Where Your $40 Nature Tag Funds Go: Conserving Bonaire’s Marine and Island Ecosystems

Travelers arrive in Bonaire for its warm waters, world-class reefs, and easy access to adventure. The $40 Nature Tag keeps that experience pristine. Required for all water activities, the Nature Tag dedicates funds to maintaining and protecting Bonaire’s marine and island ecosystems—so the reefs you snorkel today remain vibrant for generations to come. In this guide, you’ll learn how the tag works, why it matters, and how it supports responsible adventures across the island.

What Is the $40 Nature Tag?

The Nature Tag is a conservation permit that every visitor must purchase before enjoying water activities on Bonaire. It is simple, affordable, and designed to protect the natural assets that make the island special.

Key facts at a glance

• Cost: USD 40 (paid in U.S. dollars)
• Who needs it: All visitors participating in any water activity (including boating or sailing—even if you don’t enter the water)
• What it covers: A single tag is valid for every water activity you choose to enjoy during the calendar year
• Validity: Good for multiple visits within the same calendar year; no need to buy a new tag if you return that year
• Where to purchase: STINAPA is the designated point of sale
• Who doesn’t need it: Visitors who only take part in land-based activities do not need to purchase a Nature Tag

Not the same as the tourist entry tax

The Nature Tag is distinct from the tourist entry tax:

• Nature Tag: USD 40, required for water activities
• Tourist entry tax: USD 75 per person, per visit to Bonaire

Both are paid in U.S. dollars and serve different purposes.

Why the Nature Tag Matters for Conservation

Bonaire is strongly protective of its land and surrounding seas. Funds from the Nature Tag are dedicated to maintaining and protecting Bonaire’s marine and island ecosystems. That commitment helps safeguard the habitats, shorelines, and nearshore reefs that define the island’s character and your experience on (and under) the water.

At a high level, conservation and ecosystem protection typically emphasize:

• Healthy reefs and marine life: Intact coral systems support turtles, rays, tropical fish, and even seahorses—marine life you can encounter just a few meters from shore while snorkeling.
• Resilient coastlines and lagoons: Thoughtful stewardship helps preserve places like Lac Bay and its mangrove surroundings, which are integral to the island’s natural balance.
• Sustainable access: Clear site entry points and responsible use policies help visitors enjoy Bonaire’s waters without putting stress on sensitive environments.

These priorities align with the island’s approach: inviting exploration while asking every water user to contribute to the long-term health of the environment through the Nature Tag.

How Conservation Enhances Your Experience

When ecosystems thrive, so do your adventures. On Bonaire, this is evident from the minute you wade into the shallows.

• Snorkeling made easy: Because the reefs lie close to shore, you can witness vibrant marine life without needing SCUBA. Along the coastal road, yellow stones display each site’s name and mark the most convenient water entry points.
• Diving excellence: Bonaire is home to more than 85 marked dive sites, widely regarded as among the Caribbean’s best for their warm tropical seas and abundant marine life.
• Kitesurfing and windsurfing conditions: Consistent trade winds create near-perfect kitesurfing conditions on the island’s south-west tip, while Sorobon on the east side offers a protected bay with steady winds and warm, shallow water for windsurfers.
• Kayaking variety: Paddle mangrove tunnels in Lac Bay on the windward side or rent a kayak on the leeward side to reach Klein Bonaire, a deserted tropical island ideal for a serene day trip.
• Boating and sailing: Take a leisurely sail, snorkel off the side of your boat, or even enjoy a moonlit dinner on the water as the sun dips below the horizon.

All of these activities rely on a well-cared-for environment. By supporting maintenance and protection, the Nature Tag helps keep the island’s signature experiences accessible and inspiring.

Responsible Adventures that Align with Your Nature Tag

Your Nature Tag unlocks water-based fun while aligning your trip with conservation-minded choices.

Snorkeling and diving

• Explore nearshore reefs and look for turtles, rays, tropical fish, and seahorses.
• Use the roadside yellow stones to find site names and safe entry points.

Kitesurfing and windsurfing

• Head to the kitesurfing zone on the south-west tip; just follow the brightly colored kites along the shoreline.
• Visit Sorobon for windsurfing in a protected bay with steady winds and shallow, warm water.

Kayaking

• Glide through Lac Bay’s mangrove tunnels for a calm, nature-immersive paddle.
• For a sense of discovery, rent a kayak on the leeward side to reach Klein Bonaire.

Boating, sailing, and more

• Charter a boat for a relaxed sail, picnic on Klein Bonaire, or a romantic moonlit dinner on the water.
• Try additional watersports such as wake-boarding, waterskiing, tube riding, and more—local operators offer lessons, rentals, and guided experiences.

Tip: You can browse activities and providers through the Watersports section and use the island’s Find watersport operators directory to locate lessons, rentals, and charters.

Quick Answers (Great for Trip Planning and Featured Snippets)

Is the Nature Tag the same as the tourist entry tax?

No. The Nature Tag is USD 40 for water activities. The tourist entry tax is USD 75 per person, per visit upon entering Bonaire.

Do I need a Nature Tag if I only go boating or sailing and never swim?

Yes. The Nature Tag is required for all water activities, including boating or sailing even if you do not enter the water.

How long is the Nature Tag valid?

It covers the calendar year and is valid for multiple visits within that year.

Does one Nature Tag cover all water sports?

Yes. A single USD 40 Nature Tag is valid for every water activity you choose for the year.

Where do I buy the Nature Tag?

Purchase the permit through STINAPA, the designated point of sale.

Do I need a Nature Tag if I only do land-based activities?

No. The tag is required exclusively for water activities.

What currency is used?

Both the Nature Tag and the tourist entry tax are paid in U.S. dollars (USD).

Is Klein Bonaire inhabited or serviced?

No. Klein Bonaire is a deserted tropical island with no permanent residents or infrastructure. Bring all essentials for your visit.

Practical Tips for a Smooth, Sustainable Trip

• Purchase early: Secure your Nature Tag via STINAPA before your first water activity.
• Keep proof handy: Save a digital copy of your purchase confirmation for easy reference.
• Plan your days: Use the Plan Your Vacation tools, including Itineraries, to map out activities that fit your interests.
• Find operators: Explore the Watersports section and the Find watersport operators directory for lessons, rentals, and guided tours.
• Use the Map: The island’s interactive Map helps locate dive sites, beaches, and points of interest.
• Time your visit: Check the Events Calendar for upcoming competitions and cultural happenings.
• Know the difference: Budget for both the USD 40 Nature Tag (water activities) and the USD 75 tourist entry tax (paid per person, per visit).
• Snorkel smart: Enter at marked spots—look for the yellow stones along the coastal road that display site names and entry points.
• Prepare for Klein Bonaire: With no facilities on the island, pack water, sun protection, and essentials.
• Stay informed: Subscribe to the island’s e-newsletter to receive updates, travel tips, and news.
• Need help? Contact Tourism Corporation Bonaire at Kaya Grandi #2, Kralendijk, Dutch Caribbean; Tel: +599-717-8322. Office hours: Mon–Thu 8 a.m.–12 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.–5 p.m.; Fri 8 a.m.–12 p.m.

Conclusion: Your Tag, Your Impact

The $40 Nature Tag is more than a permit—it’s your personal investment in Bonaire’s future. By dedicating funds to the maintenance and protection of marine and island ecosystems, the tag keeps reefs teeming with life, shorelines inviting, and on-the-water adventures accessible year after year.

Ready to dive in? Purchase your Nature Tag through STINAPA, explore the Watersports section to find operators and activities, and use Plan Your Vacation tools to build an itinerary you’ll love. For updates and insider tips, join the e-newsletter, check the Events Calendar, and consult the island Map as you plan. See you on the water.