Freediving on Bonaire

Within the Caribbean archipelago, Bonaire is known as a top destination for freediving! Freediving to the famous wreck Hilma Hooker is one of the favorite freediving spots on the island. Some of the world's top freedivers frequently visit the Dutch coral island to set new freediving records. On June 9, 2016, Dutch freediver Jeanine Grasmeijer set a new world record in the "free immersion apnea" category, reaching an impressive depth of 302 feet.

Freediving in the warm waters of Bonaire is fun to do.

Reserve now & pay later!

Tip! VIP Private Snorkeling Tour with Underwater photos

Don't want to go freediving but still curious about Bonaire's underwater world? Join this exclusive VIP private snorkeling tour. You'll receive personal guidance from an experienced guide and snorkel at the island's most beautiful spots. Professional underwater photos will be taken during the tour, giving you a fantastic memory of this special day. Enjoy crystal-clear water, tropical fish, and maybe even spot a sea turtle! A perfect tour for those looking for an unforgettable snorkeling experience in Bonaire.Further info
& booking

Are freediving courses organized on Bonaire?

Freediving courses are regularly organized on Bonaire by providers such as Blue Classroom, Deepsea Freediving School and Bonaire Freediving School.

What are the best freediving spots on Bonaire?

Bonaire offers several stunning freediving spots. Below is an overview of the best locations for freediving on this tropical island:

• Hilma Hooker
  Hilma Hooker is a famous shipwreck resting at a depth of approximately 100 feet. It provides an adventurous dive, and you can see beautiful fish in and around the wreck.
• Klein Bonaire
  Klein Bonaire is an uninhabited island off the coast of Bonaire with several dive spots. It is known for its pristine coral reefs. We often go snorkeling here and frequently see sea turtles swimming.
• Salt Pier
  Salt Pier is popular for its impressive underwater pillars, which are covered in sponges and corals. It is a unique spot suitable for both beginner and advanced freedivers.
• 1000 Steps
  1000 Steps is a fantastic freediving location with crystal-clear water and rich coral formations. It is also an excellent spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. The chances of seeing sea turtles at 1000 Steps are very high.

We took this photo at 1000 Steps. As you can see, this is a beautiful spot for freediving.

Carlos Coste

One of the biggest stars in freediving, Venezuelan Carlos Coste, now lives and works on Bonaire. Throughout his career as a professional freediver, Coste has broken numerous world records. Anyone visiting Bonaire can take courses and workshops with him to safely experience this spectacular sport.

Karol Meyer

In 2012, Brazilian world champion Karol Meyer set a new world record on Bonaire in the "Skandalopetra" category. This discipline traces back to ancient Greek sponge divers. She reached a depth of 226 feet (68.9 meters).

What is freediving?

For humans, life underwater is not an option. Unlike fish, we don’t have gills but lungs. If we try to breathe underwater, our lungs will fill with water and within minutes life will leave the body. So when you go underwater, holding your breath is literally a matter of survival. Some people find holding their breath for as long as possible an incredible thrill and have turned it into a hobby or sport.

We can't think of a more beautiful place to freedive than Bonaire.

Anyone who submerges their head underwater with just a single breath is freediving. Over time, freediving has grown into a major global professional sport with many participants. Today freediving includes dozens of competitive disciplines and has become incredibly popular.

What are the different disciplines of freediving?

There are three freediving disciplines that truly capture the imagination. These include holding your breath underwater for as long as possible (Static Apnea), covering the greatest possible distance in a pool (Dynamic Apnea without fins), and diving as deep as possible in the ocean (No Limits). All of these are done with just a single breath of air.

However, No Limits is the most spectacular discipline in freediving. This form of freediving frequently makes headlines. In No Limits the freediver aims to reach the greatest possible depth in the ocean with maximum assistance. The freediver does not need to swim down under their own power. Instead they are strapped to a sled and propelled into the depths using a sophisticated system. At the deepest point a high-tech balloon filled with air is used to rapidly bring the freediver back to the surface.

Also read:

• On Bonaire you can enjoy fantastic snorkeling. You'll see the most beautiful fish and stunning coral!
• Do you want to rent a car on Bonaire? Read our review of AB CarRental!

All Inclusive Plaza Resort Bonaire

With the amazing all inclusive formula of Plaza Resort you can enjoy Bonaire unlimited!

Read more

Kiwi.com best airline deals

Are you looking for a flight to Bonaire? At Kiwi.com, you'll find cheap flights that you won't find anywhere else.

Book here!

The best car rental deals on Bonaire

Are you going to dive on Bonaire? Then you definitely need a car! Rent a car at AB Car Rental!

Read more

Activities and tours on Bonaire

The best activities on Bonaire can be easily booked at home online at Viator!

Read more