News
Dive into savings with Bonaire’s DEMA show specials
Are you attending DEMA Show 2016? Visit the Bonaire Pavilion, Booth #4187, to learn more about the island’s spectacular diving and take advantage of one of the following special offers, and more:
Bellafonte Bonaire/Budget Rent a Car/VIP Diving
Save with Bellafonte Bonaire, Budget Rent a Car and VIP Diving’s Stay, Dive & Drive DEMA Special. Book a Junior, Senior, Grand Suite or Penthouse and receive a 10% discount on room rack rates excluding tax and service charges. Receive a 20% discount on a dive package at VIP Diving. Rent a comfortable truck with Budget Rent a Car for seven days and pay only 6; second driver is free. This promotion is based upon availability, and is valid for travel until December 6, 2017. For more information email info@bellafontebonaire.com.
Belmar Oceanfront Apartments
Take advantage of Belmar Oceanfront Apartments’ 8=7 Special for DEMA Show. When booking a group of eight, the 8th person receives accommodation, driving and truck for free. As an added bonus each group member receives a complimentary BBQ. Book any of their dive packages and receive every second diver dives for free, when paying a deposit before the end of DEMA Show. Rates begin at $545 per person, based on double occupancy and is valid for travel April 22 through December 22, 2017. DEMA specials are not valid in combination with any other specials and are for new bookings only. For more information visit www.belmar-bonaire.com.
Buddy Dive Resort
Save with Buddy Dive Resort’s 8=7 Special for DEMA Show. The 8th person gets their accommodation, diving and breakfast for free, plus each group person receives a 50% food credit at Blennies Restaurant. Additionally, book Buddy’s Drive & Dive boat dive package and get three extra one-tank afternoon boat dives for free, when placing a deposit before the end of DEMA Show. Rates begin at $953 per person, based on double occupancy and are valid for travel April 22 through December 22, 2017. For more information visit www.buddydive.com.
Captain Don’s Habitat
The “Home of the Diving Freedom” is offering their X-Treme Diving Freedom package – groups get one free with seven paid. The special includes seven nights’ accommodations, welcome rum punch, complimentary Wi-Fi, manager’s reception with live music, unlimited boat dives (three departures daily), one night dive to Klein Bonaire, 6 days of 24 hour unlimited shore diving, free Nitrox and all hotel taxes, service charges and fees. Rates begin at $949 per person, based on double occupancy. A deposit must be placed and booked by December 9, 2016. The package is valid for travel April 1 through December 16, 2017. For more information visit www.habitatbonaire.com.
Caribbean Club Bonaire
Book a group of eight and pay only for seven when booking Caribbean Club Bonaire’s 8=7 Special. The 8th person receives their accommodations, diving and breakfast for free. As an extra group bonus, each group person receives a 50% food credit at Caribbean Club Restaurant & Bar. Additionally, book any of their packages and receive every second diver dives for free, when placing a deposit before the end of DEMA Show. The promotion is valid for travel for April 22 – December 22, 2017. For more information visit www.caribbeanclubbonaire.com.
Delfins Beach Resort Bonaire
Take advantage of Delfins Beach Resort Bonaire’s ‘Book for Eight, Pay for Seven’ DEMA Show special. The package includes seven nights’ accommodations, daily breakfast, six days unlimited shore diving, three days of two tank boat dives, free nitrox upgrade and pick-up truck rental. Rates begin at $1,350 per person, based on double occupancy. The booking window is through January 1, 2017, with a travel window October 1 2017 through March 31, 2018. For more information email info@delfinsbeachresortbonaire.com
Den Laman Condominiums/Bonaire Dive & Adventure
Den Laman Condominiums offers a DEMA Special in conjunction with Bonaire Dive & Adventure. Book a group of eight divers, and the eighth person receives their accommodations, breakfast and shore diving for free. The special includes seven nights’ accommodations, hotel tax, full American breakfast buffet daily, four door pickup truck, and six days of unlimited air and Nitrox tanks for shore diving on and off property with Bonaire Dive & Adventure. The booking window is October 17 through December 16, 2016, and a $500 deposit is required within 14 days of reservation. For travel January 7 through April 28, 2017, rates begin at $904 per person based on four people sharing a two -bedroom ocean view condo and truck. Rate begin at $833 per person based on four people sharing a two bedroom ocean view condo and truck for travel between April 29 through December 22, 2017. Note: the full American breakfast buffet included in the package prices at $99 per person is optional. For more information visit www.denlaman.com.
Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino
Save with Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino’s 2-tank boat dive package. The DEMA Special provides: 15% commission for dive shops on all new Divi Flamingo groups of 10 or more people; $70 per person for afternoon boat dives for the week; $110 per person Nitrox for boat packages (shore diving included); buy six days of any meal plan, and get the 7th free; group leader receives free Nitrox; 11th diver free on groups of 10 or more; 10th diver free on groups of 30 or more; seven nights’ accommodations; daily breakfast; 11 boat dives, unlimited shore diving; round trip airport transfers and complimentary Wi-Fi. Rates start at $1,042 per person, based on double occupancy. The booking window is now through December 15, 2016, and is valid for travel now through December 31, 2017. For more information email parker.davis@diviresorts.com.
Eden Beach Resort
Receive 10% off, complimentary daily breakfast and reduced group comps when booking Eden Beach’s dive package at DEMA Show. The dive package includes seven nights’ accommodations, seven day rental vehicle (without insurance), six days unlimited shore diving, free Nitrox and complimentary Wi-Fi. For a limited time only: group show special 7 paid/8th is free (comps must pay taxes). Rates begin at $653 per person, based on double occupancy. For more information visit www.edenbeach.com.
Insel Air
Insel Air offers daily flights from Miami to Bonaire. Book a group of 11 or more, and get the 11th ticket free and 22 lbs. free for dive equipment (excluding taxes). The booking window is now through January 31, 2017, with a travel window from February 1 through December 15, 2017. For more information and booking email groupsales@fly-inselair.com.
Plaza Resort Bonaire
Plaza Resort Bonaire offers their Seven Nights All Inclusive Dive Experience, with rates beginning at $943 per person, based on double occupancy. The package includes seven nights’ accommodations, six days unlimited shore diving, free Nitrox upgrade, round trip airport transfer, all meals, activities, water sports and complimentary Wi-Fi. Receive 10% off bookings for travel December 20, 2016 through April 8, 2017; 15% off bookings for travel between April 9 through December 20, 2017; book a group of 11 divers, the 11th diver stays and dives for free. For more information visit www.plazaresortbonaire.com.
Sand Dollar Condominiums / Dive Friends Bonaire
Sand Dollar Condominiums offers a DEMA Special in conjunction with Dive Friends Bonaire. For every seven guests/divers paid, the 8th receives free accommodations, breakfast, shore and boat diving. As a DEMA Booking Bonus, receive a $200 deduction off final net payment for groups of eight or more. The promotion includes seven nights’ accommodation, full American breakfast buffet daily, government tourist tax and six days of unlimited air and Nitrox tanks for shore diving on and off property with PAD 5-Star IDC Center Dive Friends Bonaire. The booking window is now through December 16, 2016, and a $500 deposit is required within 14 days of reservation. For travel January 7 through April 28, 2017, rates begin at $797 per person based on six people sharing a three bedroom/three bathroom condo and a nine person van. Rates begin at $731 per person value season based on six people sharing a three bedroom/three bathroom condo and a nine person van for travel April 29 through December 22, 2017. Note: the full American breakfast buffet included in the package prices at $99 per person is optional. For more information visit www.sanddollarbonaire.com.
For more information on Bonaire visit www.tourismbonaire.com.
Marine Life & Conservation
I.CARE, SSI Blue Oceans, and Mares Team Up to Remove Over 36,000 Pounds of Debris from the Florida Keys
The 3rd Annual I.CARE Trash Derby has come to a successful close, delivering a powerful message of community-driven conservation. In partnership with SSI Blue Oceans, Mares, and several other industry leaders, I.CARE once again led an inspiring grassroots effort to restore and protect the marine environment of the Florida Keys.
This year’s Trash Derby broke records, drawing support from more than 900 participants—including divers, boaters, and conservation advocates—who collectively removed an impressive 36,459 pounds of marine debris. Over a two-day period, teams worked on land, along shorelines, and at reef sites both above and below the water, making a meaningful contribution to the region’s ecological health.
“I am so proud of everyone involved in last week’s I.CARE Trash Derby,” said Mike Goldberg, Co-Founder of I.CARE. “This level of success comes from the passion and hard work of hundreds of people who care about our oceans, reefs, and local communities. I’m filled with gratitude.”
Recognizing Top Contributors: From Trash to Triumph
The event featured competition across three categories—Land & Shore, Private Boat, and Dive Operator—awarding teams based on the amount of debris collected per person. Additional special recognitions included the most monofilament retrieved and the most unusual item found. Congratulations to the standout teams of 2025:
Land & Shore Division:
Tired of Tires – 1,128.75 lbs/person
DerSno – 930.7 lbs/person
KnotaYacht – 124.2 lbs/person
Private Boat Division:
Triple Crown – 1,076.83 lbs/person
Fisherman & the Mermaid – 735.95 lbs/person
Dumpster Diving Divas – 572.875 lbs/person
Dive Operator Division:
Quiescence Diving – 430.6 lbs/person (average)
Key Dives – 141.3 lbs/person (average)
Captain’s Corner – 83.2 lbs/person (average)
Special Awards:
Most Monofilament Collected: Conch Republic Divers (26.8 lbs)
Most Unique Item Found: Bilge Buddies
Celebrating Conservation with Community and Education
The weekend concluded with the Trash Derby Festival at Founders Park in Islamorada. Attendees enjoyed live music, food, and sustainability-focused vendors, all centered around marine conservation. The festival also provided opportunities to connect with environmental organizations and celebrate the participants’ achievements.
“The energy and dedication from everyone involved was incredible,” said Rachael Steidley, SSI’s North America Marketing Manager. “This event goes beyond collecting trash—it’s about building a movement and inspiring conservation on a global scale.”
Looking Ahead to 2026: Raising the Bar
Plans are already underway for the 4th Annual I.CARE Trash Derby, with organizers calling on dive pros, boaters, and ocean advocates to help set an even bigger record next year.
To get involved or learn more about how you or your dive shop can participate in 2026, visit www.icaretrashderby.com or contact I.CARE at info@icareaboutcoral.org.
Let’s keep making waves for the planet—one pound at a time.
Dive industry veteran Paul Toomer has officially announced his departure from Dive RAID International, marking the end of a significant chapter in his professional journey.
In a statement released today, Toomer shared:
“It is with sadness that I must advise that I am no longer involved with Dive RAID International (RAID HQ).This decision was not made lightly and reflects a mutual understanding between RAID and myself. I have greatly valued contributing to RAID’s growth and accomplishments over the years. However, we now hold differing visions for the future, and it is time for me to take a new path.
As of now, I am no longer in a position to respond to inquiries from RAID members, regional offices, or representatives. Please direct any questions to your local RAID office or to Dive RAID International directly. Contact information is available on the official website.
Even though I am no longer involved with RAID HQ, I have not lost my passion for working in this amazing industry and I will continue to teach and dive. My rebreathers will probably see more action now than they ever have.Of course I wish the RAID guys all the best going forward.”
Toomer has been an influential figure in the global diving community for decades, and his leadership played a major role in shaping RAID’s reputation as a forward-thinking training agency. While his next steps have not yet been publicly disclosed, his continued commitment to diving suggests exciting things ahead.
Blogs2 months agoGO Diving Show 2025: The Monster Mark Evans Created (And Why the Industry Loves It)
- Marine Life & Conservation3 months ago
ARC marine Celebrates “Commended” Award at Underwater Photographer of the Year with reef cube image
- News3 months ago
Humpback Mother and Calf Win Underwater Photographer of the Year 2025
- News3 months ago
Go Diving Show 2025 Exhibitor Showcase
- Gear News3 months ago
Poseidon Diving Systems Announces New UK Distribution Model
- Gear Reviews3 months ago
Gear Review: Insta360 Ace Pro2 (Watch Video)
- News2 months ago
Safety First: With Red Sea Liveaboard Scuba Scene, You’re in Good Hands (Watch Video)
- News3 months ago
UWACAM Impresses at BOOT 2025 with New App
