Scuba diving Bonaire | Mi Casa Bonaire

Scuba diving in Bonaire is an unforgettable experience. Located in the heart of the Caribbean, the island is known for its crystal-clear waters, stunning dive sites, and tropical fish, earning it the nickname “Divers’ Paradise.” With 86 official dive sites, including 51 easily accessible shore dives, Bonaire offers a unique experience for both beginners and experienced divers. Here are some tips to help you start your dive vacation!

Diving all year round on Bonaire

Bonaire is located outside the hurricane belt, making it rarely affected by major storms. With water temperatures ranging from 78.8 to 84.2 degrees Fahrenheit and visibility between 59 feet and 99 feet diving is always pleasant! Although Bonaire offers great diving conditions year-round, the summer months can sometimes bring more wind and waves, which may reduce underwater visibility.

When is the best time to visit Bonaire for diving?

The best time to dive in Bonaire is between November and April, when the weather is most stable, with less rain and calmer seas.

What are the costs of diving in Bonaire for beginners?

Never dived before, but eager to learn? Bonaire is an ideal diving destination! The island boasts a wide range of dive schools that offer lessons as well as rental equipment, allowing you to explore Bonaire’s underwater world.

Never dived before but eager to learn? Bonaire is an ideal diving destination! The island boasts a wide range of dive schools that offer lessons as well as rental equipment, allowing you to explore Bonaire’s underwater world.

The open water dive is the basic
certification for divers and typically takes three to four days to complete. The course costs between $400 and $500 and includes theory lessons, pool training, and four open water dives.

The Advanced Open Water course is for certified divers who want to expand their skills. This course includes five dives, such as a deep dive and a navigation dive, and costs between $300 and $400. After this dive course, you can go to all the best dive sites on Bonaire

Want to dive into the Caribbean Sea quickly and whenever you want? Mi Casa Bonaire features easy stairs leading directly into the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Three great dive schools on the island

1. Dive school; Buddy Dive

Buddy Dive Resort is one of the most well-known dive schools in Bonaire, offering a full range of diving services. Their “Drive and Dive” program allows you to explore the island and reach the best dive sites easily. They offer PADI-certified courses for all levels, from beginners to advanced divers.
Buddy Dive Resort is a 13-minute drive from Mi Casa in Kralendijk.

2. Dive school; Dive Friends Bonaire

Dive Friends Bonaire is a popular choice for both new and experienced divers. They have seven dive shops across the island, making it easy to access various dive spots. Dive Friends has a location at Defins Beach Resort, which is just 1 km from Mi Casa.

3. Dive school; VIP Diving

VIP Diving offers a personalized and tailored diving experience. Their small group sizes ensure more individual attention and a safe diving environment. They are known for their excellent customer service and attention to detail.

How far is VIP Diving from Mi Casa? VIP Diving is just a 6-minute drive from Mi Casa in Kralendijk.

Exploring the underwater world independently

Are you already a certified diver and want to explore Bonaire’s underwater world on your own? Most dive schools offer complete dive gear rentals

The cost of renting a complete dive set (including mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit, BCD, regulator, dive computer, and weights) is typically between $40 and $50 per day. For a week, the price ranges from $200 to $250.

Don’t forget to purchase a STINAPA nature fee before diving.

Bonaire best dive spots

Bonaire is famous for its excellent dive sites, which can be accessed from the shore or by boat. Shore diving sites are marked with yellow stones to indicate the dive location, and yellow buoys in the water to mark the exact dive spot.

Hilma Hooker

A sunken cargo ship that has formed an artificial reef. The wreck lies at a depth of approximately 30 to 100 feet and is home to various marine life, including barracudas, eels, and rays. (4 minutes from Mi Casa)

Klein (small) Bonaire

An uninhabited island just off Bonaire’s coast with several excellent dive sites. The reefs around Klein Bonaire are well-protected and offer crystal-clear water. You’ll need a boat to dive here, There are also one of the best beaches on Klein Bonaire. (13 minutes from Mi Casa)

1000 steps

This site gets its name from the steep path leading down to the water (though there are only 67 steps). 1000 Steps is known for its colorful sponges and coral reef formations, and there’s a good chance of swimming with turtles, manta rays, and even whale sharks. Snorkeling is also excellent here. (22 minutes from Mi Casa)

Karpata

A popular dive site with an abundance of coral and marine life. The visibility is excellent, and the coral formations extend to almost 50 meters deep. The dive starts from a limestone cliff, providing access to beautiful reefs. (Karpata is 29 minutes from Mi Casa)

Salt Pier

Known for its large schools of fish and impressive coral formations. Divers often encounter parrotfish, snappers, and rays here. The structures of the salt refinery make this spot unique. Note: Diving is only allowed when there is no ship anchored at the pier. (Salt Pier is a 6-minute drive from Mi Casa)

Bari Reef

Famous for its high biodiversity, Bari Reef is a popular spot for underwater photographers. Here, you can find barracudas, octopuses, and corals. The site is easily accessible from the shore, making it convenient for a quick dive. (Bari Reef is a 12-minute drive from Mi Casa)

Tolo (Ol’ Blue)

Known for its easily accessible reefs and clear water, the name comes from the blue color of the Caribbean Sea. This site is ideal for both divers and snorkelers. The location is accessible from the shore and marked by a yellow stone with “Tolo” on it. (Tolo, Ol’ Blue is 26 minutes north of Kralendijk, near Mi Casa Bonaire)