Yellow dive site marker stones boat , or from the shore depending on your preference , although the freedom offered by shore diving is a major attraction of Bonaire , where you are able to plan and execute your own dives without the restricted dive times imposed by a group led dive .
With the recent lifting of travel restrictions , Bonaire is an ideal destination where you can maintain a reassuring level of isolation after the Covid pandemic . Other than the necessary confinement of the 10-hour flight from Amsterdam ’ s Schiphol airport , you can organise a largely self-contained holiday with self-catering apartments and transportation to the entry points in your own vehicle .
Bonaire is specifically geared up for shore diving . With prevailing easterlies , the majority of diving is on the west side of the island . A typical dive package will include a pickup truck , which allows loading of dive equipment and tanks into the flatbed to transport to your sites of choice . Dive sites accessible from shore are marked by yellow stones at the edge of the road . While some spots have limited parking , more popular sites have ample parking . Driving on Bonaire is stress-free , thanks to the low-speed limits , although potholes prevail on the more remote roads .
Be aware that locals have a habit of pulling out in front of you when they see
the V on your number plate identifying a commercial vehicle , and the use of indicators at roundabouts is seemingly optional . Theft from vehicles can be an issue , so no valuables should be left in your vehicle ; doors should be left unlocked and windows partly open . A dry pouch is recommended to stow your car key and cash in your BCD while diving .
Before kitting-up , it ’ s a good idea to review your entry and exit points . While some dive sites have a marker near the water , many don ’ t and it is worth taking time to watch where other divers appear to be struggling least . Helping your buddy in and out of the water is strongly recommended in some areas , as there can be large rocky steps and odd waves can obscure your footing , or potentially bowl you over .
From the shore , most dive sites require a swim across a sandy bottom to reach the fringing reef , typically at a depth of about 6m , before dropping over gently sloping reefs to a maximum depth of 20 to 40m . Navigation is obviously a key skill in Bonaire , as you need to return to your vehicle . To avoid the ‘ walk of shame ’ along the road , a brief stop at the reef edge is recommended to determine the current direction before heading along the reef into the current and then drifting back . Currents are generally minimal , but can be stronger towards the north and south ends of the island .
4 seat pickup truck
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Shoal of Schoolmaster Snapper at Salt Pier