One-Day RAD Course: Inside Dive Friends Bonaire’s Recreational Avelo Diver Training
If you are curious about Avelo diving but do not want to commit without understanding the training first, the One-Day RAD Course offers a clear starting point. At Dive Friends Bonaire, the Recreational Avelo Diver (RAD) course is designed to help Open Water Certified divers master the basics of Avelo during two dives with certified Avelo professionals. For many divers, that makes it the ideal bridge between curiosity and real in-water experience.
This guide explains what the One-Day RAD Course includes, who it is for, how it connects to the broader Avelo options in Bonaire, and what to expect if you want to build a full dive holiday around it. If you are comparing training formats, looking at week-long packages, or deciding whether to continue into guided dives after certification, this breakdown will help.
What Is the One-Day RAD Course?
The One-Day Recreational Avelo Diver (RAD) Course is an introductory Avelo training day focused on the fundamentals. It is described as a way to master the basics of Avelo during two dives, guided by certified Avelo professionals.
In practical terms, this course is the first step for divers who want to learn the Avelo system in a structured way before moving on to additional guided diving.
Quick answer: What does the One-Day RAD Course include?
The course includes:
- Two practical training dives
- RAD certification
- Guidance from certified Avelo professionals
- eLearning completed beforehand as part of the RAD training pathway
This format gives divers a focused day of instruction and in-water practice without stretching the course over a longer schedule.
Who Is the RAD Course For?
The RAD course is intended for divers who already hold an Open Water certification and want to learn how to dive with the Avelo system.
Prerequisites
To enroll, divers must meet these requirements:
- Minimum age: 15 years old
- Open Water Certified
That makes the course especially relevant for certified divers visiting Bonaire who want to add a new training experience to their trip.
What Happens During the Training Day?
The training day centers on two practical dives. This hands-on format matters because new diving systems are best learned through direct, supervised experience in the water.
Dive Friends Bonaire describes the day as a chance to master the basics of Avelo. That means the course is not positioned as a general scuba refresher. It is a dedicated introduction to diving with Avelo, built around direct coaching from professionals trained in the system.
Course structure at a glance
| Course element | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Pre-course learning | eLearning completed beforehand |
| In-water training | Two practical training dives |
| Outcome | RAD certification |
| Guidance | Certified Avelo professionals |
Because the eLearning is completed in advance, the in-person day can focus on skill development and real underwater application.
Why a One-Day Format Appeals to Traveling Divers
For divers planning a Bonaire vacation, time matters. A one-day training format can fit neatly into a broader itinerary that may already include shore diving, guided dives, boat diving, accommodation, and island exploration.
The One-Day RAD Course works well for divers who want to:
- Add Avelo training to an existing trip
- Try a new dive system without using several vacation days
- Earn certification first, then decide whether to continue with more Avelo dives
- Combine structured learning with a more flexible holiday schedule
This is also why the RAD course features so prominently in broader Avelo offerings. It serves as the entry point for divers who want more than a single training day.
How the One-Day RAD Course Fits into the Avelo Journey
The most direct next step after the one-day certification is Avelo Journey - RAD-Course + guided dives - 2 days - 4 dives.
This is described as the most popular and recommended RAD course option. It begins with certification and then continues with two guided Avelo dives on the second day to help divers build confidence and develop Avelo skills.
Avelo Journey at a glance
- eLearning completed beforehand
- Day 1: Two practical training dives and RAD certification
- Day 2: Two guided Avelo dives
- Total: 2 days, 4 dives
- Price: $ 700
For many divers, this progression makes sense. The first day establishes the fundamentals. The second day adds supported repetition, which is often one of the most effective ways to turn new training into usable confidence underwater.
The One-Day RAD Course and the Avelo Experience Package
The Avelo Experience Package expands the idea even further into a week-long holiday. It is presented as an exclusive Avelo package that includes RAD course, guided Avelo dives, gear rental, resort stay, and more.
A more detailed version of the experience outlines these inclusions:
- A 1-day Recreational Avelo Diver (RAD) course
- Two guided dives with one of the instructors
- Four days of unlimited Avelo gear rental
- 6-night stay at Delfins Beach Resort
- 7-day Toyota Hilux truck rental
- Goodie bag, retail discounts, and a complementary BBQ night
This broader package shows how the One-Day RAD Course functions as the training foundation inside a full Bonaire dive holiday. Instead of standing alone, the course becomes the first milestone in a more immersive Avelo week.
2026 Avelo Experience availability
The Avelo Experience week-long program is available during these limited 2026 time slots:
- February 14 - 21
- June 13 - 20
- September 5 - 12
- October 24 - 31
The package is offered at an all inclusive price starting at $2.999 per person.
What Makes the RAD Course Valuable Beyond Certification?
A certification card matters, but the real value of the One-Day RAD Course is what it unlocks next.
Once divers complete their RAD certification, they can move into additional guided experiences and rental options built around Avelo. Dive Friends Bonaire offers several ways to continue:
- Guided Avelo dives
- Avelo Journey - RAD-Course + guided dives - 2 days - 4 dives
- Avelo Ultimate - RAD Course + guided dives - 6 days - 12 dives (including 2 two-tank boat dives)
- Unlimited Air or Nitrox Hydrotanks at $42.- per day for certified RAD divers renting Avelo equipment and tanks to dive independently
That progression is important. A one-day course gives you the entry credential, but longer guided programs can help you integrate new skills more naturally over multiple dive days.
Related Avelo Options for Divers Who Want More
If you already know you want an extended Avelo program, Dive Friends Bonaire also offers Avelo Ultimate.
Avelo Ultimate overview
This six-day option includes:
- eLearning completed beforehand
- Day 1: Two practical training dives and RAD certification
- Days 2 and 3: Two-tank guided boat dives (four boat dives total)
- Days 4, 5, and 6: Two guided shore dives each day (six shore dives total)
Price: $1,550
This option is built for divers who want a full week dedicated to the Avelo system with a mix of shore and boat diving.
There is also a separate Two-tank guided dive with instructor option priced at $186.-, which includes:
- Avelo gear
- computer
- profile analysis
These related options create natural next steps for readers researching the One-Day RAD Course and considering how much Avelo diving they want during their Bonaire stay.
Practical Tips Before Booking the One-Day RAD Course
If you are deciding whether the Recreational Avelo Diver training is right for your trip, keep these practical points in mind.
1. Confirm that you meet the prerequisites
You must be:
- At least 15 years old
- Open Water Certified
2. Complete the eLearning before arrival
The course pathway includes eLearning completed beforehand, so finishing that in advance will help you make the most of your in-water training day.
3. Decide whether you want only certification or guided follow-up dives
A one-day certification is efficient, but some divers benefit from adding more guided practice. If that sounds appealing, the strongest follow-up option is Avelo Journey - RAD-Course + guided dives - 2 days - 4 dives.
4. Consider packaging your course into a longer Bonaire dive holiday
If you want training plus accommodation, transportation, and additional guided diving, the Avelo Experience Package may be the better fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the One-Day RAD Course?
It is a 1-day Recreational Avelo Diver (RAD) Course centered on two dives.
What do you need before taking the course?
You must be Open Water Certified, at least 15 years old, and complete the eLearning beforehand.
What do you earn at the end of the day?
You complete RAD certification after the practical training dives.
Is there a next step after the one-day course?
Yes. A natural next step is Avelo Journey - RAD-Course + guided dives - 2 days - 4 dives, which adds two guided Avelo dives on a second day.
Can the RAD course be part of a full vacation package?
Yes. The Avelo Experience Package includes the 1-day Recreational Avelo Diver (RAD) course along with guided dives, gear rental, resort stay, and more.
Why This Training Day Matters
The One-Day RAD Course is more than a short certification block. It is the access point to a larger Avelo diving experience in Bonaire.
For certified divers, it offers a practical way to learn the system in a single day, under professional guidance, with a clear path into guided diving afterward. For travelers planning a broader holiday, it also serves as the training core of a week-long Avelo package.
That combination of efficiency, structure, and expandability is what makes the Recreational Avelo Diver training especially compelling.
Conclusion: Start with the One-Day RAD Course, Then Build Your Ideal Avelo Trip
If you want to explore Avelo diving in a focused, structured way, the One-Day RAD Course is the clearest starting point. You complete your pre-course eLearning, train through two practical dives with certified Avelo professionals, and finish with RAD certification.
From there, you can keep it simple or go further. Add the second-day guided experience through Avelo Journey - RAD-Course + guided dives - 2 days - 4 dives, or turn the course into a complete holiday through the Avelo Experience Package.
If you are ready to plan your Avelo training in Bonaire, take the next step and book your spot for the RAD course or one of the related Avelo programs.