Dive Conditions
Bonaire's pristine reefs and diverse marine life are unique to the Caribbean. Because the waters around Bonaire have been protected by an actively managed marine park for the past 25 years, Bonaire today ranks amongst the top four best diving destinations in the world*. The island's location in the south Caribbean gives it an arid climate with little rain fall; consequently, the waters are exceptionally clear of silt, calm, and diveable year round. It is an ideal destination for underwater photographers. Water temperatures average a warm 78-84°F (25.6-28.9°C), with visibility averaging over 100 feet (30m), and frequently reaching up to 150 feet (50m). Bonaire Web Cams offers above and below water web cams plus  complete current weather conditions.

*CNN / National Geographic May 2005

From one of our's:

Hi Todd (also know as our naked diver guy,)
 
I just wanted to give you even more reasons to go to Bonaire.  Even though Bonaire is known as the "Best Shore Diving" in the world, they also have other things to do.  Here are just a few of them.

 
The resort that we are staying at is a 5 minute walk into downtown.  Downtown consists of bars (with local entertainment,) restaurants and shopping (including souvenir, grocery & liquor stores.)  The resort has two pools on site and also one of the two casinos on the island.  I heard it has recently been remodeled and small in size - but they have one!  The resort also has two docks that are used for both loading their dive boats and for easy entry shore dives.  You can either take a giant stride off the dock or use the stairs to enter/exit  the water.  I have been reading a lot on the forums about the shore diving at the resort.  Real people, honest comments.  So far only great reviews.  They have 24 hour access - so I plan on doing my very first "night dive" right there.  In our dive package - it includes unlimited shore diving so I might as well try it.  One dock entry has a 120 ft drop wall.  I don't plan on going that deep - it's not all shallow reefs either.  The Divi Flamingo also has a beach.  I understand that it is small - but it has one!  Most resorts on the island don't, therefore the Divi boasts that they have one.

 
One added advantage to our boat dives is a little island off of Bonaire called "Klein Bonaire."  Amazing diving - but you can only get there from a dive boat.  All boat dives are approx. a 10-20 minute boat ride from their dock.

 
Bonaire is also know for their windsurfing. On the windward side of the island  equipment & lessons are available for all skill levels.  There are also opportunities to deep-sea fish, snorkel anywhere you can fall into the water.  They have a national park (13,500 acre) "Washington Slagbaai" where the snorkeling is suppose to be awesome.  You can bike in the park as well - also have a Visitors' Center & Museum.  The island has operators who offer sunset sailing, horseback riding, kayaking, mountain biking, scooters, mopeds & Harleys for rent.  You can explore Bonaire's lighthouses, salt flats, climb the 784-foot-tall Brandaris (Bonaire's highest peak) on foot trails, souvenir hunt, & saltwater showers (shooting spray 20-30 feet high.)  Group shower anyone?   :o)

 
But really, the best reason to visit Bonaire is the amazing diving & snorkeling.  The island is very laid back and perfect for relaxing.  But should one decide to venture out (which I do plan to do) there are other activities to enjoy.