Bonaire National Marine Park Protected underwater paradise
Bonaire is world-renowned for its breathtaking underwater world. The Bonaire National Marine Park, managed by STINAPA, protects all life under and around the island, from colorful coral reefs to curious sea turtles and schools of tropical fish. So, as soon as you step into the water, you're swimming, snorkeling, or diving in a protected area. To preserve this unique natural environment, STINAPA asks everyone who enters the water to adhere to a few simple rules.
STINAPA Rules
This is how we keep the reef healthy
To keep our ocean beautiful for future generations, there are a number of important rules:
Compulsory Nature Fee / STINAPA Tag
Anyone entering the water for swimming, snorkeling or diving must have a valid Nature Fee (STINAPA tag).
High UV radiation on Bonaire Apply plenty of sunscreen!
The sun on Bonaire is wonderful, but much stronger than you might be used to. Because of its location near the equator, UV radiation is much higher here, even on cloudy days. This means you burn more easily and your skin needs more protection.
Why applying extra sunscreen is so important:
The UV index here regularly reaches 10+, sometimes even 12, which is extremely high.
Burns can occur within 10–15 minutes without protection.
Salt water and wind cool your skin, so you may not notice you're burning.
Good protection not only prevents redness, but also long-term skin damage.
Tips for responsible sunbathing on Bonaire:
Use reef-safe sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher
Apply well before swimming (at least 20 minutes)
Repeat every 2 hours and always after snorkeling, diving or drying off.
Wear a shirt with UV protection while snorkeling/snorkel vest or rash guard
Seek shade regularly, especially between 12:00 and 15:00
Children burn very quickly: apply and protect extra often
Buy your STINAPA Tag here
It is mandatory and the money goes directly to nature conservation.
Buy your STINAPA Nature Fee here
Golden rules in the Marine Park:
Never touch the coral – even a light tap can cause damage.
Take nothing, leave nothing behind – the Reef is not a souvenir shop.
Stay horizontal above the reef to avoid accidentally hitting anything.
Use only reef-safe sunscreen.
Don't feed the fish – they already have a perfect diet from Mother Nature.
Watch your fins – fin kicks can cause a lot of damage.
Together we protect the most beautiful part of Bonaire!
The best diving spots can be found here..
