Ostracods Dive Bonaire - GO Diving Bonaire

Ostracods dives in Bonaire are a rare and fascinating opportunity to observe bioluminescent crustaceans in their natural habitat. These tiny organisms produce glowing light displays, creating a magical underwater scene after sunset.

Bonaire, renowned for its pristine waters and diverse marine life, is an ideal destination for experiencing this natural phenomenon. The combination of clear visibility and calm conditions makes it one of the best places to witness the bioluminescent spectacle of Ostracods.

Book my Spot!

Call +5997852518

Ostracods Dive in Bonaire: A Bioluminescent Zooplankton Spectacle

Ostracods are microscopic crustaceans that belong to the zooplankton family and are best known for their bioluminescent displays.

While many marine organisms have the ability to produce light, not all do so for the same reasons. Some, like certain plankton, emit flashes of light when disturbed, while others generate a continuous glow. Ostracods, however, produce their bioluminescence primarily as part of their mating ritual.

During an Ostracods dive in Bonaire, divers can witness this rare natural event, often described as Blue Sand, Blue Tears, Sea Fireflies or String of Pearls. Although these tiny creatures are too small to be seen with the naked eye, their synchronized light patterns illuminate the water in a breathtaking display. There is also a common misconception about the timing of this phenomenon—while it is often associated with the days following a full moon, the exact timing can vary based on environmental conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Ostracods, and why is this dive special?

Ostracods are tiny marine crustaceans that produce a natural bioluminescent display. This dive allows you to witness their glow, creating an unforgettable underwater light show. Some people describe this dive as “swiming between the stars”.

Do I need prior night diving experience?

Short answer is, yes. We recommend that participants have completed at least one prior night dive before joining this tour. This ensures you are comfortable with night diving procedures and can fully enjoy the experience. If you have no previous night dive experience please contact us prior to making your booking.

What is the minimum certification level required?

You must have at least an Open Water Diver certification (or equivalent) to participate in this dive.

What is the minimum age requirement?

The minimum age for this dive is 12 years, as per PADI recommendations for night diving.

Is this dive from shore or by boat?

This is a shore dive, meaning we enter the water directly from the beach. If you are looking for a boat night dive adventure it is possible on request. Please contact us for more details.

What is included in the ostracod dive adventure in Bonaire?

✅ Dive light

✅ Water

✅ Certified & experienced guide

✅ Certainty of finding the ostracods

What is NOT included in the ostracod dive adventure in Bonaire?

The following are not included but can be arranged upon request for an additional cost:

❌ Tanks and dive equipment

❌ Wetsuit

❌ Bonaire Marine Park Tag

❌ Trasnportation

How long is the experience?

The entire experience lasts approximately 2 hours, which includes a maximum 1-hour dive and 1 hour for briefing and debriefing.

How many people are in each group?

We keep our groups small, with a maximum of 6 people to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

What should I bring?

We recommend bringing:
🔹 Scuba equipment and tanks
🔹 Mask, fins, and wetsuit
🔹 Extra layers such as a rash guard or long wetsuit, as the dive is mostly static, and it’s easy to get cold
🔹 Towel and dry clothes for after the dive
🔹 A copy of your Bonaire Marine Park Tag (either digital or paper)

Do I need to bring my certification card?

You do not need to bring it to the dive site, but you must email a copy of your certification to your guide in advance for verification. Guide details will be provided once you have placed your booking.

How do I book my spot?

You can book your ostracod experience on bonaire by using our online system or contact us via whatsapp.

The Ostracod Experienced Guides

Tama

Koralie Undersea Experiences

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.

More About Tama

Tamanaé Vargas Salazar: A Pioneer in Ostracods Dives in Bonaire

Following her love for the ocean, Tamanaé Vargas Salazar arrived on the island of Bonaire in 2011. As a PADI-certified scuba dive instructor, she has worked with several well-known dive operators on the island, including Wannadive , Divi Flamingo , Plaza Resort, Scuba Elite. Over the years, she has built a strong reputation for her expertise and passion for marine life.

Tama was among the first instructors to introduce divers to the magic of Ostracods when these night dives began to be offered commercially in Bonaire. While working with Wannad ive , she named the experience “The Magical Night Dive”, a term that captured the unique beauty of witnessing Ostracods’ glowing displays underwater. Her extensive knowledge of the ocean extends beyond night diving—she is also a Full Cave Diver, trained by Steve Boegarts in the Maya Riviera, Mexico, and has participated in cave exploration and mapping projects on Bonaire.

Her years of experience and deep connection to Bonaire’s underwater world make her a key figure in promoting and sharing the incredible Ostracods Dive Bonaire experience.

Book a Dive

Call +5997852518

What customers say about Ostracod Dive in Bonaire

“We did a night dive led by Tama. This was one of the best night dives we’ve ever done. She grabbed a chalk board, mapped out the pier and showed us what we were going to do. Tama had researched and learned there would be three other groups on the site that night (from a different operator) and she modified her standard dive to accommodate that situation, so we wouldn’t all be in the same place. Tama was great at finding lots of little, interesting critters. The best moment, however, was when we shielded our lights and she ‘activated’ the bio-luminescence. It was absolutely hypnotic – it looked like a sky filled with blue stars.”

by LostinColorado

Book a Dive

Call +5997852518

ABOUT

GO DIVING BONAIRE is a service brand created by Athoyo Creative Works & Expeditions B.V. a company stablished on the island of Bonaire – Dutch Caribbean since 2014. Operating under business license #2015004018.

Book a Dive

Call +5997852518