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  • What is the STINAPA Nature Fee?

    Starting in 2023, there will be only one calendar year fee of $40 that covers all water activities in the Bonaire National Marine Park. This one fee also includes entrance to Washington Slagbaai National Park.  The fee is required to be purchased by all VIP Diving Guests prior to diving or snorkeling in the Bonaire National Marine Park.  If you would like to purchase yours in advance of arriving on Bonaire,  you may do so at www.stinapabonaire.com

  • Should I book in advance?

    VIP Diving is known for its small groups and as the #1 dive shop on TripAdvisor in Bonaire it is highly recommended that you contact us as early as possible and pre-book your dives as that is the only way we can guarantee availability.  If you’re looking for a last minute dive today, don’t hesitate to contact us, maybe it’s your lucky day!

  • How do the air/nitrox packages work?

    VIP Diving offers tanks in different sizes all at the same price and including weights. All tanks work with both DIN and Yoke (INT) regulators. You can rent 1 tank, or book an unlimited air package of 1 day or 6 days. With an unlimited air package, you can use as many tanks as you want, either Air or Enriched Air (Nitrox 32%). The 6 days or more packages are consecutive.

    We have a drive-thru where you can easily drop used tanks and take full ones. Our drive-thru is open during the opening hours of the dive center, from 8 AM till 5 PM.

  • When is the best time to come to Bonaire?

    The weather in Bonaire allows you to dive all year round! The high season in Bonaire is from mid-December to mid-April. If you are planning to visit Bonaire during the high season, you are strongly encouraged to book your accommodation and dive package in advance. In general, Bonaire has a nice and quiet atmosphere, even in high season. If you visit the island in September or October, count on some hot days, because there is almost no wind.

  • What is the water temperature in Bonaire?

    The water temperature in Bonaire varies from 79 degrees Fahrenheit/26 degrees Celsius in February and March to 84 degrees Fahrenheit/29 degrees Celsius in September and Oktober. With these temperatures for most people diving is very comfortable in Bonaire. Especially when wearing a thin wetsuit. Our rental wetsuits are 3 mm shorties.

  • What dive gear should I bring?

    Of course, this answer is very personal to your own needs and also depends on whatever you are planning to do on the island. As shore diving is most common on Bonaire, we strongly advise the use of open heel fins with booties instead of full foot fins. Although the water temperature in Bonaire is comfortably warm, we do advise wearing a thin wetsuit while diving. Please know it is prohibited to wear gloves. If you don’t have your own dive gear, don’t worry: VIP Diving offers a full range of rental gear!

  • With how many divers are we in the water?

    VIP Diving believes in a personal approach. Our groups for both courses and guided dives have a maximum of 4 people. Are you with less than 4 people and do you want your own dive guide or instructor? It’s possible to arrange a private guide or instructor! (contact us for details)

  • Why does VIP mainly focus on shore diving?

    Bonaire is known as the shore diving capital of the world and we believe the most beautiful dive sites of the island are accessible from shore. We offer a whole range of different shore dive sites: from the most famous of the island to some unmarked sites off the beaten track. Because we use a truck instead of a boat to get from one site to the other, our guides get the opportunity to explain more about the island, show our guests beautiful places and introduce them to the local culture. It is also a way to maintain small groups. In the end, we believe more personal attention results in more fun and better diving.

  • Can we bring our non-diving friends/family to a guided dive?

    If the group is not full, we are more than happy to offer non-divers to come along on a day trip. We can however not guarantee that there will be spaces left by the time you are here on Bonaire to dive with us. Also, it is important to know that the dive sites that we visit do not have any facilities and that there will be no guide for the non-divers. It might be a good idea for the non-divers to sign up for our PADI Discover Scuba Diving program!

  • What are the opening hours of VIP Diving?

    VIP Diving is open 365 days a year from 8 AM to 5 PM. Our drive-thru is only open during normal opening hours. If you dive with us, you will have access to our gear room 24/7.

  • Which resort does VIP Diving belong to?

    VIP Diving is an independent dive center with guests from a lot of different accommodations. Searching for a nice place to stay? Try one of our partners. We will be glad to help you with your booking.

  • Are there any age restrictions to diving?

    You can already start diving from the age of 8 years old, for these little kids we offer the PADI Bubble Maker program, in very shallow water. From 10 years they can join a Discover Scuba Diving or PADI Junior Open Water Diver Course. We don’t have any maximum age, as long as you’re in good condition.

  • Can we also dive the East Coast of Bonaire?

    Almost all dive sites are on the west coast of Bonaire. The rougher east coast offers some very exciting sites too though. Shore diving from the east coast is limited to experienced divers and depends on the weather conditions. Ask our instructors if you are interested when you are here.

    An easier way to dive the east coast is going by boat with our partner Bonaire East Coast Divers. We can set up a booking for you. Read more about East Coast diving on Bonaire.

  • How can I pay?

    You can pay online via our secure web form if you pay in advance. We accept credit cards: VISA, Mastercard and AMEX. In our shop, we accept debit cards, credit cards (VISA, Mastercard & AMEX) or cash.

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