Bonaire National Marine Park Regulations:
https://stinapabonaire.org
- Fishing - Due to the marine park status of the island, spearfishing is forbidden and marine life of any description may not be removed or destroyed. Spearguns must be left with Customs for the duration of one's stay as it is illegal to have a speargun in one's possession.
- Mooring - The authorities are making great efforts to protect the marine environment. Anchoring is prohibited everywhere. 40+ mooring buoys have been placed in the area between North Pier and Harbour Village Marina (who manage them for the National Marine Park). The marinas collect fees on behalf of the Bonaire National Marine Park (BNMP). See www.bmp.org for more information.
Cruisers should contact the Harbour Village Marina on VHF Channel 17 before picking up a mooring. See Fees for costs.
- Dive Moorings - The mooring buoys on diving sites are for mooring short-time only by small boats such as dinghies. Staying on the dive moorings overnight is
illegal.
- Diving and Snorkeling - Visitors are required to purchase permits for snorkelling or diving. See Fees for Park Fee details.
- Protected species - It is forbidden, to catch, kill, or carry lobsters, with the exception of the period from November 1st to April 30th, and then only within the zone on the Northeast coast and East coast between Malmok and Willemstoren (Lighthouse). All parrotfish, sharks, rays and turtles are protected. Causing any harm to protected species may result in fines - Protected marina species of Bonaire - ID Cards
- Discharge of Waste - Cruising boats are now expected to have holding tanks and the discharge of any waste is prohibited. Pump out is "free", at Harbour Village Marine, as part of the mooring fee.
Drones:
Flying a drone is not allowed on the island.
Radio Use:
Cruising boats are expected to use only VHF Channels 71, 77 and 88A, as most other channels have been allocated to local operators. Which channels to use as working channels should be ascertained when clearing in, as the use of unauthorised channels can lead to fines and confiscation of equipment.
Last updated: January 2023
