The first time you visit Bonaire, you may notice something special about their license plates. The words “Divers Paradise” are printed above the letters and numbers, and many would argue that’s true. Bonaire has warm water, excellent visibility and doesn’t get mobbed with people like other Caribbean destinations. The best time of year to dive Bonaire is — any time!
Credit: Zcarstvnz from Wikipedia
In Bonaire, it’s always summertime (and the diving’s easy). The average year-round temperature is 29.5°C/85°F with only a 1°C/2.5°F variation between seasons. Water temps range from 25.5°C/78°F to 28°C/82°F.
Hurricane season runs from June to November in the Caribbean, but Bonaire lies outside the main hurricane belt. The “rainy season” starts in November and can last through January, but Bonaire only gets 51 cm/20 inches of rain per year.
You may want to avoid Bonaire during major holidays — for the same reason you would want to avoid other destinations. Airfare may be more expensive, and the best lodging options fill up quickly.
However, even during peak season, the dive sites are rarely crowded. There are dozens of dive sites accessible from shore. The only time you may see more than two to four other divers underwater is when you opt for boat dives instead of shore dives.
If you want a dive site all to yourself, just keep driving until you find an entry marker with no vehicles parked in front of it.
Mosquitos can be a problem during rainy season. Wearing mosquito repellent while walking around keeps them at bay, but they are rarely seen at dive sites.
If you have flexibility on your travel dates, try to time your visit during a full moon. You might not even need a dive light during your night dives (but bring one anyway).
A few days after a full moon, you may get to see coral spawning. It’s hard to predict, but your chances are best from April through October.
Throughout the year, visibility in Bonaire is reliably 18 meters/60 feet or better. At many dive sites, it exceeds 30 meters/100 feet.
Click the video below to experience diving in Bonaire via a 360-degree video designed for VR headsets. However, it can be viewed on any device. Try clicking and dragging or using your finger to change the point of view.
The best time of year to dive Bonaire is whatever time you want to visit. Contact a local dive shop or PADI Travel® to book a diving adventure in Bonaire.
Explore Diving Opportunities in Bonaire
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