Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dive Friends Bonaire?
Dive Friends Bonaire is a PADI 5-Star IDC dive operator in Kralendijk that provides scuba diving, training, equipment rental, and conservation activities across eight dive shop locations and four retail stores on Bonaire.
Why choose Dive Friends Bonaire over other operators?
The company offers island-wide convenience with multiple tank exchange points, unlimited shore-air packages, friendly multilingual staff, and mandatory Marine Park orientations that can be taken at any shop during normal hours.
How does shore diving with Dive Friends Bonaire work?
You pick up or swap tanks at any of the eight shops, enter the water from nearby beaches, and dive independently or with a guide; unlimited air or nitrox packages let you dive as often as you want.
Do I need to be certified before I dive?
No. If you are not yet certified, you can enroll in PADI courses—from Discover Scuba Diving through Open Water—before exploring Bonaire’s reefs.
Which beginner PADI courses are available?
Beginner options include Discover Scuba Diving, Kids programs, and the full Open Water Diver course.
What continued-education or specialty courses can I take?
You can progress with Adventure Diver, Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, and specialties such as Self-Reliant Diver, Night Diver, and Sea Turtle Awareness.
Do you offer professional-level training?
Yes. Divemaster and Instructor Development Courses (IDC) are available for those pursuing a PADI Pro path.
What is the Avelo dive system and how can I try it?
The Avelo system is a lightweight dive setup offered through Avelo Courses, Avelo Experience, and Avelo Pro programs that you can book directly through the website.
Are guided dives and boat trips available?
Yes. You can join guided shore dives, boat dives to Klein Bonaire, and special night dives led by professional dive guides.
Do you organize night or ostracod dives?
Night dives, shore night dives, and ostracod bioluminescence dives are listed activities and can be booked in advance.
Can I rent scuba equipment from you?
High-quality rental gear—BCD, regulator, wetsuit, computer, fins, masks, boots, and aluminum cylinders—is available individually or as a full set.
Do you provide equipment servicing and repairs?
Yes. Equipment service and repair are listed among the shop’s on-site services.
Is unlimited shore diving offered?
Unlimited Shore Diving and Unlimited Air Packages are available, allowing continuous tank exchanges throughout your stay.
Are snorkelling trips available for non-divers?
Yes. PADI Snorkelling trips are part of the activities offered.
What conservation programs do you support?
Dive Friends Bonaire participates in initiatives like Adopt the Blue, quarterly clean-up dives, and other eco-projects.
Where are your dive shops located?
Shops are situated at Hamlet Oasis, Sand Dollar, Yellow Submarine, Dive Inn, Resort Bonaire, Port Bonaire, Delfins Beach, and another Kralendijk location, all within easy reach of popular dive sites.
What are your normal opening hours?
All listed centers operate daily from 08:00 AM to 05:00 PM.
How do I book a dive package or course?
Reserve online through the Dive Friends Bonaire website or contact the team by phone or email for assistance before arrival.
What is the main contact information?
Phone: +599 780 2572. Email: info@divefriendsbonaire.com. Address: Kralendijk, Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean.
Which payment methods do you accept?
Payments can be made by bank/debit card, VISA, Mastercard, or local-currency cash.
What facilities do your shops provide?
Facilities include on-site classrooms, free Wi-Fi, retail stores, rinse tanks, gear storage, waterfront access, food & drinks, and parking.
Is Wi-Fi available at the dive centers?
Yes. Free Wi-Fi is listed among the facilities.
Do you have parking on site?
Parking is available at the dive centers.
Is a Bonaire National Marine Park orientation dive mandatory?
Yes. An orientation dive is required for all divers and can be completed at any shop during normal business hours.
What languages does the staff speak?
Staff members speak English, Spanish, Dutch, French, and German.
How many instructors are on staff?
The operation lists 40 PADI Instructors.
Do you operate your own retail shops?
Yes. Four retail outlets stock dive accessories, souvenirs, and equipment for purchase.
Who is Dive Friends Bonaire best suited for?
Services cater to everyone from first-time divers and kids to experienced, technical, and professional divers.
Can children learn to dive with you?
Yes. Dedicated Kids programs and Discover Scuba experiences are available.
Do you cater to self-reliant or technical divers?
Specialties such as Self-Reliant Diver and technical training options are offered for advanced practitioners.
Is Dive Friends Bonaire connected to a single resort?
No. Divers from any accommodation are welcome to use the facilities and services.
Can I exchange tanks at any time?
You may swap tanks during normal shop hours at all eight locations, making continuous diving easy.
Are refresher courses available if I haven't dived recently?
Yes. Refresher sessions are listed services to update skills before open-water dives.
What adaptive services are provided?
The centers list adaptive services that can accommodate divers’ individual needs; contact the team for specifics.
Do the shops have house reefs?
Several locations, such as Dive Inn and Delfins, have easily accessible house reefs right in front of the shop.
Are food and beverages available on site?
Food & Drinks are among the facilities offered at certain waterfront locations.
Do you offer any group events or clean-up dives?
Yes. Quarterly clean-up dives are scheduled as part of the conservation program.
Are rinse tanks and secure gear storage available at the dive shops?
Yes. All Dive Friends Bonaire locations provide dedicated rinse tanks and gear storage areas so you can clean and safely store your equipment between dives.
Which scuba cylinder sizes can I rent?
Rental options include standard aluminum cylinders and smaller 10-liter (71.2 cu ft) tanks, giving you flexibility to choose the size that best matches your dive profile.
Can I dive with Nitrox and earn the Enriched Air certification?
Yes. Enriched Air (Nitrox) fills are offered through the unlimited air or nitrox packages, and the PADI Enriched Air specialty course can be booked at any Dive Friends Bonaire center.
Do you offer freediving courses?
Yes. Freediving programs taught by PADI-certified instructors are listed among the available courses and can be booked through the Dive Friends Bonaire website.
Are there any special offers or dive packages available?
Yes. Current promotions include the Early Bird Offer, the 6-day Unlimited Shore Diving package, and the week-long Avelo Experience package that bundles the RAD course, guided Avelo dives, gear rental, and a resort stay.
Can I book my dives through the PADI Adventures mobile app?
Yes. The PADI Adventures app is promoted as a way to book diving activities online with Dive Friends Bonaire.
Is child-sized rental equipment available?
Yes. The rental inventory specifically lists kids’ equipment and children-sized gear to ensure proper fit for younger divers.
Where can I view your current price list?
The up-to-date price list is published on the Dive Friends Bonaire website under the “Price List” section, which you can access from the main navigation menu.
Is Nitrox included in the 6-day Unlimited Shore Diving package?
Yes. The Unlimited Shore Diving package can be booked with either standard air or Enriched Air (Nitrox) tanks, allowing you to choose the gas that best suits your dive plan.
Do you offer dive-and-stay packages that include accommodation?
Yes. The week-long Avelo Experience package bundles a resort stay with the RAD course, guided Avelo dives, and gear rental for a complete dive-and-stay option.
How much does the 6-day Unlimited Shore Diving package cost?
The Unlimited Shore Diving package is listed at USD 234 for six days of unlimited air or Nitrox tank exchanges.
Do you offer Emergency First Response (EFR) first-aid training?
Yes. PADI First Aid – Emergency First Response (EFR) courses are listed among the activities available at Dive Friends Bonaire and can be booked through any of our centers.
Is Dive Friends Bonaire an eco-certified dive center?
Yes. Dive Friends Bonaire is listed as an Eco Center, reflecting its recognized commitment to environmentally responsible diving and conservation practices.
Which social media platforms can I follow for news and updates?
You can stay connected with Dive Friends Bonaire on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, all linked from the contact section of our website.
Which mobile apps enhance my experience with Dive Friends Bonaire?
Use the PADI App to access your eCards, digital logbook, and eLearning, and the PADI Adventures App to browse and book Dive Friends Bonaire activities directly from your phone.
Do you organize UV or fluorescent night dives?
Yes. The Hamlet Oasis shop highlights UV (fluorescent) night dives as a signature experience, and these guided dives can be booked alongside regular night-dive options.
Are fish identification resources available at the dive centers?
Yes. The Hamlet Oasis location keeps a reference library with fish-identification guides that guests are welcome to consult between dives.
Do you have a newsletter I can subscribe to for updates and offers?
Yes. You can subscribe to the Dive Friends Bonaire email newsletter by entering your name and email address in the “Sign up for newsletter” section found on our website’s footer.
What is included in the Avelo Experience package?
The week-long Avelo Experience combines the RAD certification course, multiple guided Avelo dives, complete gear rental, and a resort stay, giving you an all-in-one dive-and-stay bundle that can be booked directly on our website.
Do you offer a Lionfish Hunter specialty course?
Yes. The one-day PADI Lionfish Hunter course includes two dives dedicated to safely removing the invasive species and is currently listed at EUR 177.
How long does the PADI Open Water Diver course take, and how many dives are required?
Our Open Water Diver program runs over three days and includes four qualifying dives, meeting the standard PADI training schedule.
Is onsite accommodation available at any Dive Friends Bonaire location?
Yes. The Delfins Beach site notes onsite accommodation, and the Avelo Experience package also bundles resort lodging for guests who prefer to stay right by the dive center.
How many dive shop locations and separate retail stores do you operate on Bonaire?
Dive Friends Bonaire runs eight full-service dive shops for tank exchanges and diving activities, plus four standalone retail stores where you can purchase equipment, accessories, and souvenirs.
Where can I find information about employment opportunities at Dive Friends Bonaire?
Current vacancies are posted under the “Jobs” link in the Useful Links section of our website’s footer, where you can review open positions and apply online.
Can I complete the theory portion of my PADI course online before arriving?
Yes. You can finish the knowledge-development section through the PADI eLearning Portal and simply bring your completion record to begin the in-water training with Dive Friends Bonaire.
Do you accept digital PADI eCards instead of physical certification cards at check-in?
Yes. All Dive Friends Bonaire locations recognize the digital certification eCards stored in the PADI App, so you may present your credentials on your phone.
Can I keep a digital logbook of my dives while visiting Dive Friends Bonaire?
Yes. The PADI App includes a digital logbook feature that is fully accepted by our staff for recording and signing your dives on the spot.
What time do the boat dives depart each day?
Boat dives meet at 07:45 AM for the morning two-tank trip and at 13:45 PM for the afternoon one-tank trip.
Can I complete my Bonaire Marine Park orientation dive at any time during shop hours?
Yes. Orientation dives are offered throughout regular opening hours (08:00–17:00) at every Dive Friends Bonaire location, letting you fulfill the requirement whenever you arrive.
Are freshwater showers available at the shore-entry points?
Yes. Waterfront sites such as Delfins and Hamlet Oasis feature rinse tanks and freshwater shower units positioned right beside the entry points for convenient post-dive clean-ups.
Can I purchase air or Nitrox fills individually without an unlimited package?
Yes. Every Dive Friends Bonaire location offers individual air and Enriched Air (Nitrox) tank fills; you can pay per fill and swap cylinders during normal shop hours.
Can I buy dive gear and accessories at your centers?
Yes. All eight dive shops and four retail stores provide equipment sales, stocking items such as masks, fins, computers, and other accessories for purchase on site.
What marine life can I expect to encounter while diving with Dive Friends Bonaire?
Guests frequently report sightings of dolphins, sea turtles, eagle rays, octopus, and a wide variety of reef fish. The marine-life calendar on our website shows year-round opportunities to see sharks, eels, mollusks, corals, and more, so every season offers memorable underwater encounters.
Do you offer technical diving courses such as Trimix, Rebreather, or Sidemount?
Yes. Our Tec-diving curriculum lists Deep, Trimix, Rebreather, Sidemount, and Gas Blender programs that can be booked through any Dive Friends Bonaire location.
When should I complete the Marine Park orientation and buoyancy check if I am booked on an early boat dive?
The mandatory orientation and buoyancy test must be finished the day before your first boat dive, preferably before 15:30, so you are ready for the 07:45 boat departure the next morning.
How long does the morning two-tank boat dive trip last?
The morning boat trip runs for about four hours, departing at 07:45 AM and returning around 11:45 AM after two dives.
What is the cost of the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course?
The PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course is listed at EUR 322 for a two-day program that includes five training dives.
Which conservation certifications has Dive Friends Bonaire received?
Dive Friends Bonaire holds Adopt the Blue recognition and is designated as a PADI 100% Aware Eco Center for its conservation work.
Where is pool training conducted for courses at the Delfins Beach Resort center?
Confined-water sessions are held at a dedicated off-site pool rather than on the resort premises.
Can I rent an underwater camera to capture photos and video during my dives?
Yes. The Delfins Beach site lists underwater cameras in the rental inventory, so you can add a camera to your gear package and record your dives.
Do you offer dive torch rentals for night dives?
Yes. Flashlights are included among the rental items available at Dive Friends Bonaire, making it easy to equip yourself for any night-dive booking.
Is accessible boat diving available for divers with limited mobility?
Yes. The Port Bonaire location specifies "accessible boat diving" within its adaptive services, allowing guests with mobility challenges to join boat trips comfortably.
Do you host social events where guests can meet other divers and staff?
Yes. The activity schedule on our website lists dedicated "social" events in addition to dives and conservation outings, giving guests a chance to relax and connect with fellow divers and the Dive Friends team after hours.
Can I rent a dive computer if I don’t have my own?
Yes. Dive computers are specifically listed in our rental inventory, so you can add one to any gear package when you check in or book online.
Do you offer the PADI Gas Blender course?
Yes. Gas Blender certification is included in our tec-diving curriculum and can be scheduled at any Dive Friends Bonaire location.
What is shore diving and why is Bonaire famous for it?
Shore diving means entering the water directly from the beach rather than from a boat. Bonaire is called the "shore-diving capital of the world" because its reefs lie only a short swim from easily accessible beaches, letting you explore vibrant dive sites independently at any time of day.