Dive Friends Bonaire by the Numbers: 7 Locations, 3 Retail Stores, 65 Employees

If you are planning a Bonaire dive trip, convenience matters almost as much as the diving itself. Dive Friends Bonaire by the Numbers tells a practical story: seven dive shops conveniently spread over the island, 3 fashion retail shops, 1 dive retail shop, and every dive shop has a small retail area. Add a team of about 65 employees, and it becomes clear why many divers look at the operation not just as a place to pick up tanks, but as a broad island-wide diving network.

This guide breaks down what those numbers mean for visiting divers, snorkelers, students, and returning guests. You will also see how the company’s courses, guided dives, rentals, and specialty programs fit into that larger footprint, so you can plan more efficiently and spend more time in the water.

What does “Dive Friends Bonaire by the Numbers” mean?

At a glance, the numbers show scale, access, and choice.

The core numbers

• 7 dive shop locations conveniently spread over the island
• 3 fashion retail shops
• 1 dive retail shop
• A small retail area at every dive shop
• About 65 employees

For travelers, those numbers matter because they often translate into smoother logistics. A wider physical presence can make it easier to handle rentals, training, guided dives, and retail needs without losing valuable vacation time.

Why 7 locations matter to divers

When a dive operator has seven dive shops conveniently spread over the island, the biggest advantage is straightforward: accessibility. On an island known for shore diving, easier access to service points can make each dive day more flexible.

Practical benefits of multiple dive shop locations

A larger location network can support the kind of diving schedule many Bonaire visitors want:

• Morning dives with minimal delay
• Easy transitions between dive planning and gear pickup
• More convenience for guests taking courses over several days
• Better support for divers mixing independent diving with guided experiences

That matters whether you book Unlimited shore diving for 6 days for $234, choose a package that includes boat dives, or combine diving with specialty training.

Shore diving options supported by a broad operation

Several shore-diving-focused options are available:

For many divers, this kind of structure is ideal. You can keep shore diving as the foundation of your trip while adding boat diving when you want variety.

If you are also considering improving your skills, related options such as Quick Refresh, Full Refresh, Open Water Certification, or Advanced Open Water fit naturally into that style of trip planning.

What 3 retail stores plus dive shop retail areas mean for guests

Retail is not just about shopping. On a dive holiday, it is often about solving small problems quickly.

The retail footprint includes:

• 3 fashion retail shops
• 1 dive retail shop
• A small retail area at every dive shop

Why this matters on a dive trip

Divers often realize they need something after arrival: a mask accessory, a replacement item, or a practical add-on for the next day’s dive. Having retail integrated into the overall operation can make those last-minute needs easier to handle.

It also supports mixed-purpose travel. Some guests come primarily to dive, while others want a broader island experience with shopping, excursions, and time above water. A retail presence can serve both types of travelers.

Rental options that complement the retail experience

For divers who prefer to rent rather than pack full gear, there is a clear daily rental structure:

A 10% discount applies to rentals of 6 days or more.

That kind of pricing is useful for trip planning because it lets you compare the value of bringing your own gear versus renting selected items locally.

What about 65 employees?

A team of about 65 employees suggests operational depth. In practical terms, that scale supports multiple parts of the guest experience at once: daily diving, training, guided programs, equipment handling, and retail support.

For guests, the value is simple. Diving trips run better when there are enough people to support different needs across the island, from check-ins and logistics to instruction and specialty experiences.

A look at the range of diving experiences

The numbers become even more meaningful when paired with the variety of activities available. A broad operation is most useful when it supports different types of divers, from first-timers to continuing education students.

Courses for beginners and certified divers

Entry-level training

Visitors new to scuba can begin with:

This range gives new divers several ways to start, whether they want a one-time introduction or a full certification path.

Continuing education and skill building

Certified divers can continue with programs such as:

For divers who want practical next steps, Advanced Open Water incl. night dive (incl PADI eLearning) for $414 stands out as a strong option. It builds confidence across varied dive conditions and can help divers expand the kinds of dives they are prepared to enjoy.

Guided dives, night dives, and refreshers

Not every diver wants the same level of structure. Some want complete independence, while others prefer local guidance.

Guided dive pricing

Guided night dives

Minimum 2 divers, excluding tanks and rental equipment, to be paid in cash.

Refresher courses

These options are especially useful for travelers returning to diving after time away from the sport. A refresher can rebuild comfort, and a guided dive can reduce planning pressure in a new destination.

Specialty courses and distinctive experiences

A large operation often stands out through variety, and that is visible in the specialty lineup.

Selected specialty offerings

These experiences provide useful internal pathways for related topics such as reef renewal, night diving, self-reliant diving, underwater navigation, and conservation-focused dives.

Avelo options add another layer of choice

For divers interested in Avelo offerings, there is a defined menu of courses and guided experiences.

Avelo prices and packages

For travelers comparing options, the package structure makes it easy to choose based on time commitment. The Avelo Journey - RAD-Course + guided dives - 2 days - 4 dives package is particularly easy to understand for a short stay.

Snorkeling and freediving broaden the appeal

Not every guest is coming strictly for scuba. The activity mix also supports snorkelers and freedivers.

Snorkel trips

Freediving

This range makes the operation relevant not only for scuba divers, but also for travelers exploring different ways to experience Bonaire’s waters.

Practical takeaways for planning your trip

If you want to use these numbers to plan better, focus on matching the operation’s scale to your personal travel style.

1. Choose your trip structure first

Decide whether your priority is:

• Independent shore diving
• Guided dives
• Certification or continuing education
• Specialty experiences
• A mixed trip with snorkeling or freediving

Once you know that, it becomes much easier to select the right package or course.

2. Compare diving packages with rental needs

A basic shore-diving plan may look cost-effective, but rental requirements can change the final total. Review gear needs early, especially if you need items like a dive computer, BCD, regulator, or full rental package.

3. Consider a refresher if it has been a while

A Quick Refresh or Full Refresh can improve comfort and safety if you have not dived recently. That can make the rest of your week more enjoyable.

4. Add one skills course to improve the entire trip

Even a single course can raise the quality of your diving vacation. Options like Peak Performance Buoyancy, Underwater Navigator, or Advanced Open Water incl. night dive (incl PADI eLearning) can make every dive after that more rewarding.

5. Look beyond scuba-only planning

If you are traveling with non-divers or mixed-interest groups, activities like snorkel trips, Discover Freediver, or retail browsing can make the trip easier to coordinate.

Featured questions answered

How many locations does Dive Friends Bonaire have?

Dive Friends Bonaire has seven dive shops conveniently spread over the island.

How many retail stores are part of the operation?

There are 3 fashion retail shops, 1 dive retail shop, and every dive shop has a small retail area.

Why do these numbers matter to visitors?

They show the scale of the operation and help explain why guests can access a wide range of services, including shore diving, guided dives, courses, rentals, retail, snorkeling, freediving, and specialty programs.

Conclusion: the numbers point to convenience, range, and support

The phrase Dive Friends Bonaire by the Numbers is more than a headline. Seven dive shops conveniently spread over the island, 3 fashion retail shops, 1 dive retail shop, every dive shop with a small retail area, and about 65 employees together describe an operation built to support different kinds of water-based travel.

Whether you want a simple shore-diving week, a guided night dive, a refresher, an Open Water Certification, an Advanced Open Water incl. night dive (incl PADI eLearning) course for $414, or an Avelo package such as Avelo Journey - RAD-Course + guided dives - 2 days - 4 dives, the structure is there to support your plan.

If you are ready to organize your Bonaire diving holiday, explore the course, guided dive, snorkeling, freediving, and rental options that best fit your schedule and experience level, then book the experience that matches your trip goals.