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13 August 2026

Self-Guided Orientation at Wannadive: How to Complete Bonaire’s Mandatory Check Dive Without a Guide

If you want to start diving Bonaire’s shore sites as smoothly as possible, understanding the self-guided orientation process matters. At Wannadive, every diver must complete Bonaire’s mandatory check dive requirement before continuing with regular diving, and the good news is that this orientation dive can be done without a dive guide. When you know what to expect, you can arrive prepared, save time, and begin your Bonaire diving experience with confidence.

This guide explains how the self-guided orientation at Wannadive works, why it is required, what to prepare in advance, and how to make the most of the process. It also highlights related services such as air packages & rentals, courses, trips, and Dive & Drive for divers planning a complete Bonaire stay.

What Is the Self-Guided Orientation at Wannadive?

The self-guided orientation is the process of completing Bonaire’s required Marine Park orientation and buoyancy check dive on your own rather than with an instructor or guide in the water.

Here is the direct answer:

For divers who are comfortable managing their own setup and in-water procedures, the self-guided option offers a practical, independent way to complete the requirement and move on to Bonaire’s renowned shore diving.

Why the Check Dive Is Mandatory in Bonaire

Bonaire National Marine Park requires all divers to:

  1. Attend the Bonaire Marine Park orientation.
  2. Complete a short buoyancy dive.

The purpose is straightforward. The orientation helps ensure divers understand local expectations, while the buoyancy check confirms that you are properly weighted and that your equipment is functioning properly.

This requirement supports safer diving and better protection of the marine environment. Good buoyancy control helps divers avoid accidental contact with reefs, and a quick equipment check can reveal issues before they affect later dives.

How the Self-Guided Orientation Works

At a practical level, the self-guided orientation combines two essential steps:

1. Attend the Marine Park Orientation

Before the dive itself, divers must complete the required Bonaire Marine Park orientation.

This is not optional. It is part of the mandatory process for all divers planning to dive in Bonaire National Marine Park.

2. Complete the Short Buoyancy Dive Independently

After the orientation, you complete a short buoyancy dive. In the self-guided version, you do this without a dive guide.

The purpose of this dive is to verify two things:

Because the dive is short and focused, it is best approached as a preparation dive rather than a sightseeing dive. Think of it as the moment to fine-tune your system before you head out for more extensive shore diving.

Who Is the Self-Guided Option Best For?

The self-guided orientation at Wannadive is a strong fit for divers who:

Wannadive presents itself as a full-service dive operation with two full service dive shops, extensive rental options, tank availability, diver education, boat and guided diving, and support for shore diving. That makes it practical for divers who want independence while still having access to a professional base of operations.

Wannadive Locations and Opening Hours

Wannadive operates two shops, giving divers access from both the north and south sides of town.

Wannadive @ Grand Windsock resort

Wannadive @ Eden Beach resort

Additional location details are also listed as:

Opening Hours

For most divers, arriving early in the day is the simplest way to handle orientation, gear setup, and any follow-up questions before moving into the rest of the dive schedule.

What Gear and Tank Options Are Available?

One of the most useful parts of planning a self-guided orientation is knowing what equipment support is available.

Wannadive offers the following tank options:

These options give divers flexibility based on personal preference, breathing rate, and equipment configuration. If you are diving your own gear, it is still wise to confirm your valve connection and tank size choice before entering the water.

How to Prepare for a Smooth Self-Guided Orientation

A self-guided orientation works best when you treat it like a checklist-driven first dive.

Before You Arrive

Use this preparation list:

Before Entering the Water

Focus on the essentials:

During the Dive

Keep the objective simple:

  1. Descend in a controlled manner
  2. Assess your weighting
  3. Fine-tune buoyancy
  4. Monitor your equipment performance
  5. Surface knowing you are ready for the rest of your diving

This kind of disciplined first dive often makes the rest of the trip easier, especially in a shore-diving destination where efficiency and self-sufficiency matter.

When Should You Choose a Guided Orientation Instead?

While this article focuses on the self-guided orientation, not every diver should choose it automatically.

If it has been a while since you last dived, Wannadive strongly recommends a refresher course if you have not been diving for over a year. The refresher is a 2,5 hour program that includes:

For some guests, that can be the better route than a purely self-guided check dive. A refresher can rebuild comfort, sharpen habits, and reduce stress before you begin regular diving.

If you prefer extra support in the water, Wannadive also states that the orientation dive can be done with a guide. In that case, contact them at info@wannadive.com to schedule it.

How to Make Reservations or Ask Questions

Wannadive offers several ways to get in touch.

Reservation and Contact Options

For general inquiries or planning help, you can also use these direct contacts:

If you want to add a guided orientation, this is especially important, because guided scheduling must be arranged in advance.

Once your self-guided orientation is complete, you may want to explore related options that fit your trip.

Air Packages & Rentals

A natural next step for many divers is arranging air packages & rentals, especially if they plan to spend several days shore diving.

Courses

If your trip includes skill development, Wannadive offers diver education, from the very first steps to dive instructor and also lists courses as a core offering.

Trips

Divers looking to vary their itinerary can also explore trips and boat and guided diving.

Dive & Drive

For divers who want maximum flexibility around Bonaire, Dive & Drive can be a practical addition. Wannadive’s car rental setup includes:

In a destination known for shore diving access, combining your mandatory check dive with vehicle planning can streamline the entire trip.

Practical Tips for Completing the Self-Guided Orientation Efficiently

Here are the most useful takeaways if you want the process to feel easy and organized:

Quick Tips

Self-Guided Orientation at Wannadive: Key Questions Answered

Is the orientation required?

Yes. Bonaire National Marine Park requires all divers to attend the orientation and complete a short buoyancy dive.

Can I do the check dive without a guide?

Yes. The orientation dive can be done with or without a dive guide.

What is the dive checking for?

It is used to confirm that you are properly weighted and that your equipment is functioning properly.

What if I want a guide?

Contact info@wannadive.com so the dive can be scheduled with a guide.

What if I have not dived in a long time?

If you have not been diving for over a year, Wannadive strongly recommends a refresher course.

Conclusion

A self-guided orientation at Wannadive is a practical option for divers who want to complete Bonaire’s mandatory check dive independently. The process is clear: attend the required Marine Park orientation, complete the short buoyancy dive, confirm your weighting, and make sure your equipment is functioning properly.

With two full service dive shops, daily opening hours from 8:00 – 17:00, tank options including Air and Nitrox 32%, and access to related services like air packages & rentals, courses, trips, and Dive & Drive, Wannadive gives divers a strong starting point for a Bonaire dive holiday.

If you are ready to plan your first dive, contact info@wannadive.com, call +599 701 0882 or +599 717 8884, or explore your next steps through Wannadive’s diving, rental, and travel options.