Bonaire

Some of our accommodation options include diving - please check with the Regaldive team what each resort offers. Individual hotels operate an in house dive centre that is an integral part of the hotel. Please see below for each hotel's dive facilities.

All divers, regardless of experience level and diving frequency, must participate in the short orientation programme before taking part in any boat or shore dives. Divers are required to complete a compulsory check dive on arrival, after their dive centre briefing. This is part of the Bonaire Marine Park (STINAPA) requirements.

Guests staying at Buddy Dive Resort and Belmar Oceanfront Apartments should refer to dive centre information at Buddy Dive Dive Centre

Guests staying at Harbour Village should refer to dive centre information at Great Adventures

Buddy Dive, Dive Centre

Buddy Dive is a PADI 5 Star Career Development Centre, offering unlimited shore diving and boat diving to PADI Open Water qualified divers and above. The centre is very well-organised and training facilities are second to none. It is also an excellent place to learn to dive. A range of PADI Tec courses and photography workshops are also available.

At Buddy Dive, the dive centre is located on the water's edge and a jetty provides easy access on to the house reef. Nitrox fills, a large selection of speciality courses and technical equipment rental are available locally. Boats depart the dock 3 times a day to explore those sites not accessible from shore. The unique 2 lane “Drive Thru” filling station makes it very easy for divers to stock up on their tanks (2 tanks per person per time) and explore the island’s many dive sites.

Dive Packs

Options available include 6 days unlimited shore and/or boat diving packages. Buddy Dive also offer a Drive & Dive package options, which include your diving and rental vehicle; this is the most popular option. Please discuss your requirements with the Regaldive team, who will prepare a quotation suited to your needs.

Extras in Resort

• Bonaire Marine Park fee
• DIN tanks - it is recommended that you take DIN adaptors with you
• Nitrox fills
• Private guide fees
• Local sales tax payable in resort
• Dive equipment rental: Full equipment is available to hire, including BCDs, regulators, wetsuits, dive computers, full set incl. computer dive light (without batteries), fins, masks & snorkels

Great Adventures

Great Adventures is a small, well-run PADI 5-Star Instructor Development Resort with a concierge dive service that concentrates on providing a personalised service to divers. Located on the resort's beach next to its own jetty, the centre runs morning and afternoon boat dives, with a range of dive packs and courses.

Diving can be done directly in front of the resort, on a small wreck called the 'Our Confidence', which sank close to the beach in August 2003, while the dive site 'Something Special' is a short, 5-minute swim from the resort's shore. All shore dives on the island are designated by coloured markers at the side of the road.

Dive Packs

The dive pack inclusions will depend on which accommodation/dive package you have booked. Harbour Village and Great Adventures offer 2 fantastic value for money dive-inclusive packages. The two packages available are 'Club Dive' and 'Dive into Luxury' which provide excellent value for money if you wish to dive every day of your stay. In all other cases, diving and courses will need to be booked and paid for locally. Local prices will incur 6% sales tax.

Club Dive Package: (minimum 7 night stay)
Includes: Courtyard room (or Marina room), welcome drink, American breakfast, 1 boat dive per day with refreshments, complimentary concierge dive service, unlimited shore diving (diving does not apply on arrival and departure days), air tanks, complimentary Nitrox upgrade for Nitrox-certified divers, weights and belt, beach towels and loungers, use of kayaks and paddle boards.

Dive Into Luxury (minimum 7 night stay)
Includes: 1-bedroom beachfront suite, welcome drink, American breakfast, 1 boat dive per day with refreshments, complimentary concierge dive service, unlimited shore diving (diving does not apply on arrival and departure days), air tanks, complimentary Nitrox upgrade for Nitrox-certified divers, weights and belt, beach towels and loungers, use of kayaks and paddle boards.

If you would like your diving to be more flexible, the dive centre offers a variety of boat dives and unlimited shore dives. Please discuss your requirements with the Regaldive team, who will prepare a quotation suited to your needs.

Extras in Resort

• Bonaire Marine Park fee
• DIN tanks - it is recommended that you take DIN adaptors with you
• Snorkelling boat trips
• Local sales tax payable in resort
• Dive equipment rental: Full equipment is available to hire, including BCDs, regulators, wetsuits, dive computers, 12 litre aluminium cylinders with DIN/INT fittings, dive light, fins, masks & snorkels

Dive courses

All dive centres offer a range of diving courses for those looking to learn to dive. Please enquire for details.

Bonaire is a small island in the South Caribbean, with a tranquil and laid back atmosphere, although there are numerous bars that provide great live music, some first class restaurants and plenty of fantastic activities.

The locals pride themselves on their friendly welcoming attitude, which combined with the wonderful environment goes a long way to explaining the large number of repeat visitors to the island. Bonaire has long been renowned for its pioneering role in marine conservation, which has kept the reefs of the island in immaculate condition for future generations. The island remains relatively untouched by outside influences both above and below the water, making it an attractive option for those looking to escape from a mainstream holiday destination.

Our chosen hotels are all within easy reach of the Dutch influenced capital, Kralendijk. Here you will find a variety of shops, restaurants and bars with live music and entertainments.

Time

Bonaire is -4 hours behind GMT.

Currency

The US Dollar is Bonaire's official currency.

There are ATM’s in Kralendijk. Credit cards are widely accepted.

Climate

Bonaire is outside the hurricane belt and the annual rainfall is very low. Average temperature annually is 27.5°C. July / August is the hottest period reaching up to 30°C. Conditions are normally warm and humid with a fairly constant, cooling sea breeze.

Water Temperature

Water temperature rarely drops below 26°C. A 3mm long suit is recommended (the long suit provides extra protection on shore entries/exits). Those carrying out multiple dives over a longer stay may prefer to add a vested hood or 5mm.

Car Hire

One of the best ways to enjoy Bonaire is to hire a vehicle locally. There are a number of vehicles available for rental in Bonaire. Should you be travelling over a peak period you should consider pre-booking your vehicle prior to departure.

Activities

Bonaire is the home of easy diving, dive sites around the island are well-marked and easily accessed at any time of the day or night. The fringing reefs make for brilliant snorkelling for those not wanting to dive. Other activities include windsurfing at Lac Bai, a sheltered bay that is excellent for beginners and pros alike, cave snorkelling, sea kayaking, kite boarding and mountain biking.

With over 180 bird species, the island attracts ornithologists from around the world especially to the salt lakes where a huge colony of flamingos gathers. The Washington Slagbaai National Park provides an excellent way of observing these incredible birds in their natural environment. Vehicles can be hired and there is a road that runs around the island and through the park. As the island is small everything is within easy reach.

Flights from UK

Flights with KLM from London Heathrow, London City, Birmingham and Manchester, via Amsterdam.

NB: some arrival times in Bonaire are the early hours of the morning. Unless specifically requested otherwise, your accommodation will be booked for the night before, which allows you to check in as soon as you arrive. Otherwise, you will need to wait until 14.00 hours to check-in.

Other Regional Departures - Supplement:
Additional regional departures available from : Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Newcastle, Durham, Humberside, Norwich International, Cardiff, Bristol - supplement may apply.

Resort Departure Tax:
Payable in cash at the airport prior to check-in. Currently included for international departures on KLM. Subject to change without notice.

Visas

Entry requirements vary from country to country, and it’s important to check the latest visa information well before you travel. Some destinations may allow visa-free entry for a limited period, while others require an eVisa or a visa obtained in advance. To ensure you have the correct documentation for your trip, we recommend checking the official advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or contacting the relevant country’s embassy or consulate. Other nationalities should check with their own consulate/embassy.

Passports

Before you travel, make sure your passport is valid for the full duration of your trip and meets the entry requirements of your destination. Many countries require at least six months’ validity beyond your planned return date, while others may have different rules. For the most reliable and up-to-date information, visit the UK Government’s passport guidance or the official travel advice pages for your destination. Other nationalities should check with their own consulate/embassy.

If you’re planning to travel to or via an EU country (with certain exceptions) your UK passport must meet two key requirements, it must be less than 10 years old on the day you enter the country and it must be valid for at least three months after your planned departure date.

Vaccinations & Health Advice

Health and vaccination requirements differ depending on where you're travelling. Some destinations may require proof of specific vaccinations or recommend certain precautions to protect your wellbeing.

We’re not qualified to provide you with specific advice on vaccinations and strongly recommend that you contact your healthcare professional before you travel to discuss the inoculations you may need to consider.

For trusted guidance on health and vaccination advice, refer to the NHS Travel Vaccination Advice, Masta Travel Health or Travel Health Pro websites.