One of our most well-travelled guests, Diane Fisher has been visiting Bonaire for over 20 years. Now honoured as a Bonaire Ambassador, Diane shares why this small island in the Dutch Caribbean has captured her heart.
I first discovered Bonaire whilst looking through a scuba diving holiday brochure. The destination caught my eye as I was looking for a new place to visit and I remembered that another diver had mentioned it in positive terms. Previously, I had made many trips to North Sulawesi but I was keen to try somewhere new, and particularly a destination that offered shallower diving. Bonaire seemed to fit the bill, with a spectacular fringing reef close to the shore, calm, clear, bath-warm waters and a mix of shore and boat diving, as well as plenty of opportunities to snorkel.
Some 20+ years later, and I haven’t looked back. I’ve been visiting Bonaire every year, sometimes twice a year, ever since. I even managed my annual trip during the Covid pandemic! My favourite time of year to visit is May and September – these months seem to offer the perfect mix of peace and quiet, as well as ideal weather conditions. But really, there is never a bad time to visit Bonaire. Year-round sunshine and a location south of the main hurricane belt means the island is lovely to visit at any time of year. Personally I prefer the off-peak season that coincides with UK summer as it’s generally quieter and even better value.
Bonaire is often called the home of ‘diving freedom’, a reference to the fact that it offers some of the best and most accessible shore diving worldwide. It’s not known as ‘the shore diving capital of the world’ for nothing! Booking a ‘drive and dive’ package is a popular choice for divers visiting here but you don’t need to travel far to access the 60+ officially-listed dive sites. Most packages offer unlimited shore diving. Since I’m a solo traveller however, I’ve always preferred to book a boat diving package. Typically 12 dives, with the option to dive up to three times each day. So what can you see?
As someone who’s been lucky enough to visit many top dive destinations around the world, including multiple trips to Indonesia, Bonaire is right up there in terms of quality. The reefs are spectacularly beautiful and incredibly healthy. Bonaire has been protected by the Bonaire National Marine Park since 1979 and the BNMP covers an area of 6,672 acres.
The reefs abound with multiple colourful tropical fish – Bonaire is said to be home to 350+ fish species and 60 types of coral. Everything from parrotfish, frogfish, angelfish and groupers, to moray eels, trumpetfish and triggerfish. A particular favourite of mine are the trunkfish. As juveniles, they have a black body with white spots. As they mature, they end up with a white body with black spots. I particularly adore the juvenile fish. They are the size of your smallest fingernail and indescribably cute.
My love for finding juvenile fish is one of the reasons I started to dive shallower. Fortunately, Bonaire has a wealth of dive sites that are optimal around 10-12 m depth. Over the years, I’ve also seen many turtles here, squid (especially under the boat), rays and even the occasional shark. Finding a seahorse or two is always a highlight. There are at least three species to be discovered here. Salt Pier is one of my favourite sites. The pillars of the pier are completely encrusted with corals and sponges that are the backdrop for huge schools of colourful reef fish. I also really like 1000 Steps. A special and unique place where divers walk down some 72 steps to access the water to be rewarded with turtles, barracuda and lots more marine life.
With so much to see underwater, Bonaire’s calm waters are blessed with exceptional visibility that often exceeds 30 m. The currents tend to be minimal and with reefs that run parallel to the shore, a short swim at some 10 m or less, this island destination is perfect for novice divers, or just those that like to take things at a slower pace. Underwater photographers, in particular, will benefit from the conditions here. The shallow drop-offs and reef slopes offer an abundance of marine life that will allow you to maximise your bottom time and enjoy some wonderful, chilled dives. This also means that Bonaire is perfect for snorkelling and learning to dive.
Bonaire, and its tiny uninhabited sister island Klein Bonaire, offer plenty to discover above water also. Just 24 miles long, by 3-5 miles wide, the boomerang-shaped main island is easily accessible and boasts a wealth of natural beauty. The Bonaire National Marine Park and its counterpart on land, the Washington Slagbaai National Park, have been carefully managed and protected by Stichting Nationale Parken Bonaire (STINAPA Bonaire) since its inauguration by Bonaire’s government in 1962. Hiking, bird watching and mountain biking are all good choices on the island. Washington Slagbaai National Park provides refuge or nesting sites for a wide variety of fauna including countless species of bird, parrots, flamingos, parakeets, iguanas and all four species of sea turtles found in the Caribbean. Klein Bonaire is also an important turtle nesting site. The clear waters and constant trade winds also make Bonaire attractive for other watersports including kayaking, wind and kite surfing.
Bonaire is a place for relaxation and rejuvenation. It’s not a party destination, although there are some lively bars and plenty of places to shop, eat and drink in the capital Kralendijk. I’ve always found everything I need by staying on site at Buddy Dive Resort. Located on the waterfront just north of Kralendijk, this well-known and popular family-owned resort has been in operation for over 40 years and has been pivotal in conservation efforts through its Reef Renewal Foundation. It has also grown to become the largest technical diving facility in the Caribbean. Buddy Dive’s seven buildings house studios and apartments that cater to everyone from solo travellers, couples, families or dive groups. I opt to stay in a studio apartment which is perfect for one. It has a small kitchenette to prepare meals or you can choose to eat at (or grab a takeaway from) the beachside Blennies Restaurant or the elegant Ingridiënts. Perfect for solo travellers, I’ve never felt out of place at Buddy Dive. Over the years, many of the staff have become firm friends and I enjoy the relaxed pace of life, the pleasure of my own company, and people to chat to when I need.
As the years have passed and due to some health issues, I’ve dived less and less and I’m now at the point where I’m sadly unable to dive. But I’m still visiting Bonaire twice a year and plan to continue as long as I can. It really is a wonderful destination for diving, but also for just enjoying the sunshine, fresh food, and relaxing in a natural paradise. Over the years, Bonaire really has become a home from home.
Diane Fisher
Interested in a diving holiday in Bonaire?
Bonaire is ideal for:
- Divers of all kinds!
- Those who enjoy shore diving, snorkelling and anyone wanting to learn to dive
- Discovering a wide range of marine life – rich biodiversity of local reefs
- Solo travellers – Buddy Dive Resort offers bespoke packages for solos
- Anyone who appreciates the natural world and a laidback, relaxed atmosphere.
SPECIAL OFFER – DIVE FOR LESS IN 2025 – FREE BUDDY DIVING!
With our partners at Buddy Dive Resort we’re offering Diverse Travel guests an exclusive special offer package until end 2025.
Package (based on two sharing) from £2,099 per person includes:
- Flights from London Heathrow to Bonaire with KLM (via Amsterdam) with 23kg hold and 10kg cabin baggage
- 7 nights in a Studio Room
- Bed & Breakfast meal plan (American-style breakfast daily)
- Drive & Dive package with 6 days unlimited shore diving, tanks & weights and a free Nitrox upgrade
- 7 days car rental, car insurance
- Airport transfers
- Free Wi-Fi in resort
Read more about Buddy Dive Resort.
Booking Conditions: Only valid for new bookings from August 1st 2025. Valid for travel until December 20th, 2025. 2nd diver dives free promotion is valid per 2 divers who both book a diving package. Not valid in combination with other offers or promotions. Black-out dates apply including from August 2nd -16th 2025. Subject to availability.
Want to find out more about diving in Bonaire?
Get in touch with us today or give us a call on 01473 852002 and chat to our Dive Travel Experts and let us design the holiday of a lifetime to Bonaire for you.
