Tubing is the most accessible water sport there is. You sit on a big inflatable tube, the boat pulls away, and from that moment on your world is all bouncing, shrieking and splashing. You don’t need any experience: holding on tight is the whole technique. We’ve been out on Bonaire’s water every day since 2006, and in this guide you’ll find how to make it a great day.
Why tubing is so much fun
- Anyone can do it. No technique, no lessons, no experience. Sit down, hold on, enjoy.
- You set the pace. A gentle glide or full throttle over the waves: the driver adjusts the speed to whoever is on the tube.
- It’s a group party. One person rides the tube at a time, but the whole boat cheers along. That’s half the fun.
- Bonaire’s flat water. On the west side, in the lee of the island, the tube glides over remarkably flat water, and the water is around 27 °C (80 °F) all year round.
Two boats: Betty Boop or Hurricane
You can go tubing behind two of our boats. Which one suits you best mostly depends on your group.
The Betty Boop, up to 6 guests
The Betty Boop is the only boat on Bonaire with a special wakeboard and tubing tower. That high tow point keeps the line clear of the water, so the tube glides more steadily, with more air in the turns. Anyone want to try a board too? Behind the Betty Boop you can go wakeboarding on the same day. A half day is $220, a full day $335.
The Hurricane, up to 8 guests
More than six of you? Then the Hurricane is your boat: our fast motorboat with room for eight. Only the Betty Boop has the tower, but the tube comes along behind the Hurricane as an extra option too. A half day is $285, a full day $435.
For both boats:
- Tubing requires at least three people on board
- The tube is ready for you on request, and there are life jackets for everyone
- No boating license needed; the person renting is 21 or older
- Half day from 9 am to 1 pm or from 1 pm to 5 pm, or a full day
- Count on $15 for fuel and a $500 deposit, which you get back after your day
Keeping it fun
- Agree on signals. Thumbs up means faster, thumbs down means slower, a flat hand means stop.
- Start easy. The driver builds up the speed and the turns gradually; the tube goes fast enough on its own.
- Hold on with both hands, elbows slightly bent.
- Lean into the turns. When the boat turns, lean a little the same way; you’ll stay on longer.
- Fell off? You land in warm, deep water with your life jacket on. Climb back on and go again.
Staying safe on the water
- Life jackets for everyone, on the tube and on board.
- Three or more on board. The driver watches the water, someone else keeps an eye on the tube.
- Keep 50 m (165 ft) from the shore, from other boats and from boats with divers, and stay out of the light blue zones between the yellow moorings and the shore.
- Take it slow in the harbor. Inside Harbour Village Marina the limit is 8 km/h (5 mph).
More on our rules on the water and Marine Park pages.
The Stinapa Nature Tag
Everyone who goes into the water on Bonaire needs a Nature Tag, tubers included. It’s the mandatory fee Stinapa uses to manage the Marine Park.
- You can only buy it online, at stinapa.bonairenaturefee.org
- Kids aged 11 and under are exempt
- Sort it out before your day on the water; you can’t get it on the boat
What to bring
- Your Nature Tag, bought online
- Swimwear and a UV shirt against the sun on the water
- Reef-safe sunscreen, applied well before you head out
- Water, plus food and drinks with ice. You’re welcome to use the cooler on board
- A towel and a camera. A waterproof phone case or GoPro captures the best wipeouts
The breeze makes the sun on the water feel softer than it is, so reapply often. More tips on our good to know page.
Make a day of it
The tube run is the big show, but after that the boat is simply yours for the rest of the day. Head over to Klein Bonaire, go snorkeling on the reef, or try the wakeboard with the Betty Boop.
Not sure which boat suits your group? Send us a WhatsApp, we’re happy to help.
