Packing for a Dive Trip: Essentials for Your Trip to Bonaire
Your dive package with Buddy Dive Resort is booked, your flights to Bonaire are confirmed, and the countdown to your Caribbean dive adventure has officially begun. You’re already picturing crystal-clear water, colorful reefs, and the freedom of Bonaire’s famous shore diving.
But as the departure date gets closer, one question pops up:
What should I bring on a dive trip to Bonaire?
Packing for a dive vacation is a little different from packing for a regular holiday. To help you get ready, here’s a simple guide to the essentials you’ll want to pack for your Bonaire dive adventure.
1. Dive Gear
Many divers prefer to bring their own dive gear and honestly, why not? It makes sure you feel more comfortable during your dives. But how do you pack these big, heavy items? Nr. 1 rule: pack heavy gear in your hand luggage!
Essential dive gear to pack:
- Mask and snorkel
- Fins
- Booties (useful for Bonaire’s shore entries over coral rock)
- Dive computer
- Regulator
- DIN- adapter (we use yoke (INT) valves)
- Exposure protection (a 3mm wetsuit or shorty is typically perfect for Bonaire’s warm waters)
- Save-a-Dive kit with small equipment such as spare mask straps, fin straps, mouthpiece, zip ties, O-rings, small multi-tools, etc.
If traveling light is your goal, don’t worry! At Buddy Dive Resort we offer high-quality rental gear and full-service dive facilities onsite!
2. Sun Protection
Between morning dives, surface intervals, and afternoon snorkeling, you’ll spend plenty of time in the Caribbean sun.
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Polarized sunglasses
- Hat or cap
- Rash guard or sun shirt
Protecting both your skin and the reef environment ensures Bonaire stays beautiful for future divers. Forgot one of the items? No worries! Our onsite dive shop has plenty of options for you.
3. Comfortable Island Clothing
Life on Bonaire is wonderfully relaxed, so your wardrobe can be too.
- Lightweight, quick dry shorts and T-shirts
- Swimsuits (bring a couple for multiple dive days)
- Flip-flops or sandals
- A light sweater for breezy evenings
- Casual dinner attire for enjoying the island’s restaurants
4. Dive Travel Extras
A few extra items can make your dive trip smoother and more enjoyable.
- Dry bag for protecting electronics or clothes
- Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated (we also sell water bottles in the Dive Shop!
- Mesh dive bag for transporting gear
- Underwater camera or GoPro to capture Bonaire’s marine life
- Logbook or dive log app
5. Documents and Travel Essentials
Before leaving home, double-check you have:
- Passport
- Evidence that you paid the STINAPA fee and Bonaire’s Visitor Entry Tax
- Dive certification card
- Dive/ Travel insurance documents (we recommend DAN insurance)
- Credit cards and some USD $
Keeping digital copies on your phone can also be helpful during travel.
Packed all of this and still got some space left? Reef Renewal Bonaire is often in need of items that aren’t available on the island. Check https://www.reefrenewalbonaire.org/support-us/wishlist/ for their wish list and help them out!
Ready for Your Bonaire Adventure
Packing smart means you’ll spend less time worrying about gear and more time enjoying what Bonaire does best: incredible diving, relaxed island vibes, and unforgettable underwater experiences.
We’ll see you underwater!