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19 March 2026

From Yellow Submarine to Seven Shops: The Evolution of Dive Friends Bonaire

Planning a Bonaire dive trip should feel easy, flexible, and fun. That’s exactly what Dive Friends Bonaire set out to deliver—and still does today. From a single start in 2002 to seven island-wide dive shops and four retail stores, Dive Friends Bonaire has grown with one goal in mind: making world-class diving simple, sustainable, and accessible for every diver.

In this story, you’ll learn where it all began, how the operation expanded across Bonaire, what makes each location special, and how the team continues to innovate with training, gear, and conservation. You’ll also find quick, practical ways to plan your best dives—whether you’re here for unlimited shore diving, a guided shore adventure, an Avelo experience, or your next PADI course.

Where It All Began: Yellow Submarine (2002)

The Dive Friends Bonaire journey started in 2002 at the iconic Yellow Submarine building on the Kralendijk boulevard.

From day one, Yellow Submarine combined ease of access with professional training in calm, clear water—setting the tone for how Dive Friends Bonaire would grow: friendly service, smart locations, and safe, responsible diving.

Growing With the Island: Seven Dive Shops for Maximum Convenience

With seven full-service dive shops conveniently spread across Bonaire, there’s always a Dive Friends location within easy reach. You can hop into any shop to make a reservation, pick up tanks, get local site tips, or join a guided dive.

Port Bonaire

Delfins Beach Resort

Hamlet Oasis

Sand Dollar / Den Laman

Dive Inn

Retail & Dive

Yellow Submarine

Why this network matters: Bonaire is famous for easy shore access. Having seven strategically placed dive shops near well-known sites means you can gear up close to where you dive, swap tanks whenever you need, and keep your day flexible. Tanks can be picked up and returned at any Dive Friends location during opening hours, making “dive at your own pace” more than a slogan.

Retail Evolution: Four Island-Style Stores (and an Avelo Hub)

Dive Friends Bonaire complements its dive shops with four retail stores offering dive gear, beach essentials, and souvenirs.

This retail footprint keeps you covered for everything from last-minute O-rings to a new mask fit, resort wear, or a camera housing for that once-in-a-trip shot.

Training, Access, and Innovation—All in One Place

Dive Friends Bonaire is a PADI 5 Star IDC center, training divers from beginner through professional levels. Certified divers can dive independently after completing the mandatory orientation dive, while newcomers can start with programs like Discover Scuba Diving or complete the full Open Water course—confined sessions and open water dives included.

Innovation is part of the evolution, too. Dive Friends Bonaire is proud to be the first international Avelo Dive Center and an early adopter of the Avelo System. The Avelo approach focuses on precise buoyancy control using a lightweight tank that manages pressure with water instead of air. The result: fewer adjustments, reduced lead, and a smoother, more efficient dive experience. The Retail & Dive location is the Avelo hub, and you can:

Sustainability and Community at the Core

Dive Friends Bonaire is committed to sustainability and responsible diving practices. The team leads a Quarterly Clean Up Dive every three months, bringing divers and snorkelers together to remove debris and protect Bonaire’s reefs—then celebrate with the community.

This conservation mindset shows up in everyday operations and guest education, too. Responsible diving protects fragile corals and marine life, ensuring Bonaire’s reefs remain vibrant for future generations.

Why Shore Diving Makes Bonaire Special

Bonaire is widely known as the Shore Diving Capital of the World, with more than 60 marked sites accessible directly from shore. Shore diving gives certified divers freedom to set their own pace, choose site timings, and linger where the reef is most alive.

For first-time shore divers—or anyone who wants a stress-free start—guided shore dives make a big difference. Dive Friends guides know the best entries, exits, and underwater routes, and they’re skilled at finding marine life you might otherwise miss.

At-a-Glance: Packages, Prices, and Hours

Here are quick facts to help you plan. For full details, check the Price List, Unlimited Shore Diving, Guided Shore Diving, and Discover Avelo pages on our site.

Offering Price Notes
Unlimited Shore Diving (6 days) $234 Air or Nitrox tanks included; includes tanks & weights; extend per day if needed.
Unlimited Shore Diving (per day) $42 Air or Nitrox tanks included.
Single tank & weights $23 Air/Nitrox tank.
Full rental gear (per day) $57 Includes computer; excludes light and tanks; 10% discount for 6+ days.
1-tank guided shore dive $60 Guide only.
1-tank guided shore dive (incl. tank, weights, rental gear) $113 All-in option.
2-tank guided shore dive $109 Guide only.
2-tank guided shore dive (incl. tank, weights, rental gear) $179 All-in option.
3-tank guided shore dive $150 Guide only.
3-tank guided shore dive (incl. tank, weights, rental gear) $222 All-in option.
Avelo Rental Gear (per day) $55 For certified RAD divers.
Unlimited Air or Nitrox Hydrotanks (Avelo) $42 Per day.

Additional notes:

Practical Takeaways: How to Make the Most of Dive Friends Bonaire

Quick Answers for Trip Planning

Conclusion: More Than Just a Dive Shop—We’re Your Dive Friends

From the Yellow Submarine in 2002 to seven island-wide shops and four retail stores, Dive Friends Bonaire has grown by keeping divers first: convenient locations, exceptional training, innovative gear, and a deep commitment to conservation. Whether you’re planning unlimited shore dives, a guided adventure, an Avelo experience, or your next PADI course, your dive friends are always close by.

Ready to dive in?

Let’s go diving!