Adventure brief
SDI ENRICHED AIR (NITROX) Class plus 2 Dives
Extend your underwater time with Elite Scuba’s SDI Enriched Air Nitrox Class in Bonaire. Join expert instructors for theory and two practical dives that maximize your scuba experience with longer bottom times and safer profiles.
Bonaire, a jewel of the Caribbean Netherlands, stands out as one of the premier dive destinations worldwide. Known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, this island invites divers to experience its thriving marine life firsthand. Elite Scuba offers the SDI Enriched Air (Nitrox) Class plus 2 Dives, a specialty course designed for those seeking longer bottom times and safer dives in this stunning environment.
Nitrox, or enriched air, blends oxygen and nitrogen with a higher oxygen content than normal atmospheric air. This mix reduces nitrogen absorption during dives, allowing divers extended time underwater and shortened surface intervals—critical advantages when making multiple dives or exploring deeper sites. Elite Scuba’s two-day course combines classroom theory with practical underwater application, providing divers hands-on experience with enriched air techniques under expert guidance.
Bonaire’s shore-accessible reefs, such as those around Kralendijk and the protected Marine Park, offer an ideal classroom. Divers glide over soft coral gardens, swim alongside hawksbill turtles, parrotfish, and colorful sponges, all thriving in Bonaire’s well-preserved waters. The island’s flat topography and warm, steady currents create consistently safe conditions that make it a standout among Caribbean dive locations.
Elite Scuba, based locally, plays a vital role in fostering sustainable underwater tourism. Their instructors emphasize not only skill development but also marine conservation, educating divers on how to minimize impact on delicate ecosystems. This specialty class energizes scuba enthusiasts eager to elevate their skills and enjoy the unique advantages Nitrox offers while immersing themselves in Bonaire’s underwater world.
For divers seeking a blend of skill-building and extended bottom time, Elite Scuba’s Nitrox course delivers a technically rewarding adventure framed by one of the Caribbean’s most accessible and biologically rich dive sites.
Adventure tips
Plan your experience.
Curated tips for an optimal adventure.
- 01Review Nitrox Basics Before Classinfo
Familiarize yourself with nitrox theory to make the most of the classroom session and practical dives.
- 02Stay Hydrated Before Divingessential
Caribbean sun and diving can dehydrate you quickly—drink plenty of water to reduce risks of decompression sickness.
- 03Practice Buoyancy Controlwarning
Smooth buoyancy is key underwater; it ensures safety for fragile reefs and improves your dive experience with nitrox.
- 04Check Your Dive Computer Settingsessential
Set your dive computer to nitrox mode with your specific oxygen mix to get accurate no-decompression calculations.
Recommended gear
What to bring.
Dive Computer
Accurate dive computer use is crucial for managing nitrox dive profiles and safety stops.
EssentialWetsuit (3mm-5mm)
Protects from cooler temperatures and minor stings while providing buoyancy and comfort.
EssentialSurface Marker Buoy (SMB)
Aids in safe surfacing and visibility to boats during drift or shore dives.
EssentialUnderwater Slate or Notebook
Helpful for taking notes during theory dives and communicating underwater.
Local insights
Context for the journey.
Nearby secrets
1000 Steps Beach dive site known for turtles, Salt Pier night dive with diverse sponges
Local fauna
Hawksbill turtle, Queen angelfish
Historic heritage
Bonaire has a rich history of salt harvesting and marine conservation dating back to early Dutch colonization in the 1600s.
Mindful exploration
Marine parks surrounding Bonaire enforce strict no-touch and no-anchoring policies to protect coral reefs from damage.
Photography tips
Capture the moments
- Viewpoints
- Shore entry sites at Kralendijk, Near Salt Pier structures, Leo’s Reef shallow coral areas
- Subjects
- Colorful reef fish, Sea turtles, Coral formations
- Best times
- Morning dives for soft light, Late afternoon for colorful coral illumination, Overcast days to reduce harsh shadows
Frequently asked questions
Before you go.
What is Nitrox and why use it?
Nitrox is enriched air with a higher oxygen percentage than normal air, allowing longer dives and shorter surface intervals by reducing nitrogen uptake.
Do I need prior certification to take this class?
Yes, participants must hold an Open Water Diver certification or equivalent before enrolling in the Enriched Air class.
Are the dives included in the course guided?
Yes, the two dives are guided by certified instructors who oversee your practical experience using nitrox equipment.
How does Nitrox affect dive safety?
By lowering nitrogen levels, Nitrox reduces decompression risk, but divers must follow specific limits to avoid oxygen toxicity.
What should I bring to the course?
Bring your scuba certification card, diver logbook, mask, fins, snorkel, wetsuit, and dive computer if you have one.
Can I rent gear if I don’t have my own?
Yes, Elite Scuba offers rental equipment including nitrox-compatible regulators and tanks.