BONAIRE
Pack light. The water is warm, the vibe is casual, and most dive gear you can rent from us.
Fit matters more than brand. A mask that leaks ruins a dive. If yours fits, bring it.
You know your settings, your algorithm, your deco model. If you own one, do not leave it home.
Water is 27 to 29 degrees. A 3mm shorty is more than enough. Most people dive in a rash guard and board shorts.
Regular sunscreen kills coral. Bonaire enforces reef-safe-only. Buy it before you fly; it is more expensive on the island.
Everything else. BCD, regulator, fins, wetsuit, computer, lights. Full sets and individual items, daily or weekly. View rental prices.
We do not recommend checking a BCD and regulator on a plane unless you dive enough to justify the baggage fees. Rental gear is serviced, tested, and ready.
Your cert card. Digital is fine. SSI and PADI both have apps with your card built in. If your card is paper and faded, take a photo before you fly.
Your logbook, if you have one. Not required for recreational diving, but useful if you want course recommendations or if your last dive was more than a year ago.
Referral paperwork, if you are finishing your Open Water on Bonaire. Your home instructor's letter or digital referral, plus your logbook with pool dives signed off. More about referral completions.
Shorts, flip-flops, a few t-shirts. Bonaire is not a dress-up island. One pair of long pants for a restaurant if you want.
Hat, UV shirt, reef-safe sunscreen. The sun here is strong and you will be outside all day.
US dollars are the local currency. Cards are accepted almost everywhere. ATMs are in Kralendijk. Tikkie works if you have a Dutch bank account.
A small dry bag for your phone and car key at the dive site. Underwater camera if you have one. The DJI Osmo Action works well for video.
Water is 27 to 29 degrees year-round. Leave the 5mm at home.
Our rental fins come with boots. If you bring your own fins, bring matching boots.
Bonaire marine park regulations restrict them. Not needed for shore diving here.
We get asked more than anything: should I buy a mask before I come? Yes. A mask is the one piece of gear where personal fit decides everything. Go to a dive shop at home, try five masks, buy the one that seals without the strap. Bring it on the plane in your carry-on.
If you do not have one, we have rental masks that work fine. But if you plan to dive more than once in your life, a mask that fits your face is the best $60 you will spend.
We will tell you exactly what to bring and what to leave at home.
Share your trip details and we'll build your dive plan within hours.
