Bonaire: Small Group Dive Tour with Local Guide & Lunch

Summary

Discover bonaire’s secret dive spots with a friendly local guide and enjoy lunch by the sea

You’ll join a small group for shore diving in Bonaire led by a local guide who knows all the secret spots. Dive at unmarked sites, relax under an awning between dives, enjoy homemade lunch and drinks, and rinse off right at the truck before heading back—leaving you with memories of real connection and quiet moments by the sea.

What’s the experience like?

Li grinned as he handed me my fins — “You’re ready?” I’d barely zipped up my wetsuit when he started telling us about his favorite spot on Bonaire. Not one of those places you see on the big dive maps, but somewhere he used to go with his cousins after school. We piled into the truck (the awning already rolled out for shade), and I remember thinking how the salty air mixed with something like grilled chicken from a beach shack nearby. The drive was bumpy, lots of laughter, and someone’s reggae playlist humming low in the background.

Our group was just four — felt more like friends than strangers by the time we parked at this rocky patch Li called “his office.” He showed us how to check our tanks (I always forget which valve does what), and then we slipped into water so clear it almost looked fake. There was this moment underwater where a school of blue tangs darted past my mask, and honestly, I just floated there watching them until Li tapped his tank to get my attention. He pointed out a tiny shrimp hiding in coral — I tried to say its name in Dutch, totally butchered it, which made him laugh through his regulator.

We surfaced hungry. Lunch was simple but good — sandwiches with some kind of spicy sauce Li’s aunt makes (he wouldn’t share the recipe). Sitting under the awning with wet hair and sun-warmed skin, sipping cold soda from the cooler… I still think about that view across the water. There was a quietness between us then that felt comfortable. No rush to pack up; Li said we could stay as long as we wanted if we watched our reserve gas. So yeah, we did another short dive just because nobody wanted to leave yet.

I didn’t expect to care so much about little things — like rinsing off under the fresh water shower right there by the truck or how safe I felt knowing there was oxygen and first aid on board (not that we needed it). It wasn’t fancy or anything, but it felt real. If you want a day trip diving Bonaire with people who know every corner of this island — not just what’s on Instagram — well… this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Diving Adventure in Bonaire

• Dive at local secret sites
• Enjoy fresh water shower at site
• Relax under awning
• Have delicious lunch

Top questions

How many people are in each diving group?

The tour takes a maximum of 4 divers per group for safety and comfort.

Are lunch and drinks included on this Bonaire dive tour?

Yes, lunch plus water and soft drinks are included during your day trip diving Bonaire.

Is dive gear provided or do I need to bring my own?

Dive gear is included along with tanks for all participants.

Does this day trip include pickup from my hotel?

The experience includes pickup as part of your day trip diving Bonaire package.

Are there safety measures like first aid or emergency oxygen?

The dive truck carries emergency oxygen and a first aid kit for safety throughout your dives.

Can beginners join this small group diving experience?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health.

What makes these Bonaire dive sites special?

You’ll visit exclusive local spots not marked on official maps—places only locals know well.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in Bonaire, all fees and taxes covered, use of tanks and full dive gear, guidance from an experienced local dive guide, transport in a comfortable dive truck equipped with fresh water shower and awning for shade, plus lunch along with water and soft drinks before returning relaxed at day’s end.