Exploring Avelo Diving: What to Expect from Dive Friends Bonaire’s Avelo Experience
Curious about Avelo diving and how it can transform your time underwater? If you’ve ever wished for lighter gear and effortless hover, Dive Friends Bonaire’s Avelo Experience delivers exactly that—plus a complete, well-paced week in diver’s paradise. In this guide, you’ll learn what Avelo diving is, how the Recreational Avelo Diver (RAD) course works, what’s included in the Avelo Dive Week, current pricing options, and how to get started.
What is Avelo diving?
Avelo diving is an innovative approach that reimagines buoyancy control. Instead of a traditional BCD, the Avelo System uses the tank itself to manage buoyancy.
- The system has two components: the Jetpack and the Hydrotank.
- You add water to become heavier and purge water to become lighter.
- Because there’s no compressible air volume, you remain neutrally buoyant without constantly adjusting for depth changes.
- It’s designed to feel remarkably stable in the water and is nearly half the weight of standard scuba, supporting smoother, longer dives with lighter and safer gear.
Quick answer: How does the Avelo System work?
Add water to the Hydrotank to descend and purge water to ascend. With no compressible volume, your buoyancy stays stable as you change depth, delivering a consistent, neutral feel throughout the dive.
Why try Avelo diving with Dive Friends Bonaire?
- First International Avelo Dive Center: Dive Friends Bonaire works closely with Avelo—supporting research, development, and real-world feedback—so you learn and dive with a team deeply immersed in the technology.
- Bonaire shore diving made easier: The Avelo System’s lightweight setup pairs naturally with Bonaire’s iconic shore entries, helping you move more comfortably to and from the water while you enjoy the island’s renowned reefs.
- Certification you can use worldwide: Once certified, you can dive Avelo on Bonaire with Dive Friends or at any Avelo Dive Center.
Inside the Avelo Experience: Your week at a glance
Dive Friends Bonaire’s Avelo Dive Week balances training, guided exploration, and ample free time to dive at your own pace.
Day-by-day timeline
- Day 1: Arrive on Bonaire, check into Delfins Beach Resort, and collect your rental truck.
- Day 2: Complete your Recreational Avelo Diver (RAD) course with a certified instructor.
- Day 3: Head out for guided Avelo dives and start exploring the reefs.
- Days 4–7: Dive at your own pace using Avelo gear and Hydrotanks.
- Day 8: Return your gear and vehicle, and check out feeling refreshed.
Extra touches that make the week special
- Goodie bag with a retail discount voucher and a personalized Avelo Dive Centre shirt.
- A relaxed BBQ evening with one free drink included; both meat and vegetarian options are provided—bring a side dish to share if you like.
- Flexibility to switch to standard scuba gear at any time.
- Accommodation and vehicle models are subject to availability.
Limited 2026 availability and starting price
- 2026 Avelo Dive Week dates: February 14–21, June 13–20, September 5–12, October 24–31.
- All-inclusive price starting at $2.999 per person.
How the Recreational Avelo Diver (RAD) course works
The RAD course is streamlined and practical, helping you build confidence quickly.
Online training (1–2 hours)
- Learn key principles that build on your Open Water knowledge and focus on Avelo-specific concepts.
- After completing the theory, you have 90 days to finish the in-water component. You can extend the 90-day period by retaking the quizzes to keep concepts fresh.
In-water session (2 dives)
- Complete two training dives with an Avelo-certified instructor.
- You’ll practice skills for safe Avelo use and finalize certification once standards are met.
Earn your certification
- You’ll receive a digital certification you can save on your phone.
- Any Avelo Dive Center can locate your certification.
Prerequisite
- Open Water Certification.
Important refresher note
- If you haven’t been diving in the past 12 months, a quick refresher is required before starting the RAD course. It’s a half-day session priced at $120 including all gear and tanks.
Avelo course deals, guided dives, and rentals
Whether you want a quick introduction or an extended dive plan, there’s a package for you. All prices are per person and typically exclude the Bonaire Marine Park Tag.
Course deals
| Package | What’s included | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taste of Avelo | RAD course | 1 day / 2 dives | $450 |
| Avelo Experience | RAD course + guided dives | 2 days / 4 dives | $700 |
| Avelo Adventure | RAD course + guided dives | 3 days / 6 dives | $950 |
| Avelo Ultimate | RAD course + guided dives (including two 2‑tank boat dives) | 6 days / 12 dives | $1550 |
Guided Avelo dives
- Two-tank guided dive with instructor (all in) — $260
- All in = includes Avelo gear, computer, and analyzing profiles.
- Avelo – 2 tank guided dive, including Avelo gear and computer — $210
Avelo rentals (for RAD-certified divers)
- Avelo rental gear (per day) — $55
- Unlimited Hydrotanks (per day) — $42
Note: The Bonaire Marine Park Tag is $40.
What Avelo diving feels like underwater
- Stable neutral buoyancy: With no compressible bubble to manage, you hover without constant adjustments.
- Streamlined focus: Many divers find it easier to concentrate on breathing, trim, and the environment when they aren’t inflating/deflating a BCD.
- Comfort on the surface and shore: Lighter equipment can make surface intervals and shore entries more comfortable, especially on rocky beaches.
These effects come from how Avelo controls buoyancy through water mass rather than variable-volume gas, reducing the feedback loop between depth, pressure, and BCD adjustments. The result is a calm, consistent platform for your dives.
Practical takeaways to get the most from your Avelo week
- Complete your online training early: Arriving with the eLearning fresh helps you focus on hands-on skills during Day 2.
- Schedule a refresher if needed: If it’s been 12+ months since your last dive, book the $120 refresher before starting the RAD course to align with training policies.
- Leverage guided dives on Day 3: Use your instructor’s coaching to fine-tune trim, breathing cadence, and skill execution as you transition from training to exploration.
- Plan your shore entries: Lighter gear is a plus—pair it with thoughtful site selection and conservative first dives to build comfort.
- Use Hydrotanks strategically: Take advantage of Unlimited Hydrotanks days to explore at your pace through Days 4–7.
- Join the BBQ: It’s a relaxed chance to connect with staff and fellow divers, swap tips, and make the most of your week.
- Keep your certification handy: Your digital RAD certification makes renting Avelo gear or joining guided Avelo dives seamless.
Frequently asked questions about Avelo diving
Can I switch back to standard scuba?
Yes. The Avelo Dive Week package provides the flexibility to switch to standard scuba gear at any time.
Where will I stay during the Avelo Experience?
You’ll check into Delfins Beach Resort on Day 1, close to the action and ready for easy logistics throughout your week.
Do I need special training to rent Avelo gear?
Yes. You’ll need to complete the Recreational Avelo Diver (RAD) certification before renting Avelo equipment and Hydrotanks for independent shore dives.
How do guided Avelo dives work after I’m certified?
Book a two-tank guided dive with an instructor (all in) for $260, or opt for the Avelo – 2 tank guided dive, including Avelo gear and computer for $210. Both are designed to help you explore Bonaire’s top sites while getting the most from your Avelo setup.
Related ways to dive more with Dive Friends Bonaire
- Explore more of Bonaire with Guided Dives, Boat Dives, and Night or Dusk Diving.
- Build skills with Specialty Courses or continue your journey through Continued Education.
- Looking long-term? Check out professional pathways via PADI Pro programs.
How to book your Avelo diving on Bonaire
Ready to feel the freedom of diving Avelo? Request information for your next booking—Dive Friends Bonaire aims to reply within 24 hours. You can also get in touch directly:
- Phone: +599 780 2572
- Email: info@divefriendsbonaire.com
Conclusion
Avelo diving offers a lighter, simpler, and more stable way to explore Bonaire’s reefs—and Dive Friends Bonaire’s Avelo Experience wraps it into an expertly curated week, from RAD certification to guided dives and flexible independent shore diving. With limited 2026 dates and an all-inclusive package starting at $2.999 per person, now is the time to plan your trip.
Ready to dive in? Contact Dive Friends Bonaire today to book your Avelo Experience and start planning the best dive week you’ve had yet.