On-water instructions
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On-water instructions
How to sail safely and relaxed around Bonaire
Exploring Bonaire with a rental boat is one of the most beautiful experiences of your holiday. To do that safely and in a relaxed way, it’s important you know where you may sail, what to watch out for and how to use the boat.
On this page you’ll find all the practical sailing instructions for your day on the water.
Short safety check
Before you leave
Before you cast off, check together:
- Are there life jackets for everyone on board?
- Do you have enough water, sunscreen and protection against the sun?
- Have you arranged the STINAPA rules and nature fee?
- Does everyone know who the captain is (the one who stays sober and is responsible)?
At departure we give a verbal briefing at the dock. Feel free to ask all your questions there.
Stay in the dark-blue water
Instructions
Follow the rules of the BNMP (Bonaire National Marine Park):
- Don’t sail between the yellow buoys and the shore. Use only the yellow buoys.
- Stay out of the light-blue water.
- Only one boat per buoy is allowed.
- Keep at least 50 metres (150 feet) away from the shore, other boats and boats with divers.
- It is not allowed to pull the boat onto the beach.
- It is not allowed to enter the Plaza Marina.
- Scuba diving with a rental boat is prohibited.
- Don’t moor at a dock or hotel.
- The person operating the boat may not use alcohol or drugs while driving the boat.
- Watch out for fishing boats that are trawling.
- The maximum speed in Harbour Village Marina is 5 mph (about 8 km/h).
Sailing to Klein Bonaire
Many guests want to take the boat to Klein Bonaire – rightly so, it’s absolutely beautiful there.
For all captains
Using the yellow moorings - step by step
How to moor safely at a yellow buoy:
- Approach the buoy calmly at low speed
- Have one person ready at the bow with the line
- When you’re almost at the buoy: put the engine in neutral
- The person at the bow grabs the buoy by hand or with a boat hook
- Run the line through the eye of the buoy and secure the boat well
Rental conditions:
- For all Bonaire Boat Rentals boats: no boating license required
- For boats with more powerful engines, a license or demonstrable boating experience may be required
- This is always clearly stated with the boat you book
For safe snorkeling
Snorkeling and swimming from your rental boat
Snorkeling from your own boat is one of the highlights of your day. Do watch out for:
- Always put the engine in neutral and then off before anyone enters the water
- Ideally have at least one person stay on board
- Don’t jump into the water close to other boats, dive flags or fishing boats
- Always account for the current; never let the boat drift unattended
Don’t forget: everyone in the water needs a valid STINAPA nature fee (from 13 years of age).
For a safe day on the water
Dealing with wind, waves and current
Is it windy?
- When planning your trip, take wind direction and strength into account
- Sail into the waves calmly and straight; not at an angle at high speed
Unsure whether the conditions are too rough? Ask us before departure – we know the water well and advise you honestly.
Safety at the harbour
Entering and leaving Harbour Village Marina
In the harbour, always:
- Sail slowly – max. about 5 mph / 8 km/h
- No loud music
- Watch out for other boats
On return:
- Sail very calmly toward the Bonaire Boat Rentals dock
- Follow our staff’s instructions for mooring and disembarking
Only turn off the boat once we’re properly moored
Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)
classic pitfalls
Every year we see many guests on a boat at Bonaire for the first time. These are the classic pitfalls:
- Sailing too close to the shore
- Sailing between yellow buoys and the beach
- Leaving the engine on while people are in the water
- Heading back too late so you have to navigate in dusk/dark
- Captain drinks alcohol
this is how you avoid them!
Steer clear of these pitfalls with the following tips:
- Stay in the deeper, dark-blue water
- Always stay outside the buoys
- Engine off when you’re moored and someone goes swimming
- Plan your return trip well in advance
- The captain always stays sober
All about renting a boat on Bonaire
Frequently asked questions about on-water instructions
How do I know where I may and may not sail?
At departure we give you a map and a clear explanation. The main rule: stay out of the shallow, light-blue water and don’t sail between the yellow buoys and the shore.
Can I moor anywhere with my rental boat?
No. You only use the yellow moorings designated for it. Mooring at random docks, hotels or the beach is not allowed.
How do I do it safely when we want to snorkel?
First you moor at a yellow buoy, check that the boat is stable and turn off the engine. Preferably keep one person on board and only then go into the water.
What do I do if I’m no longer sure on the water?
Feeling unsure because of wind, current or location? Sail calmly back toward the familiar part of the coast or Harbour Village Marina and call us for advice. We’re happy to help.
Can I read these instructions before my holiday too?
Yes, that’s actually wise. Read this page calmly before you leave, then you’ll recognise the briefing at the dock faster and can sail more relaxed.
Ready for your adventure?
Ready for your day on the water?
Seeing Bonaire from the water is perhaps the best moment of your vacation. Choose your boat, book quickly and easily online and become the captain of your own adventure for a day.
Book now