Home to several of the most species-rich sites in REEF’s Tropical Western Atlantic database, Bonaire is legendary among underwater naturalists and REEF surveyors. This trip includes six boat dives as well as unlimited shore diving opportunities throughout Bonaire's marine park. A rental vehicle is included with each room so participants may access many different shore diving sites. Bonaire is an excellent place to expand your knowledge of Caribbean fish species alongside other marine life enthusiasts. This is also a good fit for snorkelers, with many shallow reefs containing plenty of fish and invertebrate life.
Project Focus: This purpose of this trip is to conduct fish surveys to support REEF's Volunteer Fish Survey Project. Click here to learn more about participating in fish surveys on a REEF Field Survey Trip!
Best Suited For: Divers and snorkelers.
Accommodations: The standard accommodation is a 1-bedroom apartment. Each 1-bedroom apartment has a private bedroom with either 1 king or 2 twin beds, living area, full kitchen, patio, TV and safe deposit box. Studio apartments are also aviailable by request. Studios have either 1 king or 2 twin beds, full kitchen with fridge, cooktop, microwave and utensils, patio, TV, and safe deposit box.
Diving: Buddy Dive offers single tank boat dives. Six boat dives are included in the package and will be pre-scheduled throughout the week. Unlimited air and Nitrox fills are available at the drive-thru tank pickup and the dive dock. Rinse tanks are located at the drive-thru and dive docks. Average water temperature in Bonaire is 82 degrees Fahrenheit. A 3mm wetsuit is recommended.
Pricing, Inclusions, and Other Fees
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | Studio | |
|---|---|---|
| Diver, double occ. | $1,408 | $1,324 (Sold out) |
| Diver, single occ.* | $2,198 | $2,028 (Sold out) |
| Non-diver/snorkeler, double occ. | $1,023 | $938 (Sold out) |
*Subject to availability.
REEF Program Fee: A REEF Program Fee of $300 will be added to each package to cover the cost of the group leader, seminar, and REEF survey materials. The REEF Program Fee applies to all divers and any attendee age 18 or older.
Rental Vehicle: A single cabin, manual transmission pickup truck is included with each room. Each driver will need to bring a valid driver's license. One driver is free with the rental of a vehicle, and additional drivers can be registered for $5 per driver per day. Vehicle insurance can be arranged upon arrival. CDW is $11.00 per vehicle per day and CDW Plus is $19.00 per vehicle per day. It is mandatory to get one of these insurances. If the insurances are declined, a deposit of $1,000 will be charged on premises to the driver's credit card to cover any possible damages incurred. Click here for more information.
Your Package Includes: The trip package includes 7 nights of accommodation, 1 rental vehicle per room (manual transmission, does not include insurance), 6 boat dives, 6 days of unlimited air or Nitrox fills, daily breakfast buffet, round-trip airport transfers, government taxes, welcome drink, gear storage, tanks and weights.
Additional Fees - Not Included: All flights, meals besides breakfast. Optional additional boat dives can be booked and paid for onsite, and are subject to availability. A marine park fee of $45 for divers and $25 for non-divers must be paid prior to the trip. Marine park fees are current as of 2021; fees are subject to change for 2022. Gratuities are not included and are at each individual's discretion. Insurance for rental vehicle is not included but is required. Please see details about pricing for rental vehicle insurance above.
Registration
To reserve your space, email trips@REEF.org or call 305-588-5869. A $500 per person deposit will be due to confirm your reservation. Visit our Trip Policies page for more information on deposit and payment schedules.
Bonaire Travel Info
Insurance: Travel insurance is not included. REEF strongly recommends that each participant purchase adequate dive travel insurance to protect you from unforeseen circumstances. REEF partners with both DiveAssure and DAN to offer travel insurance packages specifically for divers. REEF will receive a portion of the proceeds from travel insurance purchases when you click on the following affiliate links for DiveAssure or DAN.
How to Get There: Participants should make arrangements to fly into Flamingo International Airport in Kralendjk (airport code BON), arriving on Saturday, Nov. 5, and departing on the following Saturday, Nov. 12. Participants are responsible for booking their own air travel. REEF is not able to book airfare.
Transfers: Airport transfers via shuttle are included in the package and will be arranged in advance. A manual transmission pickup truck (1 vehicle per room) is included in the package and will be provided upon checking in, so that participants can visit the many shore diving sites throughout the island.
Passports, Documentation and Visas: Visitors to Bonaire are required to have a valid passport. Citizens of most countries do not need a visa to visit Bonaire. Please refer to the appropriate consulate for requirements to enter Bonaire.
COVID-19 Considerations: It is the participant's responsibility to ensure that they understand and comply with all local requirements (for entry and visit as a tourist) of the host destination, and for exit and entry requirements for their home country. Be prepared for your plans to change. Be sure your travel insurance covers COVID-related issues. No travel is risk-free during the COVID-19 pandemic. Countries may further restrict travel or bring in new rules at short notice, for example, due to a new COVID-19 variant. Please be aware that REEF is not a travel agent. We are doing our best to interpret the information provided by our trip vendor and the host country’s government COVID-19 webpages. We encourage everyone to do their own research, interpretation, and due diligence. Please see REEF’s COVID-19 Considerations and Vaccine Policies section in our REEF Field Survey Trips Policies page for more information.