Become a Reef Protector: Diving into the PADI Lionfish Hunter Specialty with Dive Friends Bonaire
If you’re ready to turn your dives into direct action for ocean health, the PADI Lionfish Hunter Specialty is your next step. With Dive Friends Bonaire, this focused, one-day program empowers you to remove invasive lionfish safely and effectively. The course includes two dedicated dives and is listed at EUR 177, making it an accessible way to protect Bonaire’s reefs while sharpening your underwater skills.
What is the PADI Lionfish Hunter Specialty?
The PADI Lionfish Hunter Specialty is a conservation-forward program that teaches divers how to identify and safely remove invasive lionfish, helping local reef communities recover and thrive.
- Duration: One day
- Dives: Two dives dedicated to safe lionfish removal
- Price: EUR 177
Dive Friends Bonaire delivers this specialty with professional PADI instructors and an emphasis on safety, precision, and reef-friendly techniques.
Quick answer for searchers
- What does the PADI Lionfish Hunter Specialty include? One day, two dives dedicated to safe lionfish removal.
- How much does it cost at Dive Friends Bonaire? EUR 177.
Why lionfish removal matters on Bonaire
Lionfish are an invasive species in the Caribbean. With few natural predators in the region, they can disrupt reef balance and reduce populations of juvenile reef fish. Proactive, well-managed removal efforts help:
- Reduce predation pressure on native fish communities
- Support coral resilience by protecting herbivores that graze algae
- Preserve Bonaire’s reputation as the shore-diving capital of the world, where vibrant reefs lie just a short swim from the beach
Dive Friends Bonaire’s conservation leadership—recognized as an Eco Center, an Adopt the Blue participant, and a PADI 100% AWARE Eco Center—means your training aligns with best practices and local reef protection priorities.
How your Lionfish Hunter day unfolds
While the exact flow is confirmed at check-in, here’s what to expect with Dive Friends Bonaire:
- A streamlined briefing focused on safety, procedures, and local best practices
- Two guided dives centered on the safe removal of invasive lionfish
- Post-dive debrief and digital logging—your dive logs can be recorded and signed on the spot, and digital logbooks in the PADI App are accepted
Tip: All divers on Bonaire complete a Marine Park orientation and a mandatory buoyancy check on a house reef. Orientation dives are offered during regular opening hours (08:00–17:00) at every Dive Friends Bonaire location, so you can fulfill requirements conveniently.
Safety first: Smart, responsible lionfish control
Lionfish have venomous spines, so risk management is essential. You’ll focus on:
- Maintaining excellent trim and buoyancy to avoid reef contact
- Situational awareness and buddy communication
- Procedures that minimize handling and environmental disturbance
- Respect for Bonaire Marine Park rules and site etiquette
For added confidence in your emergency readiness, PADI First Aid – Emergency First Response (EFR) courses are available with Dive Friends Bonaire.
Where you’ll train: Easy access, house reefs, and support
Dive Friends Bonaire operates eight full-service dive shops and four retail stores across the island, making logistics simple. Facilities include rinse tanks, gear storage, and convenient waterfront access. Several locations—such as Dive Inn and Delfins—feature house reefs right in front of the shop for easy entries.
- Freshwater showers are available at waterfront sites such as Delfins and Hamlet Oasis.
- Hamlet Oasis also keeps a fish-identification library if you want to brush up on local species between dives.
What’s included—and what to bring
Included in the PADI Lionfish Hunter Specialty with Dive Friends Bonaire:
- One-day program
- Two dives dedicated to safe lionfish removal
- EUR 177 course price
What to bring and prepare:
- Your certification credentials—digital PADI eCards are accepted via the PADI App
- A plan to complete the Marine Park orientation and buoyancy check during shop hours
- Any personal dive gear you prefer—otherwise, Dive Friends Bonaire offers high-quality rental gear, including BCDs, regulators, wetsuits, computers, fins, masks, boots, and aluminum cylinders
Booking your PADI Lionfish Hunter Specialty
Booking is easy and flexible:
- Reserve online through the Dive Friends Bonaire website (see the Price List for current rates)
- Book via the PADI Adventures App on your phone
- Or contact the team directly: +599 780 2572 or info@divefriendsbonaire.com
Extend your impact: Conservation and community
Make the most of your trip by joining other conservation and community activities:
- Quarterly clean-up dives that bring divers and staff together for island-wide reef care
- Participation in Adopt the Blue initiatives and other eco-projects
- Social events listed alongside dives and conservation outings
These experiences reinforce the skills and stewardship mindset you’ll build during the PADI Lionfish Hunter Specialty.
Add-on experiences to round out your week
Want to keep diving after you earn the specialty? Consider:
- Guided Dives (shore, boat, and special night dives)
- UV (fluorescent) night dives at Hamlet Oasis—an unforgettable way to see reefs glow after dark
- The 6-day Unlimited Shore Diving package for back-to-back dives with air or Nitrox included (listed at USD 234)
If you’re traveling with non-divers, PADI Snorkelling trips are also available.
Practical takeaways and tips
- Complete orientation early: Marine Park orientation and buoyancy checks are available 08:00–17:00; plan ahead so your course day runs smoothly.
- Go digital: Install the PADI App for eCards and a digital logbook that staff can sign on the spot.
- Gear made easy: If you don’t want to pack heavy, rental equipment is available at all Dive Friends Bonaire locations.
- Stay flexible: With eight dive shops and four retail stores across Bonaire, you’re never far from tank exchanges, gear, or guidance.
- Keep learning: Build on your momentum with continued education—Advanced Open Water, Enriched Air (Nitrox), and more are available.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the PADI Lionfish Hunter Specialty at Dive Friends Bonaire?
EUR 177 for a one-day program with two dives focused on safe lionfish removal.
Do I need a physical certification card?
No. Digital PADI eCards in the PADI App are accepted at check-in.
Can I log my course dives digitally?
Yes. The digital logbook in the PADI App is accepted and can be signed on site.
When can I complete the Marine Park orientation and buoyancy check?
During regular opening hours (08:00–17:00) at any Dive Friends Bonaire location.
How do I book?
Book on the website (see the Price List), via the PADI Adventures App, or contact +599 780 2572 / info@divefriendsbonaire.com.
Conclusion: Turn your passion into protection
With Dive Friends Bonaire, the PADI Lionfish Hunter Specialty transforms your love of diving into tangible reef protection. In just one day and two purpose-driven dives, you’ll gain practical skills that help Bonaire’s reefs thrive—guided by a conservation-minded team recognized as an Eco Center, Adopt the Blue participant, and PADI 100% AWARE Eco Center.
Ready to become a reef protector? Book your PADI Lionfish Hunter Specialty today through our website or the PADI Adventures App, and subscribe to our newsletter for upcoming conservation events, guided dives, and special offers.