How to Maximize the Habitat Show Special: Free Nitrox, Extra Nights, and 10 Boat Dives
If you’re planning a dive trip to Bonaire, the Habitat Show Special is one of the most value-packed ways to go. This limited-time offer bundles a free Nitrox upgrade, a pay-6-stay-7 deal, 10 boat dives for the price of 6, and six days of unlimited shore diving—everything you need to dive more and spend less. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what’s included, when it’s valid, who benefits most, how to plan your week to use all 10 boat dives, what add-ons to consider, and how to book the Habitat Show Special with confidence.
What Is the Habitat Show Special?
The Habitat Show Special is a promotional package designed for divers who want serious value in Bonaire.
- Free Nitrox upgrade on all dives
- Pay 6 nights, stay 7 nights
- Pay 6 and get 10 boat dives
- 6 days of unlimited shore diving
For 2026–2027 show specials, airport–resort ground transportation is included.
When is it valid?
- 2025 window: November 8 – December 20, 2025 (subject to availability)
- 2026–2027 windows:
- Summer rates valid: March 21, 2026 – December 4, 2026; March 20, 2027 – December 3, 2027
- Winter rates valid: December 6, 2025 – March 20, 2026; December 5, 2026 – March 19, 2027
Note: The special is for 6 days of unlimited shore diving with 10 boat dives and cannot be spread out to more days. The show special program starts on January 9, 2025, and is subject to availability.
What are the starting prices and group perks?
- Summer (2026–2027): Starting at $1028.50 (Group compensation ratio: 7 pay – 1 free)
- Winter (2026–2027): Starting at $1148.50 (Group compensation ratio: 9 pay – 1 free)
Why the Free Nitrox Upgrade Matters
Enriched Air Nitrox (EANx) replaces some nitrogen in your breathing gas with oxygen. For many divers, this can increase no-decompression limits on compatible profiles and help reduce nitrogen loading across repetitive dives—especially helpful when you plan to combine morning boat dives with afternoon or evening shore dives.
- Captain Don’s Habitat provides a Nitrox analyzer on-site.
- Follow your training agency’s standards for analyzing and logging the mix before each dive.
How to Plan Your 7-Night/6-Day Dive Week
A smart schedule helps you comfortably use all 10 boat dives, enjoy shore dives, and follow local requirements.
Key rules and logistics
- Mandatory orientation: Every day at 09:00, followed by a Warm-Up Dive on the house reef “La Machaca.”
- No diving on the calendar day of arrival.
- Boat departures: 8:30 AM, 11:00 AM, and 2:00 PM (three 1‑tank trips daily).
- You may do more than two boat dives on a given day based on scheduled departures; if you exceed your package total, additional boat dives are charged at $42.50 per person plus service charge and tax at checkout.
A sample approach to reach 10 boat dives in 6 days
- Aim for 2 boat dives on three of your diving days and 1 boat dive on four of your diving days (or any combination that totals 10), using the 8:30 AM, 11:00 AM, and 2:00 PM departures.
- Fill the rest of each day with unlimited shore diving on six diving days—Bonaire is famed for easy shore entries, and La Machaca is steps from the divers-only pier.
- Use free Nitrox on repetitive dives to keep your plan conservative according to your training.
Pro tip: Because you cannot dive on arrival, plan your orientation and warm-up early the next morning to open up your full six-day dive window.
Who Benefits Most From the Habitat Show Special
- Nitrox-certified divers who want to maximize repetitive diving with a free upgrade.
- Groups and clubs leveraging the 7 pay – 1 free (summer) or 9 pay – 1 free (winter) group compensation ratios.
- Shore-diving enthusiasts who love unlimited, self-paced diving on Bonaire’s marked sites.
- Value-focused travelers who want an extra night and four bonus boat dives while paying for six.
Budgeting and Add-Ons to Consider
Transparent planning helps you avoid surprises and tailor your stay.
- Breakfast add-on:
- 2025: $20.60 per person, per day
- 2026: $24.00 per person, per day
- Energy surcharge (per night):
- DOV/DJS/DGV/1 Bedroom: $12.00
- 2 Bedroom Bungalow: $19.00
- Villa: $36.00
- Airport transfers for groups (8+):
- 2025: $31.00 per person
- 2026: $33.00 per person
- Note: For 2026–2027 Habitat Show Special bookings, airport–resort ground transportation is included.
- Extra boat dives: $42.50 per person each (plus service charge and tax) if you go over the 10 included.
- STINAPA Nature Fee: Required to dive and enter the marine park. Bring your proof of purchase.
Gear and convenience tips:
- Tanks available: 63 cu ft and 80 cu ft.
- Bring a DIN adapter if you use DIN regulators.
- Bring a padlock for your dive locker (available in the gift shop if you forget).
Shore Diving Freedom: Make the Most of La Machaca
Bonaire is consistently recognized as a top shore-diving destination. At Captain Don’s Habitat, Diving Freedom means you can grab a tank and go—day or night—following accepted safe diving practices. After your warm-up, take advantage of:
- The divers-only pier for easy water access.
- A drop-off that starts around 30 feet, with healthy coral and abundant reef life just a few fin kicks from shore.
- Six full days of unlimited shore diving included in the Habitat Show Special.
Quick Answers for Fast Planning
- What is included in the Habitat Show Special? Free Nitrox, pay 6 stay 7, pay 6 get 10 boat dives, and 6 days unlimited shore diving (plus airport–resort ground transportation in 2026–2027).
- Can I dive on arrival day? No. Orientation at 09:00 and a warm-up dive are required before any diving.
- How many boat dives are included? 10 boat dives for the price of 6.
- When do boats depart? 8:30 AM, 11:00 AM, and 2:00 PM.
- Is Nitrox really free? Yes, a free Nitrox upgrade applies to all dives in this special.
How to Book the Habitat Show Special
You have flexible booking options:
- Submit a Show Specials Booking Request and select the Habitat Show Special. You’ll receive a response within 24–48 hours.
- Email book@habitatbonaire.com or call +599 717 8290 for reservations.
- For North American bookings, contact Maduro Dive Travel Adventures (1‑800‑327‑6709, cdh@maduro.com). For Europe, reach TE RIELE REISBUREAU (+31 (0) 880243500, paul@terielereisadvies.nl).
- For dive-specific questions, email roger@habitatbonaire.com.
Important notes:
- Specials are subject to availability.
- Most specials cannot be combined with other offers.
- The Habitat Show Special’s shore/boat dive components cannot be spread over more days than specified.
- Bookings require a deposit per contract.
Beyond Diving: Easy Ways to Elevate Your Week
Round out your trip with experiences right at the resort:
- Yoga on the Dive Pier: Public classes with a certified instructor Mondays and Thursdays at 17:30.
- Snorkel & Sail Trip: Every Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday; reserve your spot via the resort’s booking channels.
- Epic Sunset Bliss Sailing: Offered every Wednesday.
- Rum Runners Restaurant: Lunch 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM daily; à la carte dinner Tuesday–Sunday (reserve ahead). Don’t miss the All‑You‑Can‑Eat BBQ Buffet every Monday 7:00–10:00 PM.
- The Garden: A serene place to unwind by the ocean.
- Massage Cabana: On‑site relaxation between dive days.
Traveling with non-divers? They can join boat trips for $10 per person per trip to snorkel or simply enjoy the ride.
Practical Takeaways
- Book a 7‑night stay and plan 6 active diving days to use all benefits.
- Attend the 09:00 orientation and warm-up at La Machaca on your first full day.
- Target 10 boat dives via the daily 8:30/11:00/2:00 departures, and add unlimited shore dives on six days.
- Use your free Nitrox on repetitive dives according to your training.
- Budget for breakfast add-ons and energy surcharges; know the group transfer rates and what’s included in your year’s special.
- If you want more than 10 boat dives, plan for $42.50 per extra dive plus service charge and tax.
- Bring a DIN adapter and locker padlock for convenience.
Conclusion
The Habitat Show Special delivers standout value: a free Nitrox upgrade, an extra night, 10 boat dives for the price of 6, and six days of unlimited shore diving. With a little planning around the 09:00 orientation, the daily boat schedule, and your shore dives at La Machaca, you can turn a week in Bonaire into a deeply satisfying dive vacation.
Ready to lock in your dates? Submit a Show Specials Booking Request, email book@habitatbonaire.com, or call +599 717 8290 to reserve the Habitat Show Special today.