The water around Bonaire is a protected nature area and everyone’s playground at the same time. That’s why a few rules apply, set by the Bonaire National Marine Park and topped up with our own house rules. Take a minute to read them before you head out; we’ll also go over them with you on the dock.
The Marine Park
- Nature Tag required. Everyone who goes out on the water buys a Stinapa Nature Tag online in advance. Kids 11 and under are exempt.
- Use only the yellow moorings. Anchoring on the reef is prohibited; coral takes decades to recover.
- Stay out of the light blue waters. The area between the moorings and the shore is a sensitive ecological zone.
- Don’t touch anything underwater. Coral, turtles and all other marine life are for your eyes only.
Safe boating
- Minimum age: you need to be 21 to rent a boat.
- Keep 50 meters (150 feet) away from the coast, other boats and boats with divers.
- Speed in the marina: a maximum of 8 km/h (5 mph) inside Harbour Village Marina.
- No beaching or tying up at piers or hotels; it damages both the boat and the shoreline.
What’s not allowed
- Diving from rental boats is not permitted; snorkeling is of course fine.
- Boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited and punishable by law.
Need help on the water?
Call us at +599 701 5500 or +599 701 3300; every rental boat carries safety equipment with instructions. In a real emergency, contact the local authorities right away.
Ready to go
Read the rules and sorted out your Nature Tag? Then all that’s left is to choose: rent a boat yourself or join a fully hosted sailing tour. What to bring along is on our good to know page.
