Nature Tag 101: Step-by-Step Guide to Purchasing & Using Bonaire’s $40 Water Activity Permit
Dreaming of crystalline water, vibrant reefs, and easy shore access to more than 85 dive sites? Before you dip a fin in, make sure you’re set with Bonaire’s Nature Tag. This $40 water activity permit is required for visitors and helps keep the island pristine so you can enjoy clear seas today—and future generations can, too. In this guide, you’ll learn what the Nature Tag is, where it applies, simple steps to purchase it, and how to make the most of your time on the water.
Quick answers for fast planning:
- What is the Nature Tag? A required $40 permit for all water activities on Bonaire that supports island preservation.
- Who needs it? Visitors participating in water activities.
- Where does it apply? Across Bonaire’s waters—from snorkeling and diving to kayaking, windsurfing, kitesurfing, boating, and more.
- Why does it matter? Your contribution helps maintain Bonaire’s natural environments for generations to come.
Nature Tag at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| What it is | A required Nature Tag for all water activities on Bonaire |
| Price | $40 |
| Who it’s for | Visitors participating in water activities |
| Where it applies | All water activities island-wide (e.g., snorkeling, diving, kayaking, windsurfing, kitesurfing, boating and sailing, fishing, wake boarding, waterskiing, tube riding) |
| Why it exists | To help keep the island pristine; all funds go to maintain the islands for generations to come |
| Related note | Visitors are also required to pay a tourist entry tax of $75 per visit (separate from the Nature Tag) |
Step-by-Step: How to Purchase Your Nature Tag
Follow these straightforward steps to make sure your Nature Tag is sorted before your first splash:
Confirm your plans on the water
- Decide which activities you’ll enjoy—snorkeling, diving, kayaking, windsurfing, kitesurfing, boating and sailing, fishing, wake boarding, waterskiing, or tube riding. If it happens on the water, plan on having a Nature Tag.
Budget for the required fee
- Set aside $40 for the Nature Tag as part of your trip essentials. This permit is required for water activities and helps keep Bonaire’s environment in top condition.
Add it to your pre-arrival checklist
- Along with travel documents and the required $75 tourist entry tax (per visit), include the Nature Tag in your “before you hit the water” to-do list.
Use official channels for purchase
- Buy your Nature Tag through official channels before participating in any water activity. If you need assistance, contact Tourism Corporation Bonaire (details below) for guidance.
Keep your confirmation accessible
- Store proof of purchase in an easy-to-reach place while you’re on-island so you’re always set for spontaneous snorkeling or a last-minute sail.
Ask when in doubt
- Planning a mix of activities? If you’re unsure how the Nature Tag applies to your itinerary, ask locally. Bonaire’s watersport community and tourism staff are happy to help you stay compliant and carefree.
For help planning your time on the water, explore the island’s watersport overview: https://bonaireisland.com/experiences/watersports/
Where Your Nature Tag Applies: Popular Water Experiences
The Nature Tag covers all water activities around Bonaire. Here are some of the most-loved ways to use it—along with location notes to help you plan days that flow.
Snorkeling: Reef Life, Just Steps from Shore
Bonaire’s spectacular reefs sit close to the shoreline, so you don’t have to commit to SCUBA to see turtles, rays, tropical fish, and even seahorses. You’ll find snorkel sites all around the island; simply follow the yellow roadside stones along the coast that mark each site and the most convenient water entry point. Before you wade in, make sure you’ve secured your Nature Tag.
Diving: Easy Access to World-Class Sites
Known for the best diving in the Caribbean and more than 85 dive sites, Bonaire makes it simple to immerse yourself in warm, clear water. Many sites are accessible from shore, and boat dives open up even more of the island’s underwater world. Your Nature Tag is required for water activities, so take care of it first—then dive into the good stuff.
Kayaking: Glide Calmly, Explore Widely
Kayak over tranquil water and feel the day slow down. On the windward side, Lac Bay is a beautiful lagoon framed by mangrove trees that create stunning natural tunnels and wildlife. On the leeward side, operators can set you up for a paddle to Klein Bonaire—a deserted tropical island perfect for a beach picnic. Have your Nature Tag ready before you launch.
Windsurfing: Sorobon’s Shallow, Sunny Playground
For windsurfers worldwide, Bonaire is nirvana. At Sorobon—on the island’s east side—you’ll find a stunning beach within a large protected bay, steady winds, warm shallow waters, and nearly 365 days of warm sunshine. Pros and novices mingle here, with opportunities to see local champions in action and even take lessons. Secure your Nature Tag, then chase the breeze.
Kitesurfing: Trade-Wind Thrills on the Southwest Tip
If kitesurfing is your passion, the island’s trade winds create ideal conditions almost every day of the year. The kitesurfing area sits on Bonaire’s south-west tip—just follow the colorful kites soaring above the water. Get your Nature Tag in order, then let the wind do the rest.
Boating & Sailing: From Sunset Sails to Klein Bonaire
There’s no more idyllic setting for boating and sailing than the legendary Caribbean Sea surrounding Bonaire. Snorkel off the side of your boat, picnic on Klein Bonaire, or enjoy a moonlit dinner on the water. With your Nature Tag taken care of, you’re free to focus on the horizon.
Fishing and Tow Sports: Cast, Carve, and Cruise
Bonaire offers world-class sport fishing with numerous operators offering charters. The seas also invite wake boarding, waterskiing, and tube riding—fun for beginners and seasoned riders alike. Make sure your Nature Tag is squared away before you gear up.
Responsible Ocean Etiquette: Simple Ways to Protect What You Love
Your Nature Tag supports preservation. Pair it with a few common-sense habits to keep Bonaire’s waters thriving:
- Look, don’t touch: Avoid touching coral, turtles, seahorses, and other marine life.
- Mind your fins: Maintain buoyancy and keep fins away from reefs and seagrass.
- Step smart: Use established entries/exits; avoid standing on coral or fragile substrate.
- Pack it in, pack it out: Keep beaches and boats free of litter.
- Choose gentle sun protection: Use sun-protective clothing and avoid products that can harm marine life.
- Respect wildlife: Give animals ample space and never feed them.
These simple choices help ensure Bonaire’s waters stay as clear and lively as you’ve imagined.
FAQs: Bonaire Nature Tag
Do I need a Nature Tag for snorkeling?
- Yes. The Nature Tag is required for all water activities on Bonaire, including snorkeling.
How much is the Nature Tag?
- $40.
Is the Nature Tag the same as the visitor entry tax?
- No. Bonaire requires a tourist entry tax of $75 per person, per visit. The Nature Tag is a separate $40 requirement for water activities.
Where can I learn more about watersports on Bonaire?
- Visit the island’s watersports overview: https://bonaireisland.com/experiences/watersports/
Who can I contact with questions?
- Tourism Corporation Bonaire, Kaya Grandi #2, Kralendijk, Bonaire Dutch Caribbean. Tel: +599-717-8322. Opening hours: Monday–Thursday 8:00 am–12:00 pm and 1:30 pm–5:00 pm; Friday 8:00 am–12:00 pm.
Practical Takeaways
- Secure your Nature Tag before participating in any water activity on Bonaire.
- Budget $40 for the Nature Tag and $75 for the separate tourist entry tax per visit.
- Plan your water days around signature spots like Sorobon (windsurfing), Lac Bay (kayaking and mangroves), the southwest tip (kitesurfing), shore-access snorkel sites (follow the yellow stones), and easy boat trips to Klein Bonaire.
- Keep your proof of purchase accessible so you’re always ready for spontaneous swims or sails.
- Treat reefs and wildlife with care to help keep the island pristine.
- For trip planning and operator options, start here: https://bonaireisland.com/experiences/watersports/
Conclusion: Get Your Nature Tag, Then Dive In
Bonaire’s warm, clear seas and easy access to world-class snorkeling, diving, windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking, sailing, fishing, and more make it a dream for ocean lovers. The Nature Tag—$40 for all water activities—keeps those experiences thriving by supporting the island’s natural environments.
Take five minutes to sort your permit, then spend the rest of your trip exactly where you want to be: on, in, and under Bonaire’s legendary water. Have questions or need a nudge in the right direction? Call Tourism Corporation Bonaire at +599-717-8322 or start planning your adventures at https://bonaireisland.com/experiences/watersports/.