Explore the Depths Responsibly: Diving Rules and Regulations

Welcome to the captivating underwater realm of Bonaire’s National Marine Park, where the enchanting beauty of the ocean meets a commitment to preservation. To ensure a harmonious coexistence between divers and the fragile marine ecosystem, we kindly ask you to adhere to the following guidelines. These rules are designed to safeguard the marine life and everybody’s safety.

Dive Sites and Reserves: Diving is allowed throughout the Marine Park with the exception of two Marine Reserves (Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander Reserves) – as well as any dive sites temporarily closed due to SCTLD. There are 88 marked dive sites along Bonaire’s West Coast and Klein Bonaire. Diving along the east coast is for advanced divers only and STINAPA recommends only attempting these dives with an experienced guide.

Essential Precautions:

• SCTLD Awareness: Stay up to date and informed about the latest rules pertaining to SCTLD.
• Orientation Dive: Begin your journey with a mandatory orientation dive upon arrival.
• Buoyancy Check: It’s important to practice good buoyancy to protect our coral reefs.
• Secure Equipment: Make sure all your gear is tightly fastened to prevent accidental contact with the reef.
• Surface Marker Buoy: Make use of a Surface Marker Buoy at all times. This serves as a visual indicator of your presence.
• No Gloves or Knee Pads: Our commitment to preservation extends to every touch. Refrain from using gloves or knee pads. Medical exceptions can be requested through info@stinapa.org.
• Respectful Interaction: Refrain from touching, moving, or grasping marine life for yourself or even for picture purposes. Admire the underwater wonders without causing harm, leaving behind only memories and awe.
• Do not feed animals: This can be extremely dangerous
• Leave No Trace: Preserve the sanctity of the marine environment by refraining from placing or removing any object, living or dead, from the Marine Park.
• Eco-Friendly Practices: The use of disposable chemical light sticks and pointer sticks is strictly prohibited.
• Use Reef-safe Sunscreen: Free of toxic chemicals: (oxybenzone and octinoxate)
  

Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease:  Plan your dives ahead by following the map and use the stoplight system diligently: green signifies areas of least concern, yellow calls for caution, and red highlights active disease spread. Always transition from green to yellow to red, preventing contamination to healthy areas.

Dive the underwater world responsibly.