STINAPA
Stichting Nationale Parken (STINAPA) is the conservation foundation that manages the national parks (marine and Slagbaai)on Bonaire and protect its nature. When using a national marine park, rules and regulations are in place to maintain the beautiful nature.
Marine Park Rules
The following list are the rules and regulations and apply to all users:
- All users of the marine park must pay an entrance fee, also known as the STINAPA nature fee. Children under 13 and residents from Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Sint Maarten are exempt, unless scuba diving. The fee grants you entrance to both the Bonaire National Marine Park and Washington Slagbaai National Park. You can easily pay online through: Bonaire Nature Fee | STINAPA-STINAPA. You will receive a QR code via email as proof of payment.
- Depending on the type of diver you are and how long it has been since your last visit to the island, a briefing and orientation dive may be mandatory.
- Spearfishing and using spearfishing equipment are strictly forbidden.
- You may not remove anything—alive or dead—from the marine park, except through traditional fishing methods.
- You are not allowed to wear gloves in the marine park.
- Turtles, their nests, and their eggs are fully protected in the marine park, along with Coral, parrotfish, sharks and rays.
- Campfires on the beach are never permitted.
- Boats must not anchor in the marine park.
- Kite surfing is not allowed in Lac Bay.
- Chemical glow sticks and pointer sticks are prohibited.
- Diving is off-limits in the Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander Marine Reserves.
Essential Precautions for diving within the Marine Park:
- Stay up to date and informed about the latest rules.
- It’s important to practice good buoyancy to protect our coral reefs. If you need more practice with buoyancy, book our fun Peak Performance Buoyancy specialty. We will make sure you will learn the skills needed to dive without touching the reef.
- Secure all your gear tightly to avoid accidental contact with the reef.
- Make use of a Surface Marker Buoy. This serves as a visual indicator of your presence.
- Do not touch, move, or grasp marine life for yourself or even for picture purposes. Admire the underwater wonders without causing harm.
- Do not feed animals.
- Use Reef-safe Sunscreen.
For more information about the rules and regulations please visit the STINAPA website or asks one of our staff – we are STINAPA Reef Rangers.