Explore safely, protect forever.

To ensure the preservation of this unique natural wonder and to guarantee a safe experience for all visitors, we ask that you follow these guidelines. By respecting the cave’s environment and adhering to safety protocols, you help preserve this incredible resource for future generations while ensuring your own well-being during your visit.

CARIBSS Cave Tour Guide Guidelines

 

CARIBSS-certified guides are required to follow these guidelines when leading cave tours:

 

  1. Group Size and Composition

  • Limit groups to a maximum of 6 participants to minimize environmental impact and maintain effective supervision.
  • Guides should assess the physical condition and capabilities of all participants to ensure they are suitable for the specific cave.

 

  1. Age Recommendations

While the recommended minimum age is 9, CARIBSS has observed that children are often more agile than some adults. Therefore, the age limitation ultimately depends on parental comfort, parental consent, and the guide’s experience and confidence in managing younger participants. This should be discussed and agreed upon with your selected CARIBSS-certified guide upon reservation.

 

  1. Lighting Requirements

  • Lighting for visitors: Each participant must have a flashlight or headlamp.
  • Backup lights: Guides must carry at least one backup light for every couple in the group.

 

  1. Environmental Awareness

  • Raw cave experience: Bonaire’s caves are unaltered and lack artificial paths or lighting. Visitors must stay close to the guide and follow their instructions at all times to navigate safely.
  • No helmets in the two most-visited caves: Helmets are not used in these caves to allow better spatial awareness and sensory connection with the environment. Guides must emphasize caution when navigating low ceilings or sharp formations.

 

  1. Water Cave Guidelines

Participants are allowed to enter and swim in the water under strict conditions:

  • Guide in the water at all times: Guides must enter the water alongside participants to maintain control and supervision of the group.
  • No walking on the sensitive silty bottom: Both guides and participants must float or gently navigate using their arms to avoid disturbing sediments. Guides must lead by example.
  • No fins: Participants are only permitted to float and mildly paddle with their hands.
  • No peeing in the water: This is strictly prohibited to preserve water quality and protect cave ecosystems.
  • Avoid contaminants: Sunscreen, hair products, or other chemical substances that could harm the ecosystem are not allowed.

 

  1. Participant Briefing

Before entering the cave, guides must:

  • Explain the importance of cave conservation and CARIBSS’s mission to protect Bonaire’s caves.
  • Highlight the raw nature of the caves and the lack of artificial infrastructure, emphasizing the need to follow instructions closely.
  • Review safety measures, including lighting, navigation, and specific water-related rules.

 

  1. Cave Behavior

  • Guide control: Without marked paths or artificial lighting, participants must stay close to the guide at all times. Guides must monitor the group and maintain control throughout the tour.
  • No stepping on the cave bottom: Guides and participants alike must avoid touching the silty bottom in water caves to prevent ecological disturbance. Guides must be role models in following all rules.
  • No touching formations: Visitors must not touch stalactites, stalagmites, or other delicate cave features.
  • No littering or eating: Participants may only bring water to drink, and guides must ensure no trash is left behind.
  • Keep noise inside the caves to a minimum, no loud speakers, no screaming or singing as this can stress bat communities

 

  1. Emergency Preparedness

  • Guides must be trained in basic first aid and emergency protocols to handle minor injuries or incidents.
  • Always have a clear plan to exit the cave in case of an emergency, and inform participants of evacuation procedures during the briefing.
  • Carry a means of communication, such as a radio or cell phone, for emergencies where possible.

 

  1. Documentation and Reporting

  • Guides should document any unusual findings, changes in the cave environment, or signs of damage.
  • Report issues such as graffiti, vandalism, or ecological disturbances to CARIBSS immediately.

 

  1. Sustainability Practices

  • Limit the frequency of tours to prevent overuse of caves. Schedule tours responsibly, allowing time for cave recovery.
  • Educate participants on the importance of conservation efforts, such as through donations or volunteering with CARIBSS.

 

  1. Final Check and Accountability

  • Perform a final sweep of the cave after the tour to ensure no trash or items are left behind.
  • Maintain a visitor log, including the date, time, group size, and any notable observations, as part of CARIBSS’s tracking system.

 

These guidelines ensure that CARIBSS tours maintain the highest standards of safety and conservation while providing visitors with an authentic, raw cave experience in Bonaire. Non-compliance with these rules may result in revocation of certification as a CARIBSS guide.