2025 Diving For Life - LGBTQ SCUBA Diving Jamboree
Captain Don's Habitat, Bonaire Sept. 13-20, 2025
D iving for Life co-coordinators Steve Mancuso, Tracy Taggart, and the entire DFL Board of Directors invite you to join us for our 28th Annual Diving For Life International Gay & Lesbian SCUBA Jamboree hosted at Captain Don's Habitat, Bonaire.
Captain Don's has always been a DFL favorite. With one of the best house reefs in the Caribbean, gorgeous sunsets, iguanas, gardens, and their own "Diving Freedom", Captain Don's is truly a gem of the Caribbean.
Captain Don's Habitat, Bonaire is centrally located just a short ride from Kralendijk on the island's south-western facing shoreline.
DFL2019@divingforlife.org
Steve Mancuso
Co-coordinator
Tracy Taggart
Co-coordinator
Resort Details
CAPTAIN DON'S HABITAT, BONAIRE
Founded in 1976, by renowned underwater environmentalist Captain Don Stewart,Captain Don’s Habitat has been in the forefront of environmentally sound developments on the island of Bonaire. His vision is also reflected in the design of the resort. From the low impact construction methods, to the use of solar water heaters and energy saving devices, as well as a state of the art waste-water treatment system, every detail has been designed to have the least possible impact on the local environment.
The rooms and facilities are nestled in lush landscaping carefully designed to eliminate harmful runoff into the fragile marine Eco-system thriving right in front of Captain Don’s Habitat. Walking through the resort, one can truly appreciate a broad spectrum of the flora and fauna of Bonaire. Iguanas, lizards, over 50 species of birds, and a wide variety of indigenous and imported species of plants and trees, create the perfect balance between world class accommodations and nature.
We invite you to join us for the
28th International Diving For Life Scuba Diving Jamboree.
Captain Don's Amenities
- Swimming Pool
- Dive Shop
- Gift Shop / Boutique
- Namaste Spa Services
- Amazing Waterfront Dining
- Shore Diving and Snorkeling
- On-site Car Rental
- WiFi internet throughout most of the resort
- Room Safes
- Cable TV
Resort
Captain Don's not only has access to over 50 world-class dive sites within minutes of the dock, they also have beautiful grounds, a great restaurant and service, Spa services, a gift shop boutique, swimming pool, and of course some of the best shore diving and snorkeling right off the "baby dock".
Dive Operation
Captain Don’s Habitat Dive Operation is a PADI Resort and a SDI 5 Star Professional Development Center. It is centrally located within the resort complex for easy access from all rooms.
Diving Freedom
Diving Freedom means unlimited shore diving 24 hours a day, 365 days a year with no rush or anxiety. Take a giant stride off their divers-only pier “baby dock” and you’re already looking at clusters of starlet coral, surrounded by colorful wrasse and gobies, and the drop-off starts in 30 feet–only a few kicks away. Grab a tank and go….whenever you want!
Additional Activities
Bonaire is not just a great place for diving. For you snorkelers and swimmers, Captain Don's house reef is one of the best out there. If you want to get out and see the island, Bonaire Tours & Vacations offers the largest variety of activities, tours and services on the island. Captain Don's also offers on-site car rentals! Explore the island, discover the national park or go bird watching, fishing, sailing & snorkeling. Explore town, go see the salt flats, dive into the island's history, and maybe even catch a glimpse of the island's famous flamingo colony! More information.
Diving
When it comes to Bonaire's diving, it's simply legendary–from epic wall dives to nearly endless shore dive sites. Bonaire's abundant sea life, lush coral gardens and formations, warm blue and turquoise waters place Bonaire squarely on most of the world's best diving lists. Water temperatures are always warm and visibility is stunning. Bonaire's protected marine park's biodiversity is some of the highest in the Caribbean and is home to rays, turtles, barracuda, sharks, squid, jellies, and a variety of eels, nudibranchs, corals, sharks, and so much more. And with Captain Don's "Diving Freedom" you can do as much shore diving as you want at the house reef or anywhere on the island!
- Unlimited shore diving (air)
- Unlimited shore night diving (air)
- Free tank, weights, and air refills
- Nitrox is available (certified nitrox divers only) for an additional $60 for the week
- Dive gear rentals available at an extra cost
Your DFL 2019 Non-Diver Package includes:
- 7 nights’ air conditioned accommodations
- Airport transfers from Flamingo International Airport
- Unlimited buffet meals beginning Saturday EVENING September 14th, and ending Saturday morning September 21st
- Unlimited non-alcoholic drinks (coffee, tea, ice tea and soda by the glass)
- A welcome rum punch
- Happy Hour prices 6PM – 8PM at the bar
- 10% discount on all spa services
- Restaurant staff, bar staff, maids and hotel staff gratuities
Your DFL 2019 Diver Package for certified divers includes all of the above, PLUS:
- Six days of boat dives Sunday through Friday (total of 12 dives) for certified divers only
- Unlimited 24-hour shore diving for certified divers only/unlimited air refills
- Bonaire Marine Park fee
- Weights and weight belts
- Dive staff gratuities
- Nitrox is available (certified nitrox divers only) for an additional $60 for the week
NOT INCLUDED IN ANY PACKAGE: Additional activities, spa treatments and excursions not listed in the trip packages.
Evening Activities and Nightlife
In addition to diving, snorkeling, pool time, and fun group activities each day – our evenings will be filled with:
- Welcome Party
- Silent/Live Auction & Raffle
- Costume Party
- Two nights of live entertainment
please contact Maduro Dive Fanta-Seas at 1-800-327-6709 or cdh@maduro.com.
Accommodations
All guestrooms are carefully decorated and designed to meet your needs for a relaxing getaway.
At Casa Del Mar Cozumel Hotel & Dive Resort you can choose between a Basic Standard or Superior Room located in the main building or a Deluxe Cabaña located in garden area of the hotel.
There is a tranquil fountain in the center of the 3 floor building. Standard amenities included private bath with shower, air conditioning with remote control, cable TV with remote control and direct dial telephone.
Racks for diving equipment and bathing suits, Iron and Ironing boards and hairdryers are provided in Superior Room and our Deluxe Cabaña.
1
Deluxe Ocean Front Jr. Suite
Deluxe Ocean Front Junior Suites are located right on the water front and have one king size bed and one queen sleeper sofa, each with a pillow top mattress. In addition the units have a coffee table, small work desk with chair. On the patio or balcony there is a small breakfast table with chairs and sun lounges. Free wireless internet is also available in these rooms.
Amenities: Flat panel TV’s, clock radio with iPod dock, laptop safes, closet, full bath with tub, toilet and hairdryer, granite top wet bar with sink, microwave, coffee maker and small refrigerator
Available in:
- 2Double (1 King) (pricing )
2
Deluxe Ocean View
Ocean View rooms are fully air conditioned rooms with a view of the freshwater pool and the Caribbean Sea. Each room offers 2 queen beds, a desk, and secluded balcony or patio with comfortable furniture. These rooms also have free wireless internet.
Amenities: Cable TV, refrigerator, coffee maker, hair dryer, laptop safe, full bath w/tub, telephone .
Available in:
- 2Double (2 Queen) (pricing )
3
2BR Bungalow
2 bedroom/2 bathroom Garden View bungalows sleep 4 people comfortably. They are complimented with tropical furniture in the air conditioned living room, fully equipped kitchen, and large covered patio area.
Note: Singles will have their own bedroom and bathroom but share common spaces with a suitemate.
Amenities: Cable TV, telephone, and wireless internet
Available in:
- 1Single (1 King) (pricing )
- 2Double (1 King) (pricing )
4
1BR Bungalow
1 bedroom/1 bathroom bungalows are fully air conditioned rooms with a garden view. Each bungalow offers a spacious dining/living room, full kitchen, 1 large bedroom, 1 large bathroom, and covered patio with comfortable furniture.
Amenities: Cable TV, telephone, and wireless internet
Available in:
- 1Single (1 King) (pricing )
5
3BR Ocean Front Villa
3 Bedroom Ocean Front Villas are fully air-conditioned and come complete with a full kitchen, living room, separate bedroom, bathroom with hair dryers, covered patio with a great view of the Caribbean Sea and Klein Bonaire on the ground floor. Each bedroom has its own bathroom. In addition each of the upstairs bedrooms have a small refrigerator and some have balconies. All have an ocean view.
Note: 6 persons per Villa
Amenities: Cable TV, ceiling fans
Available in:
- 2Double (1 King) (pricing )
6
3 BR Bungalow
This 3 Bedroom/4 Bathroom Bungalow has been completely remodeled and features new bathrooms, a full size kitchen, and a fully gated private entry with plenty of convenient parking. The master suite has a king bed and an en suite bathroom with rainfall shower head. Two additional bedrooms have twin beds and their own bathrooms. There is a huge living room that is open to the dining area and full size kitchen with an additional full bathroom. In addition, there is a private patio area with a covered dining area and a full size rinse tank and gear drying area.
Note: 6 persons per Bungalow
Amenities: Cable TV, flat screen TVs, hairdryers, telephone, and wireless internet
Available in:
- 2Double (1 King) (pricing )
- 3Triple (2 Full) (pricing )
Trip Costs & Payment Information
We have a limited number of rooms in each category. Rooms are assigned on a first come, first served basis. Register early for the best chance to secure your preferred room choice.
please contact Maduro Dive Fanta-Seas at 1-800-327-6709 or cdh@maduro.com.
Travel Information
We have been informed by Captain Don’s that there are only 4 direct non-stop flights into Bonaire on Saturdays: American Airlines from Miami arrives at 3:28 pm, Delta Airlines from Atlanta arrives at 2:40 pm, United Airlines from Newark arrives at 1:45 pm, and United Airlines from Houston arrives at 6:15 pm.
The limited flight options may require registrants to book earlier than they normally would.
As for the return flights, the options are fewer because the United to Houston return is not available on Saturday. It departs Sunday at 6:30 am. Anyone returning on that flight will need to pay for meals and lodging beginning after breakfast on Saturday September 21.
To book and pay for extra nights at a DFL discounted rate please contact Maduro Dive Fanta-Seas at the information below.
Need help booking your flights or booking extra nights?
Maduro Dive Fanta-Seas can handle all of your arrangements.
Be sure to tell them you will be attending Diving For Life.
Contact Maduro
1-800-327-6709
cdh@maduro.com
