The Shore Thing: How Local Guides Unlock Bonaire’s Best Shore Dives

Let’s set the scene: you’ve just landed in Bonaire, the shore diving capital of the world. The tanks are filled, the fins are packed, and you’re ready to launch yourself into the big blue. Here on Bonaire, the only thing easier than slipping into a pair of flip-flops is slipping into the sea. But just because Bonaire makes it easy doesn’t mean you should go it alone—especially on your first dive. A local guide isn’t just helpful—they’re essential. STINAPA requires an orientation dive for a reason. The guide will brief you on reef topography, current direction, which critters to expect, and what not to touch (hint: anything, don't touch anything). Safety first, but also, insider knowledge is everything.

A frogfish can camouflage so well, only the most eagle-eyed will spot it and know it’s not the sponge it’s pretending to be.

Even if you’ve already checked the orientation dive off your list—or you’re a Bonaire regular—don’t think for a second you’ve seen it all. Local guides are your key to adventurous dive sites tucked away from the usual traffic and critters you'll probably never find without a rigorous search pattern and magnifying glass. These pros have eyes trained for spotting the nearly invisible and they’ve got the inside scoop from other local pros who are in the water every single day. So even if you’ve been diving here since the 20th century, there’s still more to explore when you know who to ask.

And it’s not just about the “wow” factor. Hiring a local guide also means learning how to dive in a way that gives back to the reef. Many of Bonaire’s guides are also conservation ambassadors who’ll show you how to dive while respecting the reef and share the latest on reef restoration efforts. They’re plugged into Bonaire’s active conservation efforts, and diving with them means you’re supporting a reef-savvy, sustainability-first community. It’s your chance to become a reef-friendly diver and help preserve the underwater beauty you came to see.

Seahorses are everywhere, but finding them is expert-level difficult!

Let’s be real: having a guide also makes everything easier. They’ll point out the easiest entries, help haul gear if you’re juggling tanks and camera rigs, and make sure your hydration game is strong (yes, water counts as dive gear). You get to focus on enjoying the dive, not figuring out where the current is sweeping you or where to get out at the end of your dive. It’s like having a dive concierge—but one who can spot a frogfish from 10 meters away.

So whether you’re a new diver or a salty veteran, going guided is the best way to get the most out of your shore diving adventures. You’ll see more, learn more, and discover the best of Bonaire’s reef life, stress-free. Mask up, fins on, let’s go diving—with someone who knows where the good stuff is.