6 days Air/Nitrox package

Bonaire is built for independent shore scuba, and this package gives you the most useful thing for that style of trip: a steady supply of tanks without tying you to a fixed boat schedule. VIP Diving offers 63, 80, and 100 cubic-foot tanks at the same price, with both air and 32% Nitrox available through the unlimited package.

I especially like the drive-through service, which lets you collect or exchange tanks from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the option to have cylinders delivered to your accommodation. The main consideration is simple: this is a tank-rental package, not a daily guided program, and you must already be certified to rent tanks, including a Nitrox certification for enriched air.

Key points at a glance

• Three tank sizes at one price: Choose 63, 80, or 100 cubic-foot cylinders, roughly 10, 12, or 15 liters.
• Unlimited air or 32% Nitrox: The package can support repeated shore sessions during your stay.
• Weights are included: You do not need to arrange a separate weight rental.
• DIN and Yoke compatible: All listed tanks work with both common regulator fittings.
• Easy daily access: The drive-through operates every day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Small guided groups are available: Guided outings are limited to four people, though this package itself is centered on tank access.

Why this package fits Bonaire so well

Bonaire rewards people who like to set their own schedule. You can head out early, return for lunch, switch tanks, and go back into the water later without waiting for a boat departure. That flexibility is the real value here.

A six-day package priced at $205 per person becomes more useful the more often you use it. If you plan only one or two sessions, a smaller rental arrangement may suit you better. If you expect several shore outings each day, unlimited fills can remove the worry of counting every cylinder.

The package is also practical for pairs or small groups with different air needs. One person may prefer a 63 cubic-foot tank for lighter equipment, while another may want the 100 for longer bottom time or higher air consumption. Since all three sizes cost the same, you can choose for comfort rather than price.

The exact package length can range from one to six days, with the advertised option covering six days. The available information does not set out a fixed number of tanks per day or a required exchange schedule, so ask VIP Diving to confirm how the unlimited arrangement works for your dates.

Your first stop at VIP Diving in Kralendijk

The shop is at 77 Julio A. Abraham Boulevard in Kralendijk. You can handle the initial paperwork, confirm your certification, receive instructions, and collect your first cylinders there.

The shop operates Monday through Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. That broad window matters on an island where your plans may shift with weather, energy, or a sudden desire to visit another part of the coast.

VIP Diving uses a drive-through system. In practical terms, you can bring your vehicle to the service area, load or exchange tanks, and get back on the road without carrying cylinders through a busy shop. The operation also provides accommodation delivery, which can be especially convenient if you have a rental house, condominium, or hotel with a suitable storage area.

Some accommodation arrangements include on-site tank storage. Bellafonte, for example, has been used by customers who kept their cylinders in a dedicated cage at the property. That detail is not guaranteed at every hotel, so confirm delivery and storage arrangements before you arrive.

Choosing between 63, 80, and 100 cubic-foot tanks

The three available sizes cover most recreational needs.

The 63 cubic-foot cylinder, about 10 liters, is the smallest option. It can be a good fit if you prefer less weight on land, use air slowly, or want a more compact setup. You may need to monitor your remaining supply more closely than someone using a larger tank.

The 80 cubic-foot cylinder, about 12 liters, is the common middle choice. It offers a useful balance between capacity, size, and handling. If you are unsure which tank to select, this is likely the sensible starting point, although your own air consumption and certification limits should guide the decision.

The 100 cubic-foot cylinder, about 15 liters, gives you more gas but adds size and weight. It can suit people with higher air consumption or those who want more reserve for longer sessions. More gas does not remove the need to follow your training, planned limits, and reserve rules.

All three sizes are offered at the same price and include weights. That flat pricing is a strong feature because you can select the cylinder that suits your body and equipment instead of paying a premium for a larger tank.

Air and Nitrox: what you are actually receiving

VIP Diving offers regular air and 32% enriched air, commonly called Nitrox. The unlimited package allows you to use as many tanks as you want during the package period, with either gas type.

Nitrox can be useful for repeated recreational sessions because it may reduce nitrogen exposure within the limits of your training and computer settings. It is not automatically safer for every profile, and it is not simply a way to stay underwater longer without planning. You need the proper enriched-air certification and must use the correct settings for the gas in your cylinder.

The shop states that its tanks are filled with well-maintained compressors and a membrane system. The breathing air is analyzed in the United States every three months. That quality-control detail matters, particularly when you are relying on repeated fills over several days.

You should still check the cylinder label and analyze enriched air as required by your own training and the shop’s procedures. The shop has an analyzer available in some accommodation setups, and an easy-to-use analyzer was specifically noted at Bellafonte. Ask how the system works at your own lodging.

A typical six-day rhythm

There is no fixed sightseeing route attached to this package. Your schedule is built around tank pickup, shore access, and your own chosen sites.

On the first day, you visit VIP Diving to complete the required arrangements and collect tanks. If you are using Nitrox, this is when your certification and gas procedures matter most. Staff can explain the exchange process, the drive-through rules, and what is expected when you return cylinders.

On the next several days, you can collect tanks each morning, use them at your selected coastal sites, and return for additional cylinders during shop hours. Some people may use two tanks in a morning, return for a break, then go out again. The unlimited structure is most valuable when you make regular use of that freedom.

A guided outing can be added through the center, but it is separate from the basic tank package. Guided groups are kept to a maximum of four people. That small size allows a guide to adapt the session to your pace and interests rather than leading a large crowd.

The final day is about returning equipment and completing the package. If you have delivered tanks at your accommodation, confirm the return procedure and timing with VIP Diving before your last session.

What the small guided groups add

Although this product focuses on tanks, VIP Diving also offers guided underwater outings. The four-person maximum is a useful middle ground. You receive more attention than in a large group, but you are not necessarily paying for a private guide.

This can help if you are new to Bonaire, want an introduction to local procedures, or would like help choosing sites. A guide may also be useful for a group with mixed experience levels or for a person who needs a buddy during the trip.

The center’s staff includes guides and instructors such as Gary, Natalie, Cada, Sheene, Sean, Dave, David, Roland, and Jan. Their roles and availability can change, so do not book around a particular person unless VIP Diving confirms it in advance. Jan, for example, has handled specialty instruction, while Sheene has been praised for teaching and working with families. Those details suggest a broad range of services beyond cylinder rental, but they do not guarantee a specific instructor for your visit.

Equipment, fittings, and weights

The supplied tanks accept both DIN and Yoke, also called INT, regulators. That is helpful if you bring your own equipment and do not want to worry about a fitting mismatch.

Weights and weight belts are included. This saves you from arranging another rental and makes the package easier for visitors bringing only part of their own equipment. The center also rents gear, and the equipment is described as well maintained. Still, if you need a full set, confirm exactly what is included in your rental rather than assuming the tank package covers it.

A few practical checks are worth making at pickup. Confirm the tank size, gas type, starting pressure, and label. One customer recorded strong starting pressures of 240 bar, or about 3,300 psi, but pressure can vary by cylinder and fill. Check your own tank before leaving the shop.

The operation also supports sidemount and backmount setups, according to available service details. If you use an unusual configuration, contact VIP Diving before arrival to make sure the right cylinders and accessories will be available.

The service style and the human side

The strongest feature here is not a flashy boat or resort setting. It is the practical service system. The shop has been described as clean and organized, with tank storage, wash bins, a retail area, rental equipment, and a drive-through.

That matters on a week-long trip. A small problem with a strap, mask, regulator, or accessory can interrupt your plans quickly. Having a retail shop and staff who can help with last-minute needs is useful, though you should not count on every item being in stock.

The staff can also help with local restaurant and activity suggestions. That is a modest benefit, but it is often welcome when you arrive tired and want a quick, reliable answer.

Personal service seems to be a major part of the operation. Staff members have helped arrange buddy support, assisted with equipment problems, and worked with families completing certifications. If you are traveling with children or with one person who does not have a regular partner, ask about available instruction, guided sessions, or buddy arrangements separately from this package.

Price and overall value at $205

At $205 per person, the six-day package is aimed at people who plan to use several tanks, not those looking for a single casual session. The value comes from four parts: unlimited use, three tank sizes at one rate, included weights, and the ability to collect cylinders every day.

The price also buys convenience. You are not arranging a new rental each morning, and you can choose regular air or 32% Nitrox under the unlimited option. Delivery can save extra trips if your accommodation supports it.

The tradeoff is that you must make enough use of the package to justify the fixed cost. If illness, weather, travel changes, or a packed sightseeing schedule keeps you out of the water, the package may be less economical. It is non-refundable and cannot be changed after booking, so choose the length carefully.

For a serious shore-based week, the price looks fair. For a short visit with one or two planned sessions, compare it with a smaller tank rental or guided outing.

Who should book this package

I would choose this for a certified recreational scuba diver who wants control over the week. It is especially well suited to:

• Couples or friends planning repeated shore sessions
• Certified Nitrox users who expect several outings
• People staying in accommodation that accepts tank delivery
• Groups with different air consumption or cylinder preferences
• Experienced visitors who do not need a guide for every session
• Sidemount or backmount users who want to confirm cylinder options in advance

It is less suitable if you need a full beginner course, a fixed daily boat program, or a guide at every session. Beginners can use VIP Diving for instruction, but this particular package requires certification for tank rental.

The product also may not suit someone who wants a completely hands-off holiday. You still need to plan your own sites, gas use, buddy arrangements, transport, and daily schedule unless you book additional services.

Practical details before you book

You receive confirmation when booking. The activity begins and ends at VIP Diving in Kralendijk unless tank delivery is arranged separately.

The service is available in multiple languages, and service animals are allowed. The shop is near public transportation, although the information provided does not specify routes or frequency.

Most people who meet the certification requirement can participate. The maximum group size of four applies to the guided activity, not to the total number of people who may use the shop’s tank services at different times.

Bring proof of your certification, especially if you plan to use Nitrox. Ask about delivery, storage, tank exchange rules, cylinder availability, and the exact terms of the unlimited package before paying. Those questions take a few minutes and can prevent confusion once you are on the island.

Should you book VIP Diving’s six-day package?

Book it if you want a flexible Bonaire week built around shore access, particularly if you plan several outings and already hold the required certification. The unlimited air or Nitrox option, same price for three tank sizes, included weights, and daily drive-through make this a practical choice.

I would hesitate only if your schedule is uncertain or you expect very little time in the water. The no-refund rule makes the six-day commitment important.

For the right person, this is less a formal tour than a reliable base for exploring Bonaire at your own pace. That is exactly why it works.

FAQ

How much does the six-day air or Nitrox package cost?

The listed price is $205 per person.

How long can I rent tanks?

The package is available for one to six days. The advertised option covers six days.

What tank sizes are available?

VIP Diving offers 63, 80, and 100 cubic-foot tanks, equivalent to about 10, 12, and 15 liters. All three sizes are offered at the same price.

Are weights included?

Yes. Weights and a weight belt are included.

Can I use both DIN and Yoke regulators?

Yes. All listed tanks work with DIN and Yoke, also called INT, regulator fittings.

Do I need certification to rent tanks?

Yes. You must be a certified scuba diver to rent tanks. If you use enriched air, you must also be certified for Nitrox.