Bonaire’s reefs are a shore diver’s dream—clear water, vibrant corals, and more fish than you can count. But beneath all that beauty lies a hidden world of oddball creatures: bizarre, brilliantly camouflaged animals that most divers swim right past without noticing. We’re talking about frogfish, seahorses, pipefish, and scorpionfish— some of Bonaire’s most elusive, and arguably most fascinating, residents…

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.…

For decades, Bonaire has been celebrated as a shining example of marine conservation done right. Since the 1970s, the island has taken coral protection seriously, establishing one of the first marine parks in the Caribbean and introducing strict rules to protect its underwater treasures. Anchoring is a no-go, spearfishing is off-limits, and touching corals is about as welcome as sunscreen in your dive mask. These bold moves have paid off: Bonaire’s reefs have remained some of the healthiest and most biodiverse in the entire region…