14 March 2026

What It Takes to Become a Bonaire Ambassador: Step-by-Step Guide

If you return to Bonaire year after year, the Bonaire Ambassador program is your chance to be officially recognized for your loyalty. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to become a Bonaire Ambassador, what the tier levels mean, the simple eligibility requirements, and how to complete the application—step by step.

Two out of every five visitors come back to Bonaire regularly. The Ambassador program celebrates that bond and invites you to share Bonaire’s warmth with friends and family while earning formal recognition from Tourism Corporation Bonaire (TCB).

What is the Bonaire Ambassador Program?

The Bonaire Ambassador program recognizes our most loyal visitors—those who return to the island over many consecutive years. Ambassadors represent the spirit of Bonaire to the outside world, sharing their love for the island with co‑workers, friends, and family.

Ambassador tiers (by years visiting)

Bronze: 10–14 years
Silver: 15–19 years
Gold: 20+ years
Platinum: 30+ years

Recognition often includes official pins or awards and may be presented during a brief ceremony.

Who is eligible to become a Bonaire Ambassador?

You can become a Bonaire Ambassador if you:

Stay at an apartment, hotel, villa, or private home during your visit.
Visit Bonaire over consecutive years.
Submit the Ambassador application form.

You can apply for yourself or on behalf of someone else who meets the criteria.

How recognition works (with real examples)

Ambassadors are celebrated with official recognition—often with a pin or plaque—sometimes presented at favorite properties around the island.

Bronze (11 years): Claude Smith, from the United States, received a bronze pin at Buddy Dive.
Gold (20 years): Jane Oakhill and Carsten Elbro, from Germany, each received a gold pin.
Platinum (40 years): Sharon Jemison, from the United States, was honored in the platinum category at Sand Dollar Condominiums.
Platinum recognition: Jim Nuckolls has visited for 31 consecutive years. His first stay was in 1994, always at Captain Don’s Habitat. He received a platinum plaque and certificate, presented by Helen Mercera (TCB) alongside Claire Sealy, managing director of Captain Don’s Habitat. He celebrated his 71st birthday on Bonaire with friends at the Habitat.
Ambassador honor: Jan Jaap “JJ” Brandt Corstius was officially honored as a Bonaire Ambassador on March 6, 2026.

TCB representatives, including Helen Mercera, conduct recognition ceremonies. The Alpert family—Avi, Karen, and Avita—also received silver pins for 15 years of visiting.

How to become a Bonaire Ambassador: Step-by-step

Use this checklist to complete your application smoothly.

Step 1: Confirm you meet the requirements

You’ve visited consecutively for the qualifying years.
You stayed in an apartment, hotel, villa, or private home.

Step 2: Gather your personal details

You’ll be asked to provide:

First Name and Last Name
Birth Date (mm/dd/yyyy)
Address Line 1 and Address Line 2
City, State, Country
Email

Number of years you have been visiting
How many times per year you usually visit
Do you usually visit around the same time each year? (Yes/No)
If yes: Which month(s) you usually visit
When is the next time you will visit Bonaire?

Step 4: Tell us about your connection to Bonaire

Primary reason you visit: Diving, Snorkel, Windsurf, Enjoy Nature, Relax, or Other
Where you usually stay when you visit Bonaire
What you like about Bonaire

Step 5: Choose who you’re applying for

I would like to apply for: Myself or Someone Else

Step 6: Set your communications preferences

Do you authorize TCB to share your ambassador photo and news story with local media, social media pages, website, and e‑newsletters? (Yes/No)
TCB Newsletter: Opt‑in if you’d like to receive marketing emails from Tourism Corporation Bonaire
Privacy Policy: Confirm you have read and understand it
Captcha: Complete the verification

Step 7: Submit the form

Submit your application. TCB will review your details and get back to you.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Bonaire Ambassador?

A Bonaire Ambassador is a loyal visitor recognized by TCB for returning to the island over consecutive years and meeting simple program requirements.

How many years do I need for each tier?

Bronze: 10–14 years
Silver: 15–19 years
Gold: 20+ years
Platinum: 30+ years

Do I have to stay at a specific property type?

You must stay at an apartment, hotel, villa, or private home during your visits.

Can I nominate someone else?

Yes. The application includes an option to apply for Someone Else.

What recognition will I receive?

Ambassadors are recognized with official awards (such as pins, plaques, or certificates). Ceremonies may be conducted by TCB and can take place at local accommodations or venues. With your authorization, your photo and story may be shared via local media, TCB social channels, the website, and e‑newsletters.

Practical tips for a smooth application

Track your years: Keep a simple list of your visit years to confirm your tier (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum).
Know your stay details: Note where you usually stay (apartment, hotel, villa, or private home) so you can complete the form quickly.
Pick your primary reason: Diving, Snorkel, Windsurf, Enjoy Nature, Relax, or Other—choose the option that best reflects your trips.
Decide on media consent: If you’d like your story shared, opt in to authorize TCB to feature your photo and news.
Plan your next visit: You’ll be asked when you’re coming back—great motivation to set dates.
Stay connected: Opt in to the TCB e‑newsletter for island updates, experiences, and news.

Bonaire Friends: Celebrate locals who made your trip special by sharing your story—an ongoing invitation to recognize exceptional service on the island.
Bonaire Bond: Join the commitment to protecting Bonaire’s natural beauty.
Visitor Entry Tax: Visitors are required to pay a $75 per person, per visit entry tax.
Bonaire Nature Fee: A Nature Tag is required for all water activities to help keep the island pristine.

These resources complement your Ambassador journey and help you experience—while helping to preserve—what makes Bonaire unique.

Why becoming a Bonaire Ambassador matters

Celebrate your loyalty: Earn official recognition for the years you’ve invested in Bonaire.
Inspire others: Ambassadors help friends, family, and colleagues discover Bonaire’s warmth and natural beauty.
Be part of the story: From bronze pins to platinum plaques, your journey becomes part of the island’s living legacy of returning visitors.

Conclusion

Becoming a Bonaire Ambassador is straightforward: visit consecutively, stay at an apartment, hotel, villa, or private home, and submit the application. Whether you’re approaching your tenth year or celebrating decades of visits, this is your moment to be recognized.

Ready to be honored? Complete the Bonaire Ambassador application form today.

Need help or have questions? Contact Tourism Corporation Bonaire at +599‑717‑8322. Office hours: Monday–Thursday 8 am–12 pm | 1:30 pm–5 pm; Friday 8 am–12 pm. Or sign up for our E‑Newsletter to stay up to date on island news, experiences, and Ambassador stories.