2025 Bonaire Dive Trip
Bonaire Dive Trip Overview and Itinerary
Overview
The Caribbean island of Bonaire has a reputation — Bonaire is known as the best tropical shore diving in the world!
Bonaire was the first destination dive trip I went on way back in 2015 and it made an impression. Bonaire is just an amazing destination for a summer escape, spectacular diving, and a true embodiment of island vibes.
This trip to Bonaire from August 23 - August 30, 2025 will be my fourth visit to the island and, based on my own experiences, Bonaire’s reputation is well deserved!
Details
Important Dates
Now until June 12: Trip registration is open; deposit due upon registration (I’ll email you an invoice).
June 12: Full balance due; if registering for the trip on or after this date, the full amount is due upon registration
July 30, August 13, August 20: Pre-trip meetings — I will host a couple of pre-trip meetings to ensure everyone has everything they need for the trip.
August 23 - August 30: Travel to Bonaire and enjoy a week of the best tropical shore diving in the world!
About our destination: Bonaire
Bonaire is a Dutch Caribbean island, part of the ABC islands (Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire), known for its vibrant coral reefs, pristine waters, and commitment to marine conservation. It's a popular destination for diving and snorkeling, with many easily accessible shore dive sites. Bonaire is also known for its saltpans and unique mangrove systems.
Here's a more detailed summary
Where is Bonaire?
Climate
Warm and dry, with a constant temperature of about 27 degrees Celsius (81 degrees Fahrenheit). Bonaire is outside of the typical hurricane zone, which makes it a great destination year round. Click here for the current 10 day weather forecast for Bonaire.
Geographic Features
A boomerang-shaped island with three distinct land types: a central semi-arid region, a flat southern region with saltpans and mangroves, and a greener, hillier northern part.
Natural Resources
Renowned for its coral reefs, which are protected as part of the Bonaire National Marine Park.
Economy
Tourism and marine-related activities are major economic drivers, with a focus on sustainability.
Culture
Papiamento culture in Bonaire and the ABC Islands overall is deeply intertwined with the language itself, a creole language that reflects the islands' unique history and identity. Papiamento, more than just a means of communication, serves as a unifying force, embodying the blend of European, African, and indigenous influences that shaped the islands. It is a culture of community, heritage, and cultural expression, influencing literature, music, and artistic traditions.
Flag and Government
What’s included in the trip package?
As many scuba tanks as you can use. No limits on how many air tanks you use during the trip.
Same for Nitrox if you’re a certified Enriched Air Diver
If you don’t have your Enriched Air Diver certification, I can help you get it! Longer dives and shorter surface intervals, plus safer diving. Just let me know and I’ll set you up with training.
Unlimited shore diving
6 boat dives with the Buddy Dive fleet
With this, we get an opportunity to dive some sites that are not accessible to shore diving like the nearby island of Klein Bonaire and dive sites within Washington Slagbaai National Park.
2 tank boat dive with Bonaire East Coast Diving
An excellent dive outfit that operates a custom built boat for adventure dives on the East side of Bonaire, which is not dive-able from shore.
Kayak tour of the mangroves
Includes snorkeling in the mangroves
Transportation to and from the Bonaire airport
Lodging
Vehicle (pickup truck) rental
Note that the rental trucks are stick shift
A welcome drink and free Manager's Rum Punch Party
American & European style buffet breakfast each morning
Optional Activities
There’s more to Bonaire than just scuba diving. While we are on the island, there are opportunities for many other activities, including:
Hiking at Washington Slagbaai National Park
Wind-surfing lessons at Lac Bay
A visit to the donkey sanctuary
A sight-seeing drive around the island
What does this trip cost?
The price of this trip package is $2,182 per diver for a double occupancy room. Each room includes a bedroom with two twin size beds, a full bathroom, and a kitchenette.
Options are available for single occupancy rooms or multi-room suites, if you’re interested.
There’s also an option for non-divers who want to tag along.
What’s not included?
There are a few required taxes and fees that are not part of the trip package:
Airfare
Lunches and dinners
Insurance for the rental vehicle is not included; however, an option to add coverage will be presented when completing the paperwork at the resort.
Travel insurance is not included; however, travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Similarly, diver insurance is not included; however, it is also strongly recommended. Standard health insurance does not typically cover transportation and treatment related to dive related accidents.
For both of travel and dive insurance, I recommend (and I use myself) insurance provided by Diver’s Alert Network. Click here for more information on DAN insurance options.
Daily Itinerary
Saturday, August 23
Fly to Bonaire
Transport from Bonaire airport to our resort
Get settled into our rooms and dive lockers
Complete any dive gear rentals
Go into town for groceries (room snacks, et al)
Collect our welcome drink and attend the free Manager's Rum Punch Party
First dive of the trip at Buddy Dive's House Reef
Sunday, August 24
Breakfast
Explore Bonaire and dive
Monday, August 25
Breakfast
Explore Bonaire and dive
Tuesday, August 26
Breakfast
Explore Bonaire and dive
Wednesday, August 27
Breakfast
2 morning dives with Bonaire East Coast Diving
Lunch near Lac Bay
More diving; more exploring
Thursday, August 28
Breakfast
Explore Bonaire and dive
Friday, August 29 (deco day)
Breakfast
Kayak tour of mangroves with snorkeling
Deco day is a great day for some of those optional, non-diving activities
Saturday, August 30
Breakfast
Return rental trucks
Transport from Buddy Dive to Bonaire airport
Fly home
Next steps
Are you interested in this trip; but, want more information before registering? If so, please contact me or click here for more information and updates.
Are you convinced and ready to join me on a trip to the best shore diving in the world!? Click here to register for the trip.
After receiving your registration, I’ll contact you directly to confirm details and prepare an invoice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Are you a travel agent or is Cold Water Dive a travel agency?
Answer: Cold Water Dive LLC is registered with the State of California’s Attorney General as a Seller of Travel (CST 2164604-40).