Permit Puzzle Solved: A Visual Flowchart for Paying Bonaire’s USD 75 Entry Tax and USD 40 Nature Tag

Confused about the Bonaire entry tax and Nature Tag? You’re not alone. This clear, step-by-step guide and visual flowchart show exactly who pays, when, and how much—so you arrive ready to explore. In minutes, you’ll understand how the USD 75 tourist entry tax and the USD 40 Nature Tag work together, when each is required, and how they support Bonaire’s pristine land and sea.

What You Pay — And Why It Matters

Bonaire welcomes visitors with world-class watersports and vibrant reefs. To protect these natural treasures and keep travel logistics straightforward, two separate fees apply.

Definitions

• Tourist entry tax (USD 75): A mandatory charge per person, per visit when you enter Bonaire.
• Nature Tag (USD 40): A conservation permit required for all water activities. A single tag covers every water activity you choose in the same calendar year.

Both fees are listed and paid in U.S. dollars (USD). They serve different purposes and are not interchangeable.

At-a-Glance Comparison

Flowchart: Decide What to Pay, Step by Step

Use this simple decision tree to determine which fees apply to your trip.

flowchart TD
  A[Planning a trip to Bonaire?] --> B{Are you entering Bonaire?}
  B -- Yes --> C[Pay USD 75 tourist entry tax<br/>(per person, per visit)]
  B -- No --> Z[No fees apply until you enter]
  C --> D{Will you do any water activities?}
  D -- Yes --> E{Do you already hold a valid Nature Tag for this calendar year?}
  E -- No --> F[Purchase USD 40 Nature Tag via STINAPA<br/>(one tag covers all water activities for the year)]
  E -- Yes --> G[You're set for water activities]
  D -- No (land-only) --> H[No Nature Tag required]
  G --> I{Returning later this year?}
  F --> I
  H --> I
  I -- Yes --> J[On each new entry, pay USD 75 tourist entry tax again.<br/>Your Nature Tag remains valid for the calendar year.]
  I -- No --> K[Enjoy your stay]

No-Graphics Checklist (Quick Steps)

1. Entering Bonaire? → Pay USD 75 tourist entry tax per person, per visit.
2. Planning any water activities? → Get the USD 40 Nature Tag.
3. Already have a Nature Tag this calendar year? → You’re covered for all water activities.
4. Land-only plans? → No Nature Tag required.
5. Returning later in the same year? → Pay the USD 75 entry tax again; your Nature Tag remains valid for that calendar year.

Common Scenarios Made Simple

• Visiting once with snorkeling and sailing on your agenda:

  • Pay the USD 75 entry tax when you enter Bonaire.
  • Purchase one USD 40 Nature Tag; it covers snorkeling and sailing (and any other water activity) for the rest of the calendar year.

• Returning for a second trip in the same calendar year to windsurf:

  • Pay the USD 75 entry tax again upon entry.
  • Your existing USD 40 Nature Tag from earlier in the year is still valid for windsurfing and other water activities.

• Taking a land-only getaway with hiking and cuisine:

  • Pay the USD 75 entry tax when entering Bonaire.
  • No Nature Tag is required if you do not participate in water activities.

Quick Answers (Optimized for Featured Snippets)

• Do I need to pay both the entry tax and the Nature Tag?
  • If you enter Bonaire, you pay the USD 75 entry tax. If you do water activities, you also need the USD 40 Nature Tag.

• Is the entry tax charged more than once per year?
  • Yes. It is per person, per visit, so you pay it each time you enter Bonaire.

• Does one Nature Tag cover all water sports?
  • Yes. One USD 40 Nature Tag covers all water activities for the rest of the calendar year.

• Is a Nature Tag required for boating or sailing if I don’t swim?
  • Yes. The Nature Tag is required for all water activities, including boating and sailing.

• Is the Nature Tag valid across multiple trips in the same year?
  • Yes. Your USD 40 Nature Tag remains valid throughout the calendar year.

• Do I need the Nature Tag for land-only activities?
  • No. The Nature Tag is only required for water activities.

How and Where to Get the Nature Tag

• Point of sale: STINAPA is the designated place to purchase the mandatory Nature Tag.
• Coverage: One tag covers all your water activities for the calendar year.
• Conservation: Funds help maintain and protect Bonaire’s marine and island ecosystems for future generations.

Practical Tips to Make It Seamless

• Plan your activities first: Decide if you’ll dive, snorkel, kayak, kitesurf, windsurf, boat, or sail. If yes, you’ll need the USD 40 Nature Tag.
• Keep proof handy: Save your Nature Tag confirmation in a secure place so you can show it when joining water-based excursions.
• Boating counts: Remember, boating and sailing require the Nature Tag, even if you never enter the water.
• Land-only? No tag: If your plans are beaches, sightseeing, eco adventures, cuisine, and other on-shore experiences only, you don’t need the Nature Tag.
• Returning this year? Budget for the USD 75 entry tax each time you enter Bonaire; your Nature Tag remains good through year-end.
• Multi-language planning: The official site can be viewed in English, Dutch, German, and Spanish, which helps when coordinating with travel companions.
• Klein Bonaire day trips: Klein Bonaire is a deserted island with no facilities. Bring everything you need, and remember your Nature Tag if you’ll snorkel or boat there.

Related Planning Resources (Internal Navigation Hints)

• Entry Tax: Review the latest details on the visitor entry tax (USD 75 per person, per visit).
• Watersports: Explore activities and find local operators for rentals, lessons, and tours. You can start with the Watersports overview at https://bonaireisland.com/experiences/watersports/.
• Find watersport operators: Use the site’s directory to locate diving, snorkeling, kitesurfing, windsurfing, kayaking, fishing, and more.
• Plan Your Vacation: Check How To Get To Bonaire, Getting Around, and Itineraries to build a trip that fits your schedule.
• Map: Use the interactive map to locate dive sites, beaches, and points of interest.
• Events Calendar: See upcoming festivals and watersport competitions to time your visit.
• Favorites tool: “Favorite” dive sites, hikes, dining spots, and activities to create a personalized itinerary.
• E-newsletter: Subscribe to receive the latest news, events, and travel tips by email.

Why Bonaire Is Worth the (Simple) Prep

Bonaire is renowned for more than 85 marked dive sites, warm tropical seas, and abundant marine life that make it a standout in the Caribbean. Consistent trade winds deliver near-perfect conditions for kitesurfing on the island’s southwest tip and windsurfing at Sorobon, a protected bay with steady winds and warm shallow water. Whether you’re snorkeling just a few meters from shore, paddling the mangroves, sailing at sunset, or exploring beaches and cuisine on land, the island makes it easy for both seasoned enthusiasts and first-time adventurers to dive in.

Conclusion

The rule of thumb is simple: pay the USD 75 tourist entry tax each time you enter Bonaire, and buy one USD 40 Nature Tag if you plan any water activities—then enjoy the island’s reefs, winds, and sunshine with confidence.

Ready to go? Review the Entry Tax information, secure your Nature Tag via STINAPA, and explore Watersports, Itineraries, How To Get To Bonaire, Getting Around, and the Map to fine-tune your plans. Build your Favorites list and subscribe to the e-newsletter—then see you on the water.