Stay Dry, Still Pay: Why Boaters and Sailors Need Bonaire’s $40 Nature Tag

Planning to explore Bonaire from the deck of a sailboat or the comfort of a charter—without dipping a toe in the water? Here’s the key rule: Bonaire’s $40 Nature Tag still applies. Whether you snorkel, dive, fish, kayak, or simply cruise along our coast, the Nature Tag keeps Bonaire’s seas pristine so today’s adventures remain possible for future generations.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly why boaters and sailors need the Nature Tag (even if you never swim), what it funds, what activities it covers, how long it’s valid, how to buy it, and how it differs from the tourist entry tax.

Quick answer: Do boaters and sailors need Bonaire’s $40 Nature Tag?

Yes. Bonaire requires every visitor to purchase a $40 Nature Tag for all water activities, including boating or sailing—even if you don’t plan to enter the water.

• Price: USD 40
• Who needs it: All visitors participating in any water activity
• Includes: Boating, sailing, diving, snorkeling, kayaking, kitesurfing, windsurfing, fishing, wake-boarding, waterskiing, tube riding, and more
• Validity: Good for every water activity you choose and for multiple visits within the same calendar year
• Not required for: Land-only activities

What is Bonaire’s $40 Nature Tag—and what does it fund?

The Nature Tag is a conservation permit that every visitor must purchase to enjoy water activities on Bonaire. All funds support efforts to maintain and protect Bonaire’s island and surrounding seas so their natural beauty endures for generations to come.

Put simply: the Nature Tag sustains the very experiences that bring you to the water—clear tropical seas, vibrant reefs, and thriving marine life.

Why it matters—even if you never get in the water

Even when you “stay dry,” water-based outings interact with marine environments:

• Boats operate in close proximity to reefs, mangroves, and seagrass habitats.
• Anchoring, wakes, and vessel traffic can create physical and ecological impacts if not managed responsibly.
• Popular activities—like sailing at sunset, snorkeling from a boat, or visiting Klein Bonaire—rely on healthy ecosystems that require ongoing care.

The Nature Tag helps fund protection, stewardship, and visitor management so everyone can enjoy Bonaire’s waters responsibly, day and night.

What counts as a water activity on Bonaire?

If it happens on the water, it counts. Examples include:

• Boating and sailing (including sunset and moonlit dinner cruises)
• Diving and snorkeling (our reefs lie just a few meters from shore, so you can explore marine life without SCUBA)
• Kayaking (including mangrove routes and coastal paddles)
• Kitesurfing and windsurfing (excellent conditions thanks to consistent trade winds)
• Fishing (including sport-fishing charters)
• Tow-sports such as wake-boarding, waterskiing, and tube riding

A single USD 40 Nature Tag covers all of these throughout the calendar year—you do not need separate tags for different sports.

How long is the Nature Tag valid?

• The $40 Nature Tag is valid for multiple visits within the same calendar year.
• Buy it once and use it for every water activity you choose during that year.

How to buy Bonaire’s $40 Nature Tag

• Where to purchase: STINAPA is the designated point of sale for the Nature Tag.
• When to purchase: You can buy it before or during your trip.
• Currency: Fees are listed and paid in U.S. dollars (USD).

Tip: If you’re reserving tours with local operators, you can also ask them about the easiest way to get your Nature Tag before heading out on the water.

Nature Tag vs. Tourist Entry Tax: What’s the difference?

These are two separate requirements:

• Nature Tag (USD 40): A conservation permit required for all water activities. Valid for the calendar year and multiple visits within that year.
• Tourist Entry Tax (USD 75 per person, per visit): A separate tax that every visitor pays once per visit when entering Bonaire.

If you plan to enjoy Bonaire’s waters, you’ll need both—the entry tax to visit, and the Nature Tag for water-based fun.

Planning your day on the water: What to expect

Bonaire’s seas are an idyllic setting for everything from casual cruising to active adventures:

• Sail and savor: Enjoy a moonlit dinner on the water as the Caribbean sky comes alive after sunset.
• Snorkel from the boat: Slip into warm, clear seas and look for turtles, rays, tropical fish, and even seahorses.
• Visit Klein Bonaire: Spend a day on a deserted tropical island and picnic in unspoiled surroundings. Note: Klein Bonaire has no facilities—bring all the supplies you’ll need.
• Shore-based snorkel stops: Follow the yellow stones along the coastal road; each bears a site name and marks the easiest water entry.

Want help organizing activities? Use the Watersports section to Find watersport operators for rentals, lessons, and guided outings across diving, snorkeling, kitesurfing, windsurfing, fishing, and more. For broader planning, explore Plan Your Vacation, including Itineraries, Getting Around, How To Get To Bonaire, and the Events Calendar.

Responsible boating and sailing: Simple ways to protect Bonaire

A few small actions ensure the waters you love stay healthy:

1. Use designated services and follow operator guidance. Local pros understand conditions and best practices for Bonaire’s sensitive habitats.
2. Respect marked zones and entry points. The island uses clear markers (like yellow stones) to direct safe, low-impact water access.
3. Pack it in, pack it out. Keep decks tidy, secure loose items, and remove all trash.
4. Keep a respectful distance from wildlife. Give turtles and rays ample space.
5. Choose low-impact outings. Consider sailing, guided snorkeling, or kayak tours that prioritize gentle interaction with nature.

These habits complement the Nature Tag by reducing on-the-water impacts in real time.

Featured snippet: Answers at a glance

• Do I need the Nature Tag if I only go boating or sailing and won’t swim? Yes—Bonaire requires the $40 Nature Tag for all water activities, including boating or sailing.
• Is one Nature Tag valid for every sport? Yes—one tag covers every water activity you choose during the calendar year.
• Do I need a Nature Tag for land-only activities? No—the Nature Tag is required exclusively for water activities.
• Is it valid for multiple trips in the same year? Yes—your $40 tag is valid for multiple visits within the same calendar year.
• Where do I buy it? STINAPA sells the Nature Tag; purchase before or during your trip.
• How is it different from the entry tax? The Nature Tag ($40) covers water activities; the tourist entry tax ($75 per person, per visit) is paid when you enter Bonaire.

Practical takeaways

• Buy your Nature Tag early. It’s required for any planned boating, sailing, snorkeling, or other on-the-water experiences.
• Budget for both fees. Set aside USD 40 for the Nature Tag and USD 75 per person, per visit for the tourist entry tax.
• Plan the fun. Consider a moonlit dinner cruise, a snorkel-from-the-boat afternoon, or a day at Klein Bonaire (bring supplies—there are no facilities).
• Use the site’s tools. Browse Watersports to Find watersport operators, and check Plan Your Vacation for Itineraries, Getting Around, How To Get To Bonaire, and the Events Calendar.
• Stay eco-minded. Follow local guidance, respect markers like yellow stones for entry, and keep wildlife viewing gentle and hands-off.

Conclusion

On Bonaire, the rule is simple: Stay dry, still pay—because Bonaire’s $40 Nature Tag safeguards the waters every boater and sailor comes to enjoy. One tag covers all your water activities for the calendar year and supports the care that keeps our seas clear, our reefs vibrant, and our island pristine.

Ready to cast off? Purchase your Nature Tag through STINAPA, pay the tourist entry tax when you arrive, then head to Watersports to Find watersport operators. Explore Plan Your Vacation for Itineraries, Getting Around, and How To Get To Bonaire—and set sail for an unforgettable (and sustainable) day on the water.