Visiting caves on Bonaire has become one of Bonaire’s favorite activities.
Caves are full of stunning formations like stalactites, stalagmites, columns, flow stones, helictites.
Some caves feature ancient coral imprints and marine fossilised structures.
Others offer the possibility to enjoy water pools where snorkeling is possible.
There is an estimate of 400 caves and caverns on the island of Bonaire in the Dutch Caribbean.
8 years of age.
Yes. For the preservation of the caves, groups cannot exceed 6 people. If your group is bigger, we recommend to split the visit in two different groups.
If you have been diagnosed with Claustrophobia this is NOT the tour for you. If you have not been diagnose and is only a thought is natural that you ask yourself this question. The cave visits are design to be progressing really slow inside the caves and there is availability of an exit to the cavern areas within 100m/300ft.
There are different cave options and different levels that can suit your actual condition. Ask your guide for the alternatives.
On Bonaire we have the caves in the most natural state possible, that means there are no constructions or built pathways into the caves. The tour requires that you are able to walk, crawl, climb a ladder and basic swim. If you have any limitation of mobility please contact us before you book and we can discuss if this tour is for you or if we can taylor made a tour according to your abilities.
You should wear closed shoes like running shoes or non-slipery dive boots. Confortable swimsuit. Mask and Snorkel if you are going to visit the water caves; fins are not allowed since they can disturb easily the sediment and ruin the visibility of the cave. A towel for drying yourself at the end. The rest of the required gear (torches and ropes) is provided.
Absolutely NOT. Even though there are some “secret” air pockets on the cave pools, there is no need to go that far to be able to FULLY enjoy the visit. Entering this chambers is restricted only for visitors that can demonstrate proficiency in freediving.
No. Scuba Diving on the caves is an activity that is NOT encouraged by the park officials or the Caribbean Speleological Society. If you are a certified FULL cave diver, cave researcher or hold another similar diploma it is recommended to join CARIBSS and participate in their exploration projects. At this moment Scuba Diving for recreational purposes is not possible.
For your safety and for the preservation of the caves we strongly recommend you to do your visit with the guidance of a professional and trained cave guide. You can read more about the requirements for guides at the Caribbean Speleological Society(Caribss) website.
You can book through our online system. Or simply give us a call +5997852518
Let’s discuss it. We are always open to hear what your specific situation is and if possible we could potentially accomodate the visit to your needs. Best way is via whatsaap.
OWNER, INSTRUCTOR and GUIDE at GO-BONAIRE
Nationality: Colombian, Dutch.
Place of residency: Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean
Spoken languages: Spanish (Native), English, Portuguese, Dutch.
Official CARIBSS Certified Guide
Alejandro has been living on the island of bonaire since 2011.
Alejandro Gutiérrez Murillo.
Passionate about the ocean in 2010 decided to abandon his 7 year successful career as an Electronic Engineering for Intel Corporation and dedicate his time to what he really loves, the ocean. Being already a diver for a while, the same year he achieved all the requirements to become a PADI Master Scuba Instructor. Destiny was in charge of placing him on the island of Bonaire where for the first two years worked as a PADI Master Scuba Instructor at Buddy Dive Resort.
It was only in 2013, working for Bonphoto/Flow that he started his interest in caves. Following an 8 month job with this company and experiencing first hand the beauty but also the vulnerability of this ecosystem he decides to start exploring the island searching for more unexplored caves. Some of the findings of this unofficial exploration group lead him to take more in depth instruction, reaching out to one of the best cave explorers on the planet Steve Bogarts in the Maya Riviera in Mexico.
After his certification as a Full Cave Diver with Steve and due to the importance of some of his group of explorer’s findings, he participated on the foundation of the Caribbean Speleological Society (Caribss) a non-profit association that aims to explore,document and preserve the cave systems on the island of Bonaire and the Caribbean involving both the government and the island community. He has also being certified as a CARIBSS Certified Guide to be able to operate in the Bonaire Cave and Karst Nature Reserve.
Alejandro is also an avid Underwater Photographer and has taken on photography projects for several companies on Bonaire, including Woodwind Snorkel, Sea Cow Bonaire, Stinapa, Mangazina di Rei and Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire.
Owner (Koralie Undersea Experiences)
Guide at GO-BONAIRE
Nationality: Colombian.
Place of residency: Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean
Spoken languages: Spanish (Native), English.
Official CARIBSS Certified Guide
Tama has been living on the island of bonaire since 2011.
Tamanaé Vargas Salazar.
Following her love for the ocean Tama found herself arriving on the island of Bonaire in 2011. As a member of PADI and an excellent scuba dive instructor Tama has worked for several companies around the island like Wannadive , Divi Flamingo , Plaza Resort, Scuba Elite, among others.
Tama has been trained as Full Cave Diver with Steve Boegarts in the Maya Riviera in Mexico, has participated in cave exploration and mapping groups on Bonaire, founding member of Caribbean Speleological Society (Caribss) a non-profit association that aims to explore, document and preserve the cave systems on the island of Bonaire and the Caribbean involving both the government and the island community. She has also being certified as a CARIBSS Certified Guide to be able to operate in the Bonaire Cave and Karst Nature Reserve. Currently she seats on CARIBSS board of directors.
ABOUT
GO CAVING BONAIRE is a service brand by Athoyo Creative Works & Expeditions B.V. a company established on the island of Bonaire – Dutch Caribbean since 2014. Operating under business license #2015004018.
Texts, photos and graphic materials are ©Copyrighted.
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