Dive in. Give back. Celebrate our reefs.
Join us on Saturday, May 30, 2026, as we kick off World Ocean Month with our annual fundraiser event! Open to both new and returning ocean lovers, Reefiesta brings our community together for a morning of collective action, supporting coral nurseries and restoration sites around Bonaire, followed by an evening fiesta to celebrate our reefs.
Let’s come together to connect, raise awareness, and take meaningful action for the future of Bonaire’s coral reefs—while helping fund the restoration efforts that keep them thriving.
Last year, over 120 divers and snorkelers joined us in the water, visiting 10 coral nurseries across the island with support from 13 partner dive shops—showing the power of collective impact when a community comes together.
Unfortunately, ReeFiesta 2026 registration is now closed, but we’d love to welcome you next year for another day of community action and celebration for Bonaire’s reefs!
Countdown to May 30th:
Bonaire’s coral reefs are at the heart of life on the island. They support marine life, help protect our coastlines, and play an important role in our local economy—from fishing to tourism.
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 2026 is a chance for us to come together, grow our community, raise funds for restoration, 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 for both newcomers and Reef-Renewal-certified divers alike, covering basic restoration techniques, our work on Bonaire, and why coral restoration matters.
9:00 – 12pm Underwater Power Hour
Shore Dive: After an informative training session, we’ll get in the water at 10 coral nurseries around the island and spend 60 – 90 minutes practicing hands-on maintenance techniques. In one morning, we can make a huge impact on our reef!
Snorkel Tour: Don’t dive? No problem! Join us on a snorkel tour to see a nursery and outplanting site up close, enjoy the reef, and learn more about our work.
[Time TBD] Fiesta
After a morning in the water, we’ll reconvene for an evening fiesta. Come prepared to celebrate our beautiful coral reefs in the company of fellow ocean lovers, while helping raise critical funds to support ongoing restoration efforts. There will be an exciting raffle, interactive games, words from the RRFB team, and more!
FAQ's
How do I sign up?
Sign-up will open on Friday May 1, 2026. Click the link at the top of this page to claim your spot! Each individual participant must sign up.
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.
Who can participate?
Snorkelers and certified divers of all levels are welcome to sign up for Reefiesta 2026. This year, we’re opening the doors to all divers – regardless of whether or not you have completed your Reef Renewal distinctive specialty course or volunteered with us in the past.
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?
Signup is free! We believe that everyone should be able to be celebrate our reefs (and even go home with a T shirt). RRFB is a nonprofit organization, and Reefiesta is a chance to raise funds that directly support our restoration work here in Bonaire. All donations made at the event are tax-deductible — whether you are buying a raffle ticket, making an open donation, or adopting a coral. 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 and a liability form is required.
How will I know where to go on Saturday?
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 location assignment 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.
I tried to sign up but registration is closed. Why can't I join?
Thank you so much for your interest in joining Reefiesta 2026! Though we are incredibly grateful for the high quantity of signups each year from our community, our capacity is limited. We welcome all to sign up on a first come first serve basis.
Reefiesta in the Past
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!
