9 March 2026

Protecting Paradise: Why Bonaire Requires a $40 Nature Tag for All Water Activities

If Bonaire’s warm, crystal-clear water is calling, the Bonaire Nature Tag is your must‑have pass to play responsibly. This $40 requirement for all water activities does more than grant access—it helps keep the island pristine for generations to come. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what the Nature Tag is, why it matters, where it applies, and how to plan an unforgettable, low‑impact day on (and under) the water.

At‑a‑Glance: Bonaire Nature Tag

Item	Details
What it is	A required $40 Nature Tag for all water activities on and around Bonaire
Who needs it	Visitors participating in water activities
Where it applies	Across Bonaire’s waters, including shore and offshore adventures
Why it exists	To help keep the island pristine; all funds go to maintain the islands for generations to come

Pro tip: The Nature Tag is separate from the Visitor Entry Tax of $75 per person, per visit.

What Is the Bonaire Nature Tag?

The Bonaire Nature Tag is a conservation‑supporting requirement for anyone enjoying the island’s waters. Visitors must purchase the tag for all water activities. The fee is $40, and all proceeds are dedicated to maintaining the islands and protecting the natural environment so future visitors can experience the same unspoiled beauty.

Why the Nature Tag Matters

Bonaire is surrounded by gentle, tropical seas and reefs that teem with life just a short swim from shore. Requiring a Nature Tag aligns everyday recreation with long‑term care in three essential ways:

1) Conservation with every splash

Every tag directly supports efforts to keep the island pristine and maintain the islands for generations to come. When the places we love are cared for, they remain vibrant and resilient.

2) A better experience for everyone

Healthy, well‑maintained waters mean clearer snorkeling, thriving coral reefs, and memorable encounters with turtles, rays, and tropical fish close to shore. Simply put: supporting nature supports your adventure.

3) Stewardship that scales

Bonaire welcomes ocean lovers of all kinds. A simple, universal tag for water activities makes it easy for each visitor to play a part in protection—no matter which sport they choose.

Who Needs the Bonaire Nature Tag—and When?

Visitors participating in all water activities must have the Nature Tag.
The requirement applies whether you’re stepping off the beach, joining a boat, or crossing to an offshore gem like Klein Bonaire.

Activities that require the tag (examples)

While the tag covers all water activities, here are popular ways you’ll use it:

Snorkeling — With spectacular reefs close to shore, you can spot turtles, rays, tropical fish, and even seahorses in just a few meters of water. Follow the yellow roadside stones along the coast to find named entry points.
Diving — Bonaire is home to some of the best diving in the Caribbean, with more than 85 dive sites to explore.
Boating & Sailing — Glide along the legendary Caribbean Sea, snorkel from the side of your boat, visit Klein Bonaire for a picnic, or savor a moonlit dinner on the water.
Kayaking — On the windward side, explore Lac Bay, a lagoon encircled by mangroves and natural tunnels teeming with wildlife. On the leeward side, rent a kayak and paddle to Klein Bonaire.
Kitesurfing — Thanks to the trade winds, conditions are ideal almost every single day of the year. Head to the south‑west tip and follow the brightly colored kites.
Windsurfing — Sorobon on the east side is a crown jewel: steady winds, warm shallow waters, and nearly 365 days of sunshine. Watch local pros practice or compete, or take lessons for all levels.
Waterskiing, wake boarding, and tube riding — You’ll find operators ready to get you on the water.
Sport fishing — Numerous fishing boat operators offer charters in Bonaire’s rich blue waters.

Planning Your Water Adventures—Responsibly

Bonaire invites you to pair adventure with stewardship. Here’s how to make the most of your time:

Snorkeling and diving highlights

Reefs are close to the shoreline, making entry simple and the views unforgettable.
Use the yellow roadside stones to locate site names and convenient water entries.
With more than 85 dive sites, you can choose everything from shore dives to boat excursions.

Sailing and boating bliss

Cruise past sunlit shores, snorkel right off your boat, or drop anchor near Klein Bonaire for a perfect picnic.
Evenings on the water deliver tranquil lapping waves and glowing Caribbean sunsets.

Paddle power: kayaking

Drift through Lac Bay’s mangrove‑framed tunnels on the windward side for serene wildlife viewing.
On the leeward side, rent a kayak and chart your course to Klein Bonaire’s sands.

Wind‑powered thrills

Kitesurfing: The south‑west tip offers a dedicated zone with reliable trade winds and soaring kites.
Windsurfing: At Sorobon, steady winds and shallow, clear waters welcome both pros and first‑timers; food, refreshments, and tropical cocktails await when you’re done.

Motor‑powered fun

Try waterskiing, wake boarding, or tube riding with experienced local operators.
Book a sport fishing charter and enjoy world‑class blue‑water action.

Quick Answers: Bonaire Nature Tag FAQ

What is the Bonaire Nature Tag?

A required $40 tag for all water activities that helps keep Bonaire pristine; all funds go to maintain the islands for generations to come.

Who needs it?

Visitors participating in any water activity.

Which activities does it cover?

All water activities, including snorkeling, diving, boating and sailing, kayaking, kitesurfing, windsurfing, waterskiing, wake boarding, tube riding, and sport fishing.

Is the Nature Tag the same as the Visitor Entry Tax?

No. The Visitor Entry Tax is $75 per person, per visit. The Nature Tag is $40 and is required for all water activities.

Practical Tips for Low‑Impact Fun

Bonaire’s waters are a shared treasure. These simple habits protect what you came to see:

Give reefs space: Never touch, stand on, or kick coral. Maintain gentle buoyancy and use careful fin strokes.
Enter at marked spots: Use the yellow roadside stones along the coast to find site names and safe entry points.
Respect wildlife: Keep a courteous distance from turtles, rays, and seahorses; observe calmly and let them move freely.
Protect mangroves: In places like Lac Bay, paddle slowly, avoid contact with roots, and follow your guide’s instructions.
Secure your gear: Stow lines, straps, and loose items so nothing drifts into the water.
Pack in, pack out: Carry reusable water bottles and remove all trash.
Follow local guidance: Choose reputable operators and heed posted zones—especially for wind sports at the south‑west tip and Sorobon.
Sun smart: Cover up with UPF clothing, hats, and shade to reduce sunscreen runoff.

How the Nature Tag Elevates Every Watersport

Bonaire offers as much adventure on and in the water as on land—and the Nature Tag keeps it that way by aligning play with protection. Whether you’re drifting over a reef a few meters from shore, trading tacks in Sorobon’s steady winds, chasing trade‑wind swells on the south‑west tip, or sailing to Klein Bonaire for a picnic, your tag ensures the same breathtaking clarity and vitality remain for the next visit—and the next generation.

Dive deeper into our Diving and Watersports experiences to map out your perfect day on the water.
Explore Eco Adventures and Beaches for nature‑first ways to enjoy the island.
Ready to organize the details? Check Plan Your Vacation, How To Get To Bonaire, Getting Around, Itineraries, and the Events Calendar.
Before you arrive, review the Visitor Entry Tax (required: $75 per person, per visit).

Conclusion

The Bonaire Nature Tag is a simple step that makes a lasting difference. By contributing $40 before you dive, paddle, sail, or surf, you help keep Bonaire’s waters pristine and its adventures world‑class.

Ready to make waves—responsibly? Get your Bonaire Nature Tag, explore our Watersports and Diving experiences, and Plan Your Vacation to start building an ocean‑friendly itinerary today.