Meet STINAPA: The Guardians Behind Bonaire’s Nature Tag

Planning to snorkel, dive, sail, or kayak in Bonaire? Meet STINAPA—the organization behind the Bonaire Nature Tag. This USD 40 conservation permit is required for all water activities and helps keep the island’s reefs and seas pristine for future generations. In this guide, you’ll learn what the Nature Tag is, how STINAPA connects you to conservation, what the permit covers, and how to plan a responsible, adventure-filled trip.

What Is the Bonaire Nature Tag?

Definition: The Bonaire Nature Tag is a USD 40 conservation permit that every visitor must have to enjoy any water activity on the island. All funds are dedicated to maintaining and protecting Bonaire’s marine and island ecosystems.

• Required for: All water activities, including snorkeling, diving, kayaking, kitesurfing, windsurfing, boating and sailing (even if you don’t swim), fishing, wake-boarding, waterskiing, and tube riding.
• Validity: One tag is valid for multiple visits within the same calendar year—no need to buy a new tag for each trip in that year.
• Currency: Fees are listed and paid in U.S. dollars (USD).

Why the Nature Tag exists

Bonaire safeguards its crystal-clear seas and vibrant reefs through visitor stewardship. Proceeds from the Nature Tag help keep the island and surrounding seas pristine, supporting the protection of Bonaire’s marine and island ecosystems for generations to come.

Who needs it—and when

• If you plan to do any water activity, you need the Bonaire Nature Tag.
• You do not need a Nature Tag if your plans are exclusively land-based.
• Planning to boat or sail but not swim? You still need the Nature Tag.

How STINAPA Connects You to Conservation

STINAPA is the designated point of sale for the Bonaire Nature Tag. By purchasing your permit through STINAPA, you directly support the island’s conservation efforts that keep reefs healthy and shorelines pristine.

• Where to purchase: STINAPA (designated point of sale for the Nature Tag).
• What your purchase supports: The ongoing maintenance and protection of Bonaire’s marine and island ecosystems.

Conservation permits like the Nature Tag align visitor enjoyment with environmental care—an approach that balances access to nature with the responsibility to protect it.

What the Bonaire Nature Tag Covers (And Why It Matters)

The Nature Tag unlocks Bonaire’s entire spectrum of water adventures:

• Diving: Bonaire is home to more than 85 marked dive sites and is widely regarded as the best diving in the Caribbean.
• Snorkeling: Reefs lie just a few meters from shore, so you can explore vibrant marine life without venturing far. Look for yellow roadside stones that display each site’s name and mark the easiest water entry points. Expect to spot turtles, rays, tropical fish, and even seahorses.
• Kayaking: Glide through Lac Bay’s mangrove tunnels on the windward side, or rent a kayak on the leeward coast to reach Klein Bonaire, a deserted tropical island perfect for day trips and picnics.
• Kitesurfing: Consistent trade winds create near-perfect conditions almost every day. The kitesurfing area is on the south‑west tip—just follow the brightly colored kites.
• Windsurfing: Head to Sorobon on the east side, a protected bay with steady winds and warm, shallow water. Sorobon also hosts numerous international windsurfing competitions each year, and you’ll find food, refreshments, and tropical cocktails right by the beach.
• Boating & Sailing: Snorkel off the side of the boat, sail to Klein Bonaire for a picnic, or book a moonlit dinner cruise.
• Tow-sports & Fishing: Try wake-boarding, waterskiing, tube riding, or charter a fishing boat for world-class sport fishing.

Tip: To explore the full range of activities and operators, visit the Watersports page: https://bonaireisland.com/experiences/watersports/

Quick Facts: Bonaire Nature Tag at a Glance

Nature Tag vs. Tourist Entry Tax (Know the Difference)

• Bonaire Nature Tag: USD 40, required for all water activities; valid for multiple visits within the same calendar year; supports conservation.
• Tourist Entry Tax: USD 75 per person, per visit; paid when you enter Bonaire; separate from the Nature Tag.

This distinction helps you budget correctly and ensures you’re fully prepared for both entry and on-water activities.

Featured Snippet: Fast Answers About STINAPA and the Bonaire Nature Tag

• Where do I buy the Bonaire Nature Tag? At STINAPA, the designated point of sale.
• How much is the Nature Tag? USD 40.
• Is one tag valid for multiple trips in the same year? Yes—it covers multiple visits within that calendar year.
• Do I need a tag if I’m just boating or sailing? Yes, even if you never enter the water.
• Do I need the Nature Tag for hiking or other land activities? No—it’s required exclusively for water activities.
• Is the tag the same as the Tourist Entry Tax? No—the entry tax is USD 75 per person, per visit and is separate.
• In what currency are fees charged? USD.

Plan Your Water Days With Confidence

Bonaire makes it easy for first-timers and seasoned pros to get on the water.

Find the right operator

• Use the Watersports section of the official website and click “Find watersport operators” to locate local companies for rentals, lessons, and guided tours.
• Many professionals offer beginner-friendly lessons for activities like windsurfing, kitesurfing, and snorkeling.

Build an itinerary you’ll love

• Browse suggested plans on the Itineraries page, then use the site’s Favorites tool to create a custom schedule.
• Check How To Get To Bonaire and Getting Around for practical travel details once you’re on the island.

Inspiration for your days on the water

• Reef day: Snorkel close to shore using the yellow stones to find easy entry points; expect turtles and tropical fish.
• Wind day: Try windsurfing at Sorobon or watch a competition; enjoy on-site food and tropical cocktails by the beach.
• Sail day: Book a cruise to Klein Bonaire for a picnic or opt for a moonlit dinner on the water.
• Action day: Go kitesurfing on the south‑west tip, then finish with wake‑boarding or waterskiing.

Practical Tips for a Smooth, Sustainable Trip

• Purchase your Nature Tag from STINAPA before you head out on the water.
• Remember both fees: the Bonaire Nature Tag (USD 40) for water activities and the Tourist Entry Tax (USD 75 per person, per visit) when entering Bonaire.
• Match activities to your group: The minimum age requirement for activities such as kitesurfing, scuba diving, or windsurfing is 5 years.
• Snorkel smarter: Use the yellow roadside stones to identify site names and the easiest water entry points.
• No SCUBA certification needed to snorkel: Reefs lie just a few meters from shore, making snorkeling accessible.
• Stay flexible: Thanks to consistent trade winds and nearly year-round sunshine, conditions suit water sports on most days.
• Find operators in one place: Use the site’s Find watersport operators directory for rentals, lessons, and guided experiences.
• Plan ahead: Explore Itineraries, How To Get To Bonaire, and Getting Around to streamline your days.
• Stay informed: Subscribe to the e‑newsletter via the official site for news, events, and travel tips.
• Safety first: In case of watersport-related injuries, emergency and medical treatment is available at the island’s hospital.

Conclusion

STINAPA makes it simple to pair unforgettable ocean experiences with real conservation impact. By purchasing the Bonaire Nature Tag—a USD 40 permit valid for all water activities across multiple visits in the same year—you help protect the island’s marine and island ecosystems while unlocking world‑class snorkeling, diving, sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking, and more.

Ready to make a difference on—and in—the water? Get your Bonaire Nature Tag at STINAPA, review the full range of adventures on the Watersports page, and start planning your trip with Itineraries, How To Get To Bonaire, and Getting Around. Your next chapter of Caribbean adventure—and conservation—starts here.