VIP Tec Diving Announces 2027 Bonaire CCR Summit for Rebreather Divers

Technical divers from around the world will once again have the opportunity to explore Bonaire’s renowned deep dive sites when VIP Tec Diving hosts the Bonaire CCR Summit 2027 from 15–22 May 2027.

Following the success of previous editions, the week-long event is designed exclusively for closed-circuit rebreather (CCR) divers, combining guided diving, technical presentations, equipment support and social events in one of the Caribbean’s most celebrated shore diving destinations. The announcement follows positive feedback from participants at the 2026 summit, with organisers already encouraging divers to secure places well in advance. 

A Week Dedicated to CCR Diving

Hosted by VIP Tec Diving in partnership with Dive Friends Bonaire, the summit aims to bring together recreational and technical rebreather divers from across the globe regardless of their preferred CCR platform.

Participants can expect a mixture of guided shore dives, boat dives, equipment workshops and evening presentations while diving many of Bonaire’s signature technical sites.

Highlights are expected to include:

• Multiple dives on the famous Hilma Hooker wreck
• Boat expeditions to the deep Windjammer wreck for appropriately qualified divers
• Guided dives exploring the historic anchors at Red Slave
• Evening talks from industry professionals and experienced CCR explorers
• A closing BBQ, prize raffle and social evening

The event is open to divers using all major rebreather brands and configurations, with organisers planning comprehensive on-island support including oxygen, sorb, bailout cylinders and trimix options throughout the week. 

Built Around Technical Diving

Unlike many diving festivals that cater to both recreational and technical divers, the Bonaire CCR Summit focuses entirely on the needs of rebreather users.

VIP Tec Diving has developed Bonaire into one of the Caribbean’s leading technical diving hubs, offering extensive CCR support, instructor training and technical gas services throughout the year. The dive centre has invested heavily in specialist infrastructure, making it one of the island’s best-equipped facilities for deep and mixed-gas diving. 

Why Bonaire?

Bonaire has long been regarded as one of the world’s premier shore diving destinations, but its appeal extends well beyond recreational diving.

The island offers:

• Easy access to dozens of shore-entry dive sites
• Warm, clear Caribbean water throughout the year
• Deep walls and wrecks suitable for advanced technical diving
• Reliable logistics for mixed-gas and CCR support
• Minimal currents on many sites, making long rebreather dives particularly attractive

For CCR divers, the ability to conduct extended exploration dives with relatively simple shore logistics makes Bonaire an increasingly popular destination compared with many liveaboard-based technical diving locations.

Growing Interest in CCR Events

Interest in dedicated rebreather gatherings has continued to grow worldwide as more divers transition to closed-circuit systems for exploration, photography and extended decompression diving.

Events such as the Bonaire CCR Summit provide opportunities for divers to:

• Share operational experience
• Learn from instructors and equipment specialists
• Test new techniques
• Explore challenging dive sites alongside experienced CCR teams

They also provide manufacturers and instructors with opportunities to showcase new developments while strengthening the wider technical diving community.

Looking Ahead to 2027

With nearly a year remaining before the event begins, organisers are encouraging interested divers to reserve places early due to the specialist logistics required for gas planning, sorb supplies and boat scheduling.

For experienced rebreather divers looking to combine challenging dives with community networking and technical education, the 2027 Bonaire CCR Summit is shaping up to be one of the Caribbean’s standout technical diving events.