pier, Andrea 1 & 2, and Bari Reef.
Ready to dive in? Visit Dive Friends at Delfins to sort your $40 STINAPA fee, plan your shore‑diving itinerary, and join our free Monday Try Dive. Explore more through our Diving, Sustainability, and Experiences pages—and start crafting your perfect Bonaire dive week today.