Bonaire in March?

[alam555]

May I please have some feedback on diving Bonaire in March. First time for us. Son is getting certified. My wife and I usually only do liveaboards, nothing but dive all day and night, but after so many years… running out of destinations, and with my son getting certified, looking at Bonaire in March. Likely stay at Buddy or Delfin. Thank you kindly.

 

[Outbound]

March is at the tail end of the rainy season, so you may experience some intermittent showers. In my experience, showers are almost always very brief and usually occur in the very early morning hours. Topside temps are usually quite pleasant. Water temps are usually around 79-80.

Bonaire is a great dive destination. But keep in mind that the last year or two have been tough on the entire Caribbean. Abnormally high sea temps for an extended period along with the ravages of stony coral tissue loss disease have devastated a lot of the reef in Bonaire. Still lots of fish and marine life, but the coral is in much worse shape than it used to be just a short while ago.

 

[junkyard_dawg]

I've gone in March don't remember it being anything abnormal with that time of year. October was the only "bad" time I've gone and that was only due to the rain daily. Just made mosquitos come out and play more.

Some people love Bonaire and some don't. I'm one that loves it due to the freedom of diving and the cost. Liveaboards are very nice due to the fact you dive a lot and don't have to worry about food and drink. I've heard good things about both places you have on your list, but can't comment personally. We normally stay at some sort of AirBnB.

I've gone a week in Bonaire and dove 28 dives and I've also gone and dove 15 dives. It's completely up to you. That's one of my positives. I don't have to be on someone else's schedule.

You should have a blast and it's easy IMO for newly certified like your son. I took my daughter when she first got certified. Less stress for them as you can ease into it.

 

[Ez E]

Not been to Bonaire but we went to Aruba March of this year and it was beautiful. Water temps were great for snorkeling. Wore a 3mm shortie for diving and was fine at around 40ft depth.

 

[Ronplaza]

We live on Bonaire for many years and although the weather pattern is pretty much the same throughout the year, hurricane season runs from June through October. Because Bonaire is “downwind,” this generally does not mean that there is a high probability of tropical storms or even hurricanes, but rather that the wind dies down in these months. As a rule, the months of August - October are exceptionally hot because of that.
Furthermore, the rainy season runs from October through December, but it is not here like rainy seasons in other parts of the world. 'Rainy season' with us means that there is a greater chance of a shower (which when they fall are also generally substantial, but often short-lived, 10-15 minutes). Average rainfall is still very low.
February - April we have always found to be the best time of the year, because then it really doesn't rain anymore (except for the one short shower here and there maybe, it remains Mother Nature, of course) and the wind is fully back.

Have you already booked accommodation in the meantime?

 

[alam555]

Thank

We live on Bonaire for many years and although the weather pattern is pretty much the same throughout the year, hurricane season runs from June through October. Because Bonaire is “downwind,” this generally does not mean that there is a high probability of tropical storms or even hurricanes, but rather that the wind dies down in these months. As a rule, the months of August - October are exceptionally hot because of that.
Furthermore, the rainy season runs from October through December, but it is not here like rainy seasons in other parts of the world. 'Rainy season' with us means that there is a greater chance of a shower (which when they fall are also generally substantial, but often short-lived, 10-15 minutes). Average rainfall is still very low.
February - April we have always found to be the best time of the year, because then it really doesn't rain anymore (except for the one short shower here and there maybe, it remains Mother Nature, of course) and the wind is fully back.

Have you already booked accommodation in the meantime?

Yes. We decided to stay with Buddy to make it easier for the certification onsite. etc. My wife and I will likely explore the sites while he gets certified. Afterwards, hopefully we can dive together.

 

[terramar]

Thank

Yes. We decided to stay with Buddy to make it easier for the certification onsite. etc. My wife and I will likely explore the sites while he gets certified. Afterwards, hopefully we can dive together.

That’s a good choose. Buddys trajning is really good- you didn’t say how old your son is, but they’ll pair him with the right instructor for him. (Disclaimer: I did my instructor there). The house reef and south the Bari’s reef will make good family dives after he finishes his class and is building confidence.

I’ll be next door to Buddy Dive at San Dollar January through April. Reach out if there’s anything you need or if you’re looking for a spare dive buddy.

 

[surfing grandpa]

We live on Bonaire for many years and although the weather pattern is pretty much the same throughout the year, hurricane season runs from June through October. Because Bonaire is “downwind,” this generally does not mean that there is a high probability of tropical storms or even hurricanes, but rather that the wind dies down in these months. As a rule, the months of August - October are exceptionally hot because of that.
Furthermore, the rainy season runs from October through December, but it is not here like rainy seasons in other parts of the world. 'Rainy season' with us means that there is a greater chance of a shower (which when they fall are also generally substantial, but often short-lived, 10-15 minutes). Average rainfall is still very low.
February - April we have always found to be the best time of the year, because then it really doesn't rain anymore (except for the one short shower here and there maybe, it remains Mother Nature, of course) and the wind is fully back.

Have you already booked accommodation in the meantime?

My wife and I dived in Bonaire 32 years ago for our 20th anniversary and loved it. We'd like to go back in May 2025 and would appreciate your advice about the reef and fish life. I've read on this forum that both have declined and would appreciate your take. Thank you.

 

[alam555]

That’s a good choose. Buddys trajning is really good- you didn’t say how old your son is, but they’ll pair him with the right instructor for him. (Disclaimer: I did my instructor there). The house reef and south the Bari’s reef will make good family dives after he finishes his class and is building confidence.

I’ll be next door to Buddy Dive at San Dollar January through April. Reach out if there’s anything you need or if you’re looking for a spare dive buddy.

He is 18. Thank you for helpful info.