How to Produce the Best Air and Nitrox in Bonaire

Introduction

At Xprodiver Bonaire we are a family-run dive shop, and that means what we offer our customers is also what we use ourselves every day. My wife, Álvaro and I constantly breathe the air and Nitrox we produce in our own filling station. That responsibility led us to find a way to generate the best possible breathing gas—not only for our own safety, but also for every diver who trusts us. I want to share what drove us to aim for excellence in this process, and how we make it happen.

What Does “Quality Air” Mean in Diving?

When divers talk about “air,” we don’t just mean compressed gas inside a cylinder. Breathing air for scuba must be clean, dry, and completely free from oil, carbon monoxide, or particles. Any contamination, even at very small levels, can cause discomfort or serious health risks underwater.

Producing quality breathing air requires more than just a compressor. It takes constant attention to filtration, moisture control, and scheduled maintenance. Simply put: quality air is clean, pure, and safe—so every breath you take underwater feels as natural as it does on the surface.

The Process Behind the Best Breathing Gas

“Nobody ever said air was the best gas to breathe,” says technical diving pioneer Dick Rutkowski.

Air has always been the standard breathing gas for recreational diving, but we now know it is not always the best or only option. Producing top-quality air means high-performance compressors, strict filter changes, and constant preventive maintenance.

Nitrox (Enriched Air Nitrox) has become increasingly popular in Bonaire, especially among divers who do multiple dives per day. With a higher percentage of oxygen and, therefore, less nitrogen, Nitrox allows for longer bottom times and safer dive profiles. But producing it correctly requires accurate blending, analysis of each tank, and clear safety protocols.

And let’s not forget the packaging. A safe breathing gas also depends on the condition of the tank that holds it. Proper labels ensure tanks are clearly identified as air or Nitrox, and every cylinder must carry up-to-date VIP (Visual Inspection Program) stickers to prove it has been inspected internally and is safe to use. At Xprodiver we believe quality is not only in the gas itself, but also in the cylinder that delivers it.

Why Nitrox Is So Popular in Bonaire

Bonaire’s reef starts at an ideal depth for Nitrox. With more oxygen and less nitrogen in each breath, Nitrox gives you longer dive times and safer dive profiles. In short: it’s a tool that lets you dive more, and dive safer.

That’s why at Xprodiver we make it easy for you: you can upgrade your air package to Nitrox at no extra cost.

And if you are not yet certified, getting your Nitrox card is simple. Just request your eLearning code in our shop, complete the theory online at your own pace, and then join us for a short practical session where you’ll learn how to analyze your own Nitrox tank. After that, you’re ready for your first Nitrox adventure in the waters of Bonaire.

MCH36 coltri / Nitrox generator lp600

Our Commitment to Excellence

At Xprodiver Bonaire we’ve invested in professional equipment to ensure the highest quality breathing gas. We strictly follow filter and oil change schedules, perform preventive maintenance, and carry out visual inspections of tanks whenever required. Our team is backed by certifications such as Gas Blender and PSI Visual Inspection, which support the care we put into every step of the process.

We also test the gases we produce with quarterly laboratory analysis. And finally, our most important test is the simplest one: we breathe the gas ourselves.

Today, that responsibility feels even more personal. My daughter Alanna, who is 8 years old, is beginning to explore the underwater world with her bubble maker. Knowing that she is breathing the same air we produce is the best reason to keep raising our standards. For us, excellence is not just a goal—it’s a responsibility.

Conclusion

In every dive, the gas you breathe is just as important as the reef you explore. At Xprodiver Bonaire we are committed to giving you the cleanest, safest, and most reliable air and Nitrox possible—so you can enjoy every underwater adventure with peace of mind.

📍 Visit us at Kaya Grandi 54, or write us at bonaire@xprodiver.com to book your next dive experience.