For all the wanderlust, ocean lovers out there, you’re in luck; we have the perfect Caribbean getaway for you! The stunning islands of Bonaire and Curaçao just happen to be two of the best conservation destinations out there. Hooray!
We’ve put together all the info you need for the best conservation-based holiday to these Dutch Caribbean gems. Relax, have some adventure, and care for the oceans all in one.
So pack your snorkel and swimsuit and book those tickets! Let’s go!
Bonaire
With 86 dive sites, Bonaire is a diver’s paradise and one of the best conservation destinations! Located outside of the Caribbean hurricane zone, you can dive here all year round. However, April to November marks the dry season when the seas are calmer and you can make the most of the stunning beaches.
Bonaire has been protecting its marine resources for over 35 years. This has helped turn it into one of the world’s top shore diving destinations. The whole of Bonaire’s shoreline is protected as a national marine park, from the high tide line to a depth of 60 meters (200 feet). The marine park covers an area of 27 km² (6672 acres) that includes coral reefs, sea grass, and mangroves.
As a result, you have vibrant coral reefs to explore right off the shore. Because of the easy access, calm waters, and minimal currents, divers of all levels can enjoy Bonaire. With over 470 fish species, you’ll see a wide range of sea life including all sorts of reef fish, colorful parrotfish, yellowfin tuna, and, if you’re lucky and keep an eye out on the blue, huge sailfish.
Bonaire banned spearfishing many years ago and makes huge efforts to protect turtles and corals. It was one of the first islands in the Caribbean to join the Reef Renewal Foundation which has programs to cultivate new corals and is dedicated to educating younger generations and preserving the reefs for us to enjoy for years to come.
Another thing that makes Bonaire so unique for wildlife lovers is the 200 species of birds that they’ve recorded here. Its mangroves and saltwater lakes are internationally recognized as RAMSAR sites, essential wetland areas of global importance.
Bonaire is doing more than its share in the Caribbean for marine preservation and conservation. That’s what makes it one of the top tourist destinations for sustainable travel.
Curaçao
With vibes similar to parts of Europe, Curaçao is one of the busier Caribbean islands. There are plenty of laid-back restaurants and art galleries to enjoy. But if you’re looking for something more secluded, it also has a beautiful, undeveloped coast with caves and secret beaches you can explore. All in all, it’s the best of both worlds! Plus, it’s another amazing conservation destination.
And when we enter the underwater world, it gets even better. Curaçao offers crystal clear visibility for most of the year, although most visitors come during the dry season, from May to November, to enjoy its healthy reefs and abundant marine life. With warm waters all year round and plenty of options for both shore and boat diving, what more could you ask for?
Like Bonaire, Curaçao also boasts several RAMSAR-listed essential wetlands. These spots are vital as nesting and feeding grounds for flamingos, waterbirds, and sea turtles.
The diving community in Curaçao takes marine conservation very seriously. To this end, they hold regular reef clean-up events and are active members of the PADI AWARE Foundation® Adopt the Blue™ program. For the program, they make sure to conduct monthly Dive Against Debris® surveys and act as role models to new divers, educating and informing them of the importance of marine conservation.
Reef Renewal Curaçao is a PADI AWARE Foundation Community Grant recipient for their outreach and reef restoration work. It is dive communities like this that restore our hope for the future of our oceans, as they help more and more people realize the importance of doing their bit for the sea.
Ready to dive into conservation? Check out all the best destinations with eco-friendly dive resorts and liveaboards. And you don’t even have to travel to have an impact on ocean conservation. Sign up to pledge to Save the Ocean and become a PADI Torchbearer™ for the ocean now.
