Techniques That Turn the Tide
Join us on Sunday, June 1st, 2025, as we celebrate World Reef Awareness Day with our annual ReeFiesta event! Come one, come all NEW coral lovers to join a hands-on coral restoration dive or snorkel, followed by a fiesta by the beach to celebrate our beautiful coral reef ecosystem. Let’s come together to connect, learn, and raise awareness about what’s happening on Bonaire’s reefs—and the techniques that are helping turn the tide for coral restoration.
Last year, over 120 divers and snorkelers practiced hands-on restoration techniques for the first time at ReeFiesta! 10 coral nurseries around Bonaire were visited and cared for, on dives led by 13 of our dive shop partners.
Divers and snorkelers of ANY skill level are welcome to sign up for this event! Sign up is FREE, thanks to our Official Sponsors.
Until Sign-ups Open
Bonaire’s coral reefs are vital reservoirs for biodiversity and provide an extensive array of ecosystem services for the people who call this island home. Healthy reefs protect our coastlines from extensive storm damage, serve as the basis for a booming dive-tourism industry, support staple fisheries, and much more.
World Reef Awareness Day is a chance to recognize mounting threats facing coral reefs globally, and the need for protection and active restoration. At Reef Renewal Foundation Bonaire (RRFB), we believe that working with our community is one of the most important aspects of our restoration efforts. We operate in collaboration with a growing network of local dive shops and family of volunteers.
ReeFiesta 2025 is a chance for us to give back to our community and encourage new coral lovers to get involved in our efforts!
8:30 – 9:00 am Check in
Be sure to arrive to your assigned dive shop location by 8:30am for check-in. Before we jump in the water, RRFB staff and dive shop instructors will hold a training and educational session covering some of our restoration techniques, various projects on Bonaire, and why reef restoration matters.
9:00 – 12pm Make a Splash
Shore Dive: After an informative training session, we’ll hop in the water at coral nurseries around the island to practice real coral restoration techniques. In one morning, we can make a real impact on our reef!
Snorkel Tour: Don’t dive? No problem! See a nursery and outplanting site up close and learn about our restoration techniques with a staff member on a guided snorkel tour.
[Time TBD] Fiesta
We’ll reconvene for an evening reception, where delicious snacks and refreshments will be provided. Come prepared to celebrate our beautiful coral reefs in the company of fellow coral lovers with an exciting gift raffle, interactive games, words from the RRFB team, and more!
Glimpses of ReeFiesta 2024
FAQ's
How do I sign up?
Sign-up will open on Wednesday May 5. Click the link at the top of this page to claim your spot!
I signed up but I haven't received an email confirming my participation. Am I registered?
Check your spam/junk in your email – sometimes our automatic responses end up there. If you find it there, move us over to your inbox or add us to your contacts list so that our future emails will come to your inbox. If you still don’t see anything, send us an email at info@reefrenewalbonaire.org and we can double check for you.
What if I don’t have dive gear?
You can rent gear from one of the participating dive shops. Check with them ahead of time to ensure prices and availability.
How much does it cost to sign up?
It’s FREE! We believe that everyone should be able to be celebrate our reefs (and even go home with a T shirt). However, all donations made before and during the event will go directly towards our restoration efforts. You can make a contribution in advance here.
Do I have to know how to dive?
We also offer a snorkel tour for non-divers. Snorkelers – just be sure to bring your mask and fins! Minimum snorkel experience is required.
How will I know where to go on Sunday?
After you register, we’ll send you a confirmation email with some general information about the day. As June 1st approaches, we’ll send you more specific details regarding your assignment for the day via a second email.
What should I bring?
There are a few things you must bring, and a few we encourage. The things you must bring are: your dive gear (we’ll provide weights and tanks), certification card, and a positive attitude. Snorkelers need to bring snorkel gear (mask, snorkel, optional fins).
Reef-friendly sun protection is also greatly encouraged (clothing, neoprene, hats), a reusable water bottle, and a towel or dry clothes for after the dive.
Sponsorship Opportunities
ReeFiesta is only possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and contributors. Interested in becoming a sponsor? Download the PDF below and email perri@reefrenewalbonaire.org for more information!