Bonaire has one of the highest concentrations of dive centers per capita anywhere in the world. That’s great news: whatever kind of diver you are, you’ll almost certainly find a dive center that fits you — from small, personal operations offering private guiding, to larger centers set up for bigger groups and a daily schedule of trips.
This page won’t point you to any specific dive center — there are simply too many good ones, and what works well for one diver may not suit another. Instead, here’s what to think about when choosing one.
What to consider
- Group size. Do you prefer a private or small-group experience, or are you happy diving as part of a bigger group? This varies a lot between dive centers.
- Night diving experience. Not every dive center runs night dives as often, or has staff specifically experienced with the Ostracods light show. If that’s your main interest, ask directly.
- Location. Many dive centers on Bonaire are set up for easy shore diving close to your accommodation, which can save you a lot of travel time between dives.
- Equipment. Some divers bring their own gear, others prefer to rent everything on-site. Check what’s included and what isn’t.
- Language and communication. If you’d rather be briefed in your own language, or want particularly clear communication about a night dive, it’s worth checking beforehand.
- Shore diving or boat diving or both. Bonaire is perfect for shore diving, but some divers prefer to go by boat. Ask the dive center what kind of dives they usually offer and how often trips go out.
- Price. Rates and what’s included in them (tanks, weights, guiding, transport) differ between dive centers, so it pays to compare.
- Orientation dive. Dive centers are required by Stinapa to make an orientation dive as the first dive with guests. Ask the dive center for its policy.
It’s worth contacting a few
Because needs vary so much from diver to diver, we’d genuinely recommend reaching out to two or three dive centers before booking, rather than picking the first one you find. Ask about their night diving schedule, group sizes, and experience with Ostracods specifically — a short conversation usually makes it obvious which one feels like the right fit.
A few practical things worth asking about:
- Do they run guided night dives around the Ostracods period, and how far in advance should you book?
- What’s included in the price, and is gear rental available if you need it?
- What’s their typical group size for a night dive?
Nature fee
Before you dive on Bonaire, you’ll also need to pay the Stinapa Nature Fee, which grants access to the Bonaire National Marine Park (and Washington Slagbaai National Park). This is valid for one calendar year. You need to pay it yourself in advance via the Stinapa website. Dive centers (and some other companies like boat trip providers) will ask to see proof of payment before your first dive.
Want to know more about night diving itself first? Read our guide to night diving in Bonaire, or find out when the next Ostracods period is likely to be.