Navigating the Bonaire Marine Park Orientation: What Wannadive Divers Need to Know

If you’re eager to jump into Bonaire’s legendary shore diving, the Bonaire Marine Park orientation is your very first step. Every diver is required to attend the orientation and complete a short buoyancy check dive before exploring the island’s 90+ dive sites. At Wannadive, we make the process smooth—whether you prefer to go with or without a guide—so you can focus on safe, effortless dives and bring back the fun.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what the Bonaire Marine Park orientation involves, how Wannadive helps you complete it, practical tips for a seamless first day, and when a refresher makes sense.

What is the Bonaire Marine Park orientation?

The Bonaire National Marine Park requires all divers to:

• Attend a Bonaire Marine Park orientation
• Complete a short buoyancy check dive to confirm proper weighting and equipment function

You can do the orientation dive with or without a dive guide. If you want a guide, simply contact us at info@wannadive.com and we’ll schedule it for you.

Do I need to pay a fee to dive in the Marine Park?

Yes. All users of the Bonaire National Marine Park must pay a Nature fee as admission. You can find all important information and pay your Nature fee on the STINAPA website.

How Wannadive makes your orientation easy

With two full-service dive shops—one north of town at Eden Beach Resort and one south at Grand Windsock Resort—you can complete your Bonaire Marine Park orientation wherever it’s most convenient and access both locations during your stay.

• Two locations, one experience:
  • Eden Beach (north of town): Our boats depart here, most often to Klein Bonaire’s reefs and drop-offs. A comprehensive dive drive-in and all dive services are available.
  • Grand Windsock (south of town): Home to our REC TEC gas blending station and a dive drive-in. Wannadive south is fully powered by solar panels.
• Open daily: 8:00–17:00 (8 AM–5 PM)
• Tanks and gas options: Air and Nitrox 32%
• Valves and sizes: DIN and international (yoke) connections; 10 Liter (63 CFT) and 12 Liter (80 CFT) tanks
• Facilities that keep you diving: ample parking, storage rooms, showers, and rinse basins
• Training and guidance: A five star PADI IDC dive center with guided diving available on request

No matter where you sign up, both shops are available to you—maximizing flexibility as you explore Bonaire’s iconic shore diving.

Step-by-step: Completing your Bonaire Marine Park orientation with Wannadive

Use this simple roadmap to get water-ready:

1. Pay your Nature fee
   • Complete the Bonaire National Marine Park Nature fee via the STINAPA website prior to diving.
2. Check in at Wannadive (8:00–17:00)
   • Visit Eden Beach (north) or Grand Windsock (south) to get set up and confirm your plan.
3. Choose guided or self-guided
   • The orientation buoyancy check dive can be done with or without a dive guide. Want a guide? Email info@wannadive.com and we’ll schedule it.
4. Prepare your equipment and weighting
   • We’ll help confirm that your gear is functioning and that your weighting is correct before you enter the water.
5. Complete the buoyancy check dive
   • A short dive focused on buoyancy and equipment function—so you’re confident and ready for the island’s sites.
6. Start planning your diving days
   • Bonaire offers over 90 dive sites with both shore and boat access, and shore sites are marked by yellow stones.

Do you need a refresher before the orientation?

If you haven’t been diving for over a year, we strongly recommend a refresher to rebuild comfort and skills before or alongside your Bonaire Marine Park orientation.

Wannadive’s refresher is a 2.5-hour program that:

• Reviews basic diving theory
• Refreshes core diving skills
• Includes a weight and gear check in the ocean
• Finishes with a nice dive

This is an efficient way to regain buoyancy control and equipment confidence—making your orientation smoother and your first full dive more enjoyable.

Practical tips for a smooth first day

• Arrive during opening hours
  • We’re open daily from 8:00–17:00, so plan your check-in and orientation accordingly.
• Decide on a guide in advance
  • The orientation dive can be completed with or without a guide. If you’d like a guided orientation, email info@wannadive.com to schedule.
• Choose your tank setup early
  • We offer Air and Nitrox 32%, DIN and international (yoke) connections, and 10L/12L tanks. If you prefer Nitrox 32%, plan your gas choice ahead.
• Focus on buoyancy and gear function
  • The check dive is your moment to dial in trim and weighting. Take the time to get it right—you’ll enjoy the rest of your dives more.
• Keep your plan flexible
  • With two locations, boat and shore options, and drive-in facilities, you can adapt your schedule as conditions and preferences evolve.

Plan beyond the orientation: make the most of Bonaire with Wannadive

• Explore Bonaire’s diversity
  • Bonaire National Marine Park has over 90 dive sites, with over 57 species of soft and stony coral and more than 350 recorded fish species. Many sites are accessible by boat or shore, and shore sites are marked with yellow stones.
• Boat dives from Eden Beach
  • Our boats typically run from Eden Beach to Klein Bonaire’s beautiful reefs and drop-offs.
• Shore-diving convenience
  • Both locations feature drive-in facilities to streamline tank pickups and drop-offs.
• Training options for every level
  • From beginner courses to continuing education and specialty training, our five star PADI IDC team can help you grow your skills.
• Gear, air, and Nitrox support
  • Air and Nitrox 32% are available, along with DIN/yoke valves and 10L/12L cylinder options to suit your preference.

Consider pairing your dives with:

• Guided dives for local insights and navigation support
• Beginner, advanced, or specialty courses to build targeted skills
• Dive & Drive convenience to maximize shore-diving freedom
• Air packages and rentals tailored to your plan

Quick answers (for fast search results)

• Is the Bonaire Marine Park orientation mandatory?

  • Yes. All divers must attend the Bonaire Marine Park orientation and complete a short buoyancy check dive.

• Can I do the orientation with a guide at Wannadive?

  • Yes. The orientation dive can be done with or without a guide. To book a guide, contact info@wannadive.com.

• Do I need to pay a fee to dive in the Marine Park?

  • Yes. All users must pay a Nature fee (see the STINAPA website for details and payment).

• What are Wannadive’s opening hours?

  • Daily from 8:00–17:00.

• Does Wannadive offer Nitrox?

  • Yes. Air and Nitrox 32% are available.

• What tank valves and sizes are available?

  • DIN and international (yoke) connections; 10 Liter (63 CFT) and 12 Liter (80 CFT) tanks.

• Where is Wannadive located?

  • We operate two full-service shops: Eden Beach (north of town) and Grand Windsock (south of town). Both are available to you regardless of where you sign up.

• Should I take a refresher?

  • If you haven’t been diving for over a year, Wannadive strongly recommends a 2.5-hour refresher covering theory, skills, an ocean weight and gear check, and a nice dive.

Conclusion

Completing the Bonaire Marine Park orientation is the key that unlocks the island’s world-class diving. With two convenient locations, daily opening hours, guided or self-guided options, and full support from Air and Nitrox 32% to drive-in tank stations, Wannadive makes your first day—and every day after—easy, safe, and fun.

Ready to schedule your guided orientation or refresher? Contact info@wannadive.com, call Eden Beach (north) at +599 701 0882 or Windsock (south) at +599 717 8884, or reach us via the Contact page. We’re open 8:00–17:00—let’s bring back the fun!