1979 Milestone: How the Bonaire National Marine Park Became the World’s First Underwater Park

If you’ve ever wondered why Bonaire’s reefs feel so alive, start with the Bonaire National Marine Park. Established in 1979, it’s celebrated as the world’s first underwater park—a decision that still shapes every snorkel, dive, and beach day. In this guide, you’ll learn what happened in 1979, how the park’s 0–60 m protected zone works, and exactly what it means for your visit today.

What changed in 1979—and why it still matters

• Establishment: The Bonaire National Marine Park was formally established in 1979, creating a protective framework that extends around Bonaire and Klein Bonaire.
• Global first: With that step, Bonaire pioneered the concept of a legally protected underwater park—setting a model for marine conservation worldwide.
• Management: The park is managed by STINAPA Bonaire, a non-governmental, nonprofit foundation founded in 1962 to protect the island’s natural resources. STINAPA also oversees Washington Slagbaai National Park on land.
• Visionaries: As early as 1962, conservation champions on-island recognized the importance of the reef. Notably, Captain Don Stewart helped organize the Marine Park, laying groundwork that culminated in the 1979 designation.

The results are tangible for travelers. The park’s protections support clear visibility, healthy reefs, and abundant marine life—reasons Bonaire consistently ranks among the Caribbean’s premier dive destinations.

How the 0–60 m protected zone works

The Bonaire National Marine Park’s protected area runs from the high-tide mark down to 60 m (about 200 ft) all around Bonaire and Klein Bonaire. That means:

• Shore to deep reef: Protection covers the full nearshore gradient—from shallow entries and seagrass beds to vibrant coral gardens and deeper walls.
• Ecosystem coverage: Beyond open water, the park includes sea, wetlands, and mangroves, totaling roughly 27 sq km (about 6,700 acres).
• Unified stewardship: With one continuous perimeter, the same conservation standards apply across the island’s reef-fringed coast.

For visitors, this zone translates into consistency. Whether you’re snorkeling from a beach, making a night dive, or exploring a mangrove-fringed cove, you’re inside a living marine park shaped by decades of protection.

Visiting today: what the Marine Park means for you

Bonaire’s conservation-first approach is designed to welcome you—responsibly.

• Nature Tag required: All visitors who plan to participate in water activities must purchase a Bonaire Nature Tag. A valid tag grants access to every dive site within the Marine Park and directly supports conservation.
• Dive site access: The island offers 86 marked dive sites, with over 85 in total and 54 that are easily accessible from shore. Most shore sites are marked by yellow-painted rocks.
• Night diving is permitted: After dark, the reef reveals different behaviors and species, offering a unique perspective within the protected zone.
• Underwater biodiversity: Bonaire’s reefs host more than 350 species of fish and 57 species of coral, reflecting long-term protection and careful management.
• Ease for divers: Island dive operators offer convenient services such as drive-thru oxygen stations, rinse areas, and storage—making responsible diving straightforward.
• Adaptive access: Bonaire welcomes divers of all abilities. Operators offer courses certified by the International Association for Handicapped Divers (IAHD), so individuals with disabilities can train and dive safely.

Pro tip: Within the Marine Park, you’ll often see yellow rocks identifying shore entries. Use them—they concentrate foot traffic and help protect fragile reef structures.

Signature example: Andrea 1 & 2

Among the Marine Park’s marked sites are Andrea 1 & 2, located about 0.8 km (0.5 mi) north of Bonaire’s destination plant, with depths around 6–30 m (20–100 ft). Expect anemones, soft corals, seahorses, and large blue, midnight, and rainbow parrotfish—a snapshot of the biodiversity the park safeguards.

Quick facts (for planners and search engines)

• Name: Bonaire National Marine Park (BNMP)
• Founded: 1979 (world’s first underwater park)
• Managed by: STINAPA Bonaire (founded 1962)
• Coverage: ~27 sq km of sea, wetlands, and mangroves
• Depth: From high-tide mark to 60 m around Bonaire and Klein Bonaire
• Dive sites: 86 marked (with 54 accessible from shore)
• Access: Bonaire Nature Tag required for all water activities; valid tag grants access to every dive site
• Shore markers: Yellow-painted rocks
• Night diving: Permitted

Why protection at depth works

From a conservation perspective, protecting the entire nearshore water column (0–60 m) matters because:

• Continuity: Many species move between shallow and deeper habitats throughout their life cycles. A continuous zone preserves these pathways.
• Resilience: Mangroves, seagrasses, and coral reefs are interconnected. Safeguarding all three buffers stress and supports recovery.
• Visitor clarity: Clear, consistent rules across one protected perimeter are easier to follow—and easier to enforce—than patchwork zones.

The upshot is better habitat quality and a richer experience in the water.

Practical takeaways and responsible tips

Make the most of your time in the Marine Park while helping keep Bonaire blue:

1. Get your Bonaire Nature Tag before entering the water. Your contribution funds on-the-ground conservation and park management.
2. Keep your distance from marine life. Give fish, turtles, and corals space to thrive.
3. Choose reef-friendly, biodegradable sunscreen. It’s an easy switch that reduces chemical stress on corals.
4. Use marked entries. Look for the yellow-painted rocks that indicate shore dive sites.
5. Consider a night dive. The park permits it, and you’ll see a different side of the reef.
6. Match your site to your skill. With 86 marked sites, there’s a perfect profile for beginners and pros alike.
7. Explore beyond the reef. Pair your marine day with a visit to Washington Slagbaai National Park for hiking, wildlife, and panoramic views.
8. Plan accessibility needs. If you need adaptive training, look for IAHD-certified offerings on island.

FAQs about the Bonaire National Marine Park

When was the Bonaire National Marine Park established?

1979. It is recognized as the world’s first underwater park.

How deep does the protected zone extend?

From the high-tide mark down to 60 m (about 200 ft) around Bonaire and Klein Bonaire.

Do I need a Bonaire Nature Tag?

Yes. All visitors who plan to take part in water activities must purchase a Nature Tag. A valid tag grants access to every dive site in the Marine Park.

How many dive sites are there?

There are 86 marked dive sites, with over 85 in total and 54 that are easily accessible from shore.

Who manages the Marine Park?

STINAPA Bonaire, a nonprofit foundation established in 1962, manages both the Marine Park and Washington Slagbaai National Park.

Are night dives allowed?

Yes. Night diving is permitted in the Marine Park.

How can I find shore dive entries?

Look for the yellow-painted rocks that mark shore-accessible dive sites.

What makes Bonaire’s reefs special for visitors?

Long-standing protection supports clear water, healthy reefs, and abundant marine life—including more than 350 fish species and 57 coral species.

What’s the difference between the Tourist Entry Tax and the Nature Tag?

The Tourist Entry Tax is USD $75 per person, per visit, paid on arrival and invested in education, infrastructure, tourism development, and sustainability. The Nature Tag is separate and required only for water activities, with funds dedicated to marine conservation.

Beyond the shoreline: a connected conservation story

Bonaire’s marine stewardship is part of a broader island ethos. The community invites visitors to join in a sustainability mindset—reflected in the Bonaire Bond and the island’s status as a Blue Destination. Your choices on the water, from sunscreen to site selection, directly support the reefs you came to see.

For nature lovers, that connection continues on land in Washington Slagbaai National Park, home to flamingos, salt lakes, and panoramic climbs up Brandaris Hill. On clear days, you can even glimpse the coast of Venezuela from the summit.

Plan your Bonaire experience

• Start planning here: https://bonaireisland.com/about/
• Compare hotels, resorts, and apartments: https://bonaireisland.com/where-to-stay/
• Explore beaches, events, and island experiences through the site’s dedicated sections.

Conclusion: A living legacy you can enjoy—responsibly

Since 1979, the Bonaire National Marine Park has protected the island’s reefs from the shoreline to 60 m deep, making it the world’s first underwater park and a benchmark for marine destinations. Today’s visitors benefit from 86 marked dive sites, shore access, night diving, and thriving biodiversity—all supported by the Bonaire Nature Tag and STINAPA’s stewardship.

Ready to experience the difference protection makes? Plan your trip, secure your Nature Tag, and choose a stay that fits your style at https://bonaireisland.com/where-to-stay/—then meet Bonaire’s reefs the way they’re meant to be: clear, colorful, and alive.