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Kayaking in Bonaire

A Paddle in the Marine Park

Protection pays off. Because the entire coastal waters of Bonaire are encompassed within a national park, paddlers can enjoy some of the most pristine marine environments in the Caribbean. Narrow channels lead through mangrove forests and into hidden clear water lagoons that serve as an inshore nursery for numerous reef species. Grass beds deliver a different cast of characters, and rays and turtles can often be seen gliding beneath the boat. The scene changes when the destination is a nearshore reef, where colorful coral formations rise to within a few feet of the surface and the underwater landscape unfolds below.

Highlights

  • Best for: Everyone with a love of water and nature
  • Best season to visit: Year-round, as it's below the hurricane belt
  • Weather: 70s, sunny and dry in the winter, 80s in the summer, with occasional afternoon or evening showers

Bonaire Information

Paddle Sports in Bonaire Overview

Padding activities take place in two primary areas. On Bonaire's eastern coast, the large sheltered body of water known as Lac Bay offers routes through mangrove forests and across shallow open-water flats. Calm leeward conditions on the island's western coast are ideal for explorations of the shore, or trips to the nearby island of Klein Bonaire.

Paddle Sports in Bonaire Tips

A kayak tour of Bonaire's mangrove lagoon is not to be missed, but in recent years, there is another equally memorable paddling experience offered on the island's west coast. Outfitters provide transparent-bottomed kayaks that deliver a spectacular view of the reefs and fish that are clearly visible in the clear waters.

Best Places for Paddle Sports in Bonaire

Lac Bay is home to one of the best-preserved mangrove forests in the Caribbean. The reef-protected grass flats offshore of Sorobon Beach are home to queen conch, juvenile rays, lobster, green turtles and baby seahorses. Reefs run close to shore on the calm waters of Bonaire's western shore, and it is a short paddle from waterfront resorts to the deserted island of Klein Bonaire.

What to Pack for Paddle Sports in Bonaire

Sports sandals or slip-on water shoes that will remain comfortable when wet. A wide-brimmed hat for sun protection. Polarized sunglasses for a better view into the water. A dry bag for cameras and personal items. An extra bottle of water.

Specials

Paddle Sports

Bonaire

Buddy Dive Resort

BONAIRE SCUBA MADNESS – FREE DIVING! Enjoy a week of sun, fun, and madness with crazy incentives!

7 night’s accommodations, 6 days unlimited shore diving, free Nitrox, 7 days vehicle rental with insurance, breakfast daily, free WiFi and roundtrip airport transfers. Diving upgrades available in the shopping cart on the next screen.

Every 2nd Diver Dives for Free and Free Discover Scuba session for non-divers!

For Group Deals: Call 800.328.2288 or sales@caradonna.com

Valid 11/30/24-12/20/24.
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From $1,016 pp/quad (2bd) or $1,179 pp/dbl (stu)

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Paddle Sports

Bonaire

Buddy Dive Resort

BONAIRE SAVE 10% HOT SUMMER DEAL 7 night’s accommodations, 6 days unlimited shore diving, free Nitrox, 7 days vehicle rental with insurance, breakfast daily, free WiFi and roundtrip airport transfers.

Valid 7/27/24-8/18/24 from $1,048 pp/quad (2bd) or $1,191 pp/dbl (studio).
Valid 8/19/24-8/30/24 from $1,007 pp/quad (2bd) or $1,154 pp/dbl (studio).

Buddy Dive Resort Bonaire offers Various Specials & Group Discounts throughout the year – Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 or email sales@caradonna.com for Exclusive Pricing and Information.
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From $1,007 pp/quad (2bd) or $1,154 pp/dbl (stu)

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Paddle Sports

Bonaire

Captain Dons Habitat

BONAIRE includes 7 Nights Deluxe Ocean View accommodations, 6 days unlimited shore diving including free Nitrox, roundtrip airport transfers, free WiFi, energy surcharges, fees, and taxes.

Valid through 12/8/23. Rate form $856 per person double diver.
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From $856 per person double diver

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Paddle Sports

Bonaire

Grand Windsock Bonaire

STAY-DRIVE-DIVE PACKAGE includes 7 nights 2-bedroom accommodations, 6 days of unlimited shore diving with Wannadive Bonaire, breakfast daily, 7 days vehicle rental including taxes and fully insured, free WiFi, roundtrip airport transfers, resort fees and service charges.

Valid for through 12/16/23.
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From $799 per person quad diver

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Paddle Sports

Bonaire

Captain Dons Habitat

FREE NIGHT – FREE DIVING – FREE NITROX includes 7 Nights Deluxe Ocean View accommodations- upgrades available to Ocean Front Villas, Junior Suites, Garden Views, or Bungalows, 10 boat dives including Nitrox (boat dives only), 6 days of unlimited shore diving, roundtrip airport transfers, free WiFi, energy surcharges, fees and taxes.

Valid through 12/8/23 & 3/23/24-12/6/24. Book by 9/30/23.
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From $952 per person double diver

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Paddle Sports

Bonaire

Captain Dons Habitat

FREE DIVING 2024 EARLY BOOKING BONUS BOOK 1-6 BOAT DIVE PACKAGE AND 2ND DIVER DIVES FOR FREE includes 7 nights Deluxe Ocean View accommodations, 6 days of 1-tank boat dives + 6 days unlimited shore diving, roundtrip airport transfers, free WIFI, hotel tax and service charges.

Valid 8/31/24-9/28/24.
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From $898 per person double diver

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Paddle Sports

Bonaire

Buddy Dive Resort

Enjoy a week of sun, fun and madness with crazy incentives!
*2nd diver dives for FREE!
*Free Discover Scuba session for non-divers.
7 night’s accommodations, 6 days unlimited shore diving, free Nitrox, 7 days vehicle rental with insurance, breakfast daily, free WiFi and roundtrip airport transfers.

For Group Deals: Call 800.328.2288 or sales@caradonna.com

Travel period: November 11 – December 23, 2023
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From $1,016 pp/quad (2bd) or $1,179 pp/dbl (stu)

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Paddle Sports

Bonaire

Harbour Village Beach Club

CLUB DIVE PACKAGE - includes 7 nights in your choice of a Courtyard or Marina front room accommodations, 6 days of 1-tank boat dives plus unlimited shore diving, free Nitrox, breakfast daily, free WiFi & computer room access, roundtrip airport transfers, use of fitness center, kayaks, paddleboards, hotel tax and service charges.

Valid for travel through 10/27/23.
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From $1740 per person double diver

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Packages

Paddle Sports

Bonaire

Grand Windsock Bonaire

DRIVE & DIVE PACKAGE includes 7 nights in your choice of 2 or 3-bedroom accommodations, 6 days of unlimited shore diving, free Nitrox, breakfast buffet daily, 7 days vehicle rental including taxes, free WiFi, roundtrip airport transfers, resort fees, and energy surcharges.

Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for Exclusive Pricing and Information.
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Paddle Sports

Bonaire

Captain Dons Habitat

FREE HOTEL NIGHT – FREE DIVING – FREE NITROX MAY-JUNE DIVE DEAL includes 7 Nights Deluxe Ocean View accommodations, 10 boat dives including Nitrox (boat dives only), 6 days of unlimited shore diving, roundtrip airport transfers, free WiFi, hotel tax and service charges.

Valid 5/18/24-6/22/24.
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Paddle Sports

Bonaire

Buddy Dive Resort

DRIVE & DIVE PACKAGE includes 7 nights in your choice of Studio, 1, 2 or 3-bedroom accommodations, choice of 6 days unlimited shore diving, 6 days 1 or 2-tank boat dives with unlimited shore diving, free Nitrox, breakfast buffet daily, 7 days vehicle rental with insurance, free WiFi, roundtrip airport transfers.

Buddy Dive Resort Bonaire offers Various Specials & Group Discounts throughout the year – Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for Exclusive Pricing and Information.
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Paddle Sports

Bonaire

Buddy Dive Resort

BONAIRE LEARN TO DIVE PACKAGE includes 7-night accommodations, Full Open Water Scuba Course course including instruction, materials, and use of required equipment, daily breakfast buffet, 7 days vehicle rental with insurance, free WiFi, airport transfers, hotel tax and service charges.

Questions? Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for more information.
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Paddle Sports

Bonaire

Harbour Village Beach Club

CLUB DIVE PACKAGE includes 7 nights in your choice of a Courtyard or Marinafront room accommodations, 6 days of 1-tank boat dives plus unlimited shore diving, free Nitrox, breakfast daily, roundtrip airport transfers, use of fitness center, kayaks, paddleboards, hotel tax and service charges.
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Paddle Sports

Bonaire

Harbour Village Beach Club

LOVE & LUXURY PACKAGE 7 night’s accommodations choice of Courtyard Room, Marina Front Room, 1 Bedroom Suite, or 2 Bedroom Suite, airport transfers, daily full American breakfast, 1 aromatherapy massage per person, 1 welcome gift basket with bottle of sparkling wine, 1 seaside dinner with bottle of wine, use of fitness center, kayaks, paddle boards and service charges. Add on a Discover Scuba Diving course, or additional tours and adventures.

Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for Pricing and Information.
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Resorts

Paddle Sports

Bonaire

Bamboo Bonaire Boutique Resort

Intimate boutique resort that offers luxurious private cottages in a tropical, romantic setting with a personal touch. On the resort you find fine dining restaurant CHEFS, salt water lounge pool, luxurious jacuzzi’s, spa massage, 24/7 on -site dive tanks (free Nitrox upgrade!), yoga, hammocks, generous storage & rinse facilities for dive gear. Gas fired BBQ grills and comfortable lounge seats are distributed amongst the beautiful tropical garden with lots of flora. The cottages are tasteful decorated each with a private porch, A/C, cooking facility and a smart TV. Bamboo Bonaire caters to couples, newlyweds, divers as well as other active guests and families over the age of 12. If you are looking for something unique on Bonaire this is the place to be!

Call 800.328.2288 for Special Pricing, Information and Availability.
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Paddle Sports

Bonaire

Grand Windsock Bonaire

Luxury resort community, located in the Belnem Villas District minutes from Flamingo International Airport and downtown Kralendijk. The property is ideally suited for road trips to the more than two-dozen shore diving sites along Bonaire's southwestern coast. Guest accommodations include studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments in the central resort building, and a collection of private villas that offer kitchens, living rooms and private terraces. Some also include a private pool. Guests have access to the resort pool and private beach club with a waterfront restaurant, and the resort maintains its own fleet of rental vehicles for guest convenience. An on-site dive shop operated by Wannadive Bonaire provides a full range of scuba diving services that includes diver education, boat diving, guided diving, full equipment rental, retail sales, equipment repair, an air fill station, locker rooms, rinse basins and direct shore access to a house reef.
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Paddle Sports

Bonaire

Captain Dons Habitat

BUILD YOUR OWN PACKAGE includes choice of room accommodations, roundtrip airport transfers, hotel taxes and service charges.

Optional add-ons for Watersports Activities and Topside Activities available in the shopping cart after room category is selected.

Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for additional information.
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Paddle Sports

Bonaire

Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino

Located Oceanside with spacious oceanfront & garden hotel rooms, poolside studios with kitchenettes and balconies or patios. Five custom dive boats, 24-hour shore diving, PADI 5-Star dive center, dive certifications, rentals, dive shop & storage lockers. Two pools, beach, BBQ grills, gym, day spa, casino, daily activities. Three beachfront restaurants & 2 bars, all-inclusive plan available free WI-FI.

Ask about Monthly Dive Specials (free nights, free meals, room upgrades may apply during some seasons).

Optional add-ons for Watersports Activities and Topside Activities available in the shopping cart after room category is selected.

Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for additional information.
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Paddle Sports

Bonaire

Belmar Oceanfront Apartments

Intimate, tranquil dive resort in the southern part of Bonaire. Spacious, fully-equipped apartments, most overlooking the water with air-conditioned bedrooms. Professional PADI 5-Star dive center and rental shop. Two expansive sunbathing/dive docks. Only 10 minutes to downtown attractions.

Optional add-ons for Watersports Activities and Topside Activities available in the shopping cart after room category is selected.

Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for additional information.
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Paddle Sports

Bonaire

Buddy Dive Resort

Full-service resort with studios, 1, 2 & 3-bedroom apartments, 2 swimming pools and 2 restaurants. Professional PADI 5-Star CDC Center & Dive Academy. Onsite two-lane air/Nitrox drive-thru & digital photo center. Fully equipped dive & retail shop with a fleet of 6 dive boats, plus extensive technical diving facility on grounds.

Optional add-ons for Watersports Activities and Topside Activities available in the shopping cart after room category is selected.

Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for additional information.
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Paddle Sports

Bonaire

Captain Dons Habitat

Since 1976, the original “home of diving freedom”. Varied accommodation types to fit all needs from standard rooms to three-bedroom oceanfront villas. Scheduled boat dives daily. Excellent house reef just a few fin kicks away from a dedicated shore diving pier.

Optional add-ons for Watersports Activities and Topside Activities available in the shopping cart after room category is selected.

Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for additional information.
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Paddle Sports

Bonaire

Harbour Village Beach Club

One of Bonaire's most exclusive resorts, this property is situated on a beautiful private beach alongside a private marina amid lush landscaping. Amenities include a pool and sundeck, a spa, fitness center and tennis courts. La Balandra Beach Bar & Grill—built in the style of a Spanish galleon—offers excellent cuisine in a breathtaking oceanfront location.

Optional add-ons for Watersports Activities and Topside Activities available in the shopping cart after room category is selected.

Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for additional information.
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Paddle Sports

Bonaire

Sand Dollar Condominiums

Spacious and comfortable studio, one, two and three bedroom accommodations on island. All units have kitchens, dining and living areas. The roomy porches or balconies offer views of the ocean and Bari Reef that beckon irresistibly to divers and snorkelers.

Optional add-ons for Watersports Activities and Topside Activities available in the shopping cart after room category is selected.

Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for additional information.
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Paddle Sports

Bonaire

Plaza Beach & Dive Resort Bonaire

Tranquil oceanfront resort on one of Bonaire’s finest beaches, with the adjacent house reef 18th Palms that is perfect for shore diving. On-site Toucan Diving offers tank fills and dive gear storage room plus top-side adventure activities. Accommodations include spacious suites. Enjoy the casual restaurant, beachside bar, outdoor pool and day spa.

Optional add-ons for Watersports Activities and Topside Activities available in the shopping cart after room category is selected.

Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for additional information.
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Passport and/or Visa Requirements

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Entry Requirments: US and Canadian citizens must have a valid Passport, valid for the length of stay. No visa is required for stays shorter than 90 days.

Exit Requirments: The departure tax is USD $36.05 per person, which should be included in your international airline ticket taxes, so there should be nothing to pay at the airport. Domestic departure tax is $9.27 to Curacao, St. Maarten, Saba, St. Eustatius or Aruba and should also be included in your airline ticket taxes.

Immunizations

No vaccinations or preventative medications are required for travel to Bonaire. Check with the Centers for Disease Control on recommended vaccinations for travel at cdc.gov

Culture and Customs

Bonaire provides a low-key take on island life. Bonairean culture blends the traditions of Spain, Africa and the Netherlands. Locals who may initially display the discrete reserves of the Dutch quickly prove warm and accommodating of visitors. And despite decades of tourism, the service industry mentality does not dominate the cultural psyche. Cruise ships now call at the Kralendijk waterfront, but divers remain the main source of business for on-island resorts. Nightlife is more likely to mean a sunset dinner at the harbor followed by a stroll to an ice cream shop, or tall tales of underwater adventures shared at a waterfront tiki bar, with a reasonable bedtime in anticipation of tomorrow's adventures. And there are ample adventures to be found. Washington Slagbaai National Park covers the entire northern end of the island, creating an outdoor playground for hiking, mountain biking, birding and day trips to small surf-washed coves hidden within iron shore bluffs. The trade winds that cool the island also power kite boarders, and the sheltered waters of Lac Bay are home to Jibe City, one of the Caribbean's epicenters of windsurfing action. Blue water fishermen don't have to travel far to hook up with trophy catches, kayakers can find shelter in mangrove channels, and sailing charters provide a relaxing way to skim the coastline without venturing into open ocean. An experience unique to Bonaire are the cave snorkel trips that take swimmers into clear pools of fresh water hidden below the island's limestone substrate.

Electricity, Phone and Internet Access

Electricity is 127 volt, 50 cycle. Many dive shops offer stations for charging lights, strobes or delicate equipment.

Most hotels offer WiFi and some local restaurants and bars offer WiFi. Surf-it hotspots are available with a Surf-it prepaid card from Telbo. Calling Bonaire requires dialing 011-599-7 and 6 digit number. Be sure to check with your cell phone carrier to see if they offer an international plan or you will be subject to roaming charges.

Water Quality

Bonaire offers desalinated sea water which is purified and safe to drink. Bottled water is also available for purchase.

Language & Currency

There are 4 main languages spoken in Bonaire, Dutch is the official one used in government and legal transactions, while Papiamentu is used in daily exchanges and spoken by the locals. English and Spanish are also widely spoken.

As of January 1, 2011, the U.S. Dollar became the official currency of Bonaire. Credit cards are normally accepted in most restaurants, bars and stores. It is recommended you contact your credit card company before travel to make sure they know you will be using the card out of the country. ATMs are available which Cirrus, NYCE and other networks.

Time

Bonaire is in the Atlantic Time Zone (AST) and does not observe Daylight Savings Time. Bonaire is 4 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (-4 GMT).

Location, Size and Population

Bonaire is 24 miles long by 3-7 miles wide, approximately 111 square miles. The small island offshore, Klein Bonaire, which is uninhabited is 2.3 square miles. Bonaire is located just 30 miles from Curacao, 50 miles North of Venezuela and 80 miles East of Aruba. Bonaire is located in the Leeward Antilles in the Caribbean Sea and outside of the Hurricane Belt. The population of Bonaire is 18,900 (2016).

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