Family Fun Diving in Bonaire

Nestled south of the hurricane belt, Bonaire is a year-round paradise and fantastic diving destination. We discovered it was relatively quiet in August, making it a hidden gem for our family. Flights from the UK were straightforward, with a quick stop in Amsterdam that felt like part of the adventure. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the friendly faces of Buddy Dive staff, a warm breeze, and a refreshing drink by the waterfront… the kid’s excitement was now bubbling!

A Rich Cultural Tapestry

Being just a stone's throw from Venezuela, Bonaire boasts a fascinating blend of cultures. Its first inhabitants, the Caiquetios, arrived about 1,000 years ago, followed by European colonisers—Spanish, French, and finally Dutch. The island’s history as a plantation site for cattle, goats, and donkeys adds to its charm. We encountered wild donkeys roaming the outback, which was a delightful treat for the kids, and visited the donkey sanctuary which cares for around 800 donkeys.

Bonaire’s salt mining history is also captivating, with its salt industry thriving even today. The iconic pier, used for loading salt onto ships, has now become a diver’s hot spot.

Family-Friendly Diving Paradise

Buddy Dive Resort is perfectly situated right on the waterfront, with an onsite dive centre and daily dive boats. The large jetties surrounding the centre provide easy access for both beginner divers and young snorkellers. The kids especially enjoyed snorkelling with the giant tarpon patrolling the shallows and exploring the coral nurseries just off the shore.

The resort layout was ideal, with two pools to choose from, and our apartment just steps away. From our balcony, we overlooked beautifully manicured gardens, with hummingbirds flitting about from flower to flower. Although fully equipped for self-catering, we opted to kick-start each day with the breakfast buffet and bottomless coffee to fuel up for the diving ahead. Evenings were spent in one of the two restaurants: ‘Ingredients’ for fine dining or ‘Blennies' for a more relaxed vibe, the perfect spot to unwind with a piña colada while watching the sunset! 

We couldn’t have picked a more perfect spot for our 12-year-old daughter to complete her PADI Junior Open Water course. The instructor made all those butterfly nerves disappear, she made the course fun and was inspirational for her to follow her dreams, a marine biologist in the making, and fish nerd! For the younger ones, they also run Buddy Rangers courses, PADI Seal Team, or snorkelling activities (and babysitting) if you need some time with the ocean, safe in the knowledge that the kids are also safe and having a blast!

Dive & Drive Freedom

Course complete, we continued our adventure with the Dive and Drive package, providing us with the freedom to explore the island at our own pace. Loading our truck each morning with tanks and gear was a breeze, and we were given a map marked with the best dive spots. Navigation was simple—just head north or south!

Every dive site was well-marked with yellow painted stones and entry/exit points. Just a short amble over the brilliant white coral sand into the turquoise waters revealed vibrant coral reefs teeming with life. Parrotfish, butterflyfish, and the elegant French angelfish with their juvenile variations filled our dives with colour. Green and spotted morays were a common sight, gaping mouthed in crevices or out on the hunt. For those with an eagle eye, seahorses and frogfish hid among the giant sponges, soft coral and sea whips.

Diving Salt Pier was one of our most memorable dives along the south coast. Meandering through the coral encrusted pillars covered in sponges, the dappled light and the casting shadows make for the perfect place for schools of fish and juveniles to hide. Turtles also make this their home, whether just snorkelling off the beach in the shallows, or diving among them, turtles can be seen munching on the seabed, or weaving through the pier legs, returning year after year to their nests. This whole stretch of coastline was littered with turtle nesting areas, and they're cherished and well protected by the island.

To complement our shore dives, we added an occasional afternoon boat dive to visit the sites of Klein Island. An uninhabited island fringed with white coral sand and dazzling reef.

If you prefer boat diving, Buddy Dive offers comprehensive boat packages, including 2-tank morning dives and afternoon excursions daily. The crew were friendly and passionate and there to guide you, ensuring you find all the hidden gems beneath the waves. Plus, if you’re looking to connect with fellow divers, you can simply write your name on the blackboard to find a dive buddy.

There’s always something happening whether it's technical diving, underwater photography, lionfish hunting, or the not to be missed luminescent display of ostracod at night; they’ve really thought of everything!

Conservation Efforts

I have wanted to show my children the wonders of the world, and with that comes some education: how to look after it for the future generations. Bonaire is doing an amazing job. The entire coast of Bonaire is a marine park, protected by the non-profit foundation called STINAPA. The work they do for the marine environment, maintaining moorings, scientific research, monitoring and enforcement sets a model of its kind for the Caribbean.

Clearly focused on marine conservation, Buddy Dive showcase The Reef Renewal project providing educational talks about coral restoration, offering guests opportunities to get involved—whether through adopting a coral or being hands-on by tending to their coral nurseries. 

Sun & Adventure Await

After our dives, we ventured out to explore the island’s stunning landscapes. We drove along the circular route that winds through the national park, taking in beautiful scenery and visiting flamingo lakes. These magnificent pink birds were a sight to behold! Passing the giant cactus and tropical foliage that border the quiet roads, we could see flashes of colour from the parrots, hummingbirds and the striking yellow orioles. Like we did, you may have to stop to allow the goats and donkeys to cross the roads, or giant iguanas sunning themselves!

For any non-diving day there’s plenty to see and do if you’re feeling adventurous, for example explore the mangroves by kayak, or snorkel. For the adrenaline seekers, Lac Bay on the south-east coast was the perfect spot for windsurfing and kite surfing. The shallow waters cater to beginners and seasoned pros alike, with plenty of cafés to unwind afterwards. 

Bonaire truly lived up to our checklist—great diving in the Caribbean? Check. Family-friendly? Check. Opportunities for adventure and education for the kids? Check. We returned home with unforgettable memories and a newfound love for this Caribbean gem. If you’re seeking a family getaway that combines adventure, culture, and the wonders of the underwater world, Bonaire should be at the top of your list! 

If you're looking for a great family holiday in the sun that incorporates diving, snorkelling, and much more, look no further than Bonaire as a holiday destination. Discover our Bonaire diving destinations today, or speak to our expert team to book.