Dive tourism is the mainstay of the island's economy and Bonaire is one of the divers top ten destination worldwide. There were approximately 70.000 visitors to Bonaire in 1999 of whom 29,500 were divers. Since 1992 and the implementation of an admission fee payable by divers the Marine Park has been self financing with respect to its running costs. The goal of Bonaire Marine Park is to protect and conserve the island's marine resources and ensure sustainable use of coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangroves, whilst maximizing safe levels of use for recreation and commerce. By the end of 1992, the Park had become entirely self-financing with respect to its operational costs.
Divers pay the admission fees as part of the standard dive operators' check-in procedure.
The system was received enthusiastically by divers right from its inception. The Marine Park is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the system of more than 75 moorings used by dive operators and 40 public yacht moorings used by visiting pleasure craft. It also maintains a system of shore marker stones used to locate easy access points for shore diving and snorkelling. Park Rangers patrol daily both by land and sea and provide information and guidance to Park users. The Marine Park believes strongly in the value of education and has developed a comprehensive range of interpretive and educational materials and programmes aimed at both islanders and tourists which teach about the value and fragility of the islands natural marine resources.