Get to Know Your Crew

Who we are

Diane & Mafer

We’re Diane and Mafer — two Bonaire locals, childhood friends, and the women behind Solobon Sailing.

We grew up on this island with a love for the water that started young and never let up. STINAPA’s Junior Ranger program is where that love turned into real knowledge — fish identification, marine ecology, research dives, beach cleanups. It gave us a serious foundation, and we’ve been building on it ever since.

From there, we both spent years working as guides on boats around Bonaire — learning the reefs, the currents, the history of the island, and the stories behind the places most visitors sail past without knowing. Between the two of us, we’ve logged 300+ dives, hold 15 combined dive certifications, freediving certifications, and have spent well over 2,000 hours snorkeling these waters. Fish identification is a particular passion — ask us about anything you see underwater and we’ll probably have something to say about it.

Taking over Solobon Sailing is our next big step, and one we’ve been working toward for a long time. We wanted to build something of our own — a locally owned, women-run company where every charter feels personal and every guest leaves knowing Bonaire a little better than when they arrived. Running it together, on the island we grew up on, makes it that much better.

Come spend a day on the water with us. We have a lot to show you.

---

Why it matters that we're local

When you sail with us, you are not getting a scripted tour. You are getting two people who genuinely know this reef — from the marine life hiding beneath the surface to the best places to snorkel, the stories behind our coastline, and the little details that make Bonaire so special. We love sharing what we know, answering your questions, and showing you parts of the island you might otherwise miss.

That is what it means to see Bonaire through local eyes.

Plan your charter with us →