STINAPA
Stichting Nationale Parken (STINAPA) is a conservation foundation that managed 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. Payment can easily be done online through: Bonaire Nature Fee | STINAPA-STINAPA. You will receive a QR code via email as proof of payment.
- All Scuba divers must attend an orientation dive given by the dive operator at the center from which tanks are obtained before diving in the marine park. The orientation consists of a briefing and a dive which must be supervised by staff at the dive operation. Repeat divers are also required to attend an orientation every time they are back on the island. Book your orientation dive with Beyond The Corals right now!
- Spearfishing and the possession of spearfishing equipment is prohibited.
- It is prohibited to remove anything, alive or dead, from the marine park (with the exemption of traditional fishing methods).
- The use of gloves is prohibited in the marine park.
- Turtles, their nests, and their eggs are completely protected in the marine park. Coral, parrotfish, sharks and rays are also protected.
- Lighting campfires on the beach at any time is prohibited.
- Anchoring is not allowed for boats.
- Kite surfing is prohibited in Lac Bay.
- The use of chemical glow sticks and pointer sticks is prohibited.
- Diving is not allowed in two Marine Reserves (Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander 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 your Peak Performance Buoyancy specialty with Beyond The Corals and we will make sure you will learn the skills needed to dive without touching the reef.
- Make sure all your gear is tightly fastened to prevent 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.
- UseReef-safe Sunscreen.
For more information about the rules and regulations, visit the STINAPA website or asks one of our staff, since we are STINAPA Reef Rangers.