Lima 106
Sports Massage
About this treatment
Your body works hard. Let me help it recover well.
Bonaire attracts people who move — divers, cyclists, kitesurfers, runners, hikers. People who ask a lot of their bodies, and who know the difference between being tired and being genuinely recovered. Sports Massage is designed for exactly this: not relaxation as an end in itself, but targeted therapeutic work that helps your body perform, repair and come back stronger.
I work with a combination of deep tissue techniques, myofascial release, assisted stretching and targeted friction work, always tailored to the specific muscles and movement patterns your sport demands. A cyclist’s needs look completely different from a diver’s. A runner’s tension patterns are distinct from a kitesurfer’s. I take the time at the start of each session to understand what you’ve been doing, how your body is responding and what would be most useful — whether that’s pre-activity preparation, post-activity recovery or maintenance work between sessions.
You don’t need to be a professional athlete to benefit from Sports Massage. If you move regularly and your body matters to you, this treatment is for you. I’ve worked with everyone from competitive triathletes to guests who simply want to keep hiking without their hips complaining. The common thread is people who take their bodies seriously — and want a therapist who does too.
Why choose this
The advantages of a Sports Massage in Bonaire
Faster recovery and less soreness
Targeted techniques flush metabolic waste from worked muscles and restore elasticity — cutting recovery time and reducing the delayed onset soreness that follows intense activity. Your body gets back to baseline faster.
Injury prevention through early tension detection
I work systematically through the muscles most stressed by your sport, catching adhesions and tension patterns before they develop into real injuries. Prevention is always better than recovery from something that didn't need to happen.
Improved flexibility and full range of motion
Combining deep tissue techniques with assisted stretching, Sports Massage restores full movement to areas that training has stiffened. The difference in how freely you move afterward is something most clients feel immediately.
A performance edge — before and after activity
Whether you're warming up for your best dive or recovering from a long bike ride, Sports Massage gives your body exactly what it needs at that moment. Pre-activity sessions prepare and activate; post-activity sessions repair and restore.
Pricing
*Prices may vary depending on the time / day / masseur selected.
Options
What happens during your Sports Massage?
We start with a brief intake — what sport or activity you’ve been doing, what feels tight, whether there are any specific areas of concern or injury history I should know about. I’ll also ask whether this is a pre- or post-activity session, since the approach differs significantly: pre-activity work is more activating and circulation-focused; post-activity is deeper and more recovery-oriented.
The massage itself uses firmer pressure than a standard relaxation session and may include assisted stretching, sustained trigger point work and specific friction techniques on adhesions or tight bands. I’ll communicate throughout — the pressure should feel productive, never painful. Sessions typically run 60 to 90 minutes depending on how much area we need to cover.
Is this treatment right for you?
Sports Massage is ideal for anyone with a regular physical practice who wants to recover faster, prevent injury and keep their body moving freely. For deeper structural work on specific muscle groups, combine it with the Deep Tissue Massage or Psoas Release — particularly valuable for cyclists and divers with hip flexor issues. If fascial restriction is limiting your range of motion, Cupping Massage works brilliantly alongside sports work. And for a quick between-sessions reset, the Chair Massage is a perfect complement.
Our Specialists

Johanna

Marjolijn

Jennifer

Johanna

Carolina
Want to know more?
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a Sports Massage?
A Sports Massage is a targeted therapeutic treatment designed specifically for physically active bodies. It uses techniques like deep tissue work, trigger point therapy, cross-fiber friction, myofascial release, and assisted stretching to address muscle fatigue, tightness, and recovery needs. Unlike a relaxation massage, the focus is on function — helping your body perform and recover better. It’s effective both after physical effort and as preparation before activity.
Is a Sports Massage good after a day of diving in Bonaire?
Absolutely — it’s one of the most popular reasons guests book at Massage Bonaire. A full day of diving places significant strain on the shoulders, neck, lower back, and legs, and a sports massage directly addresses those areas. It helps relieve the muscular fatigue that builds up from wearing gear, equalizing, finning, and moving through currents. Most divers leave feeling noticeably lighter and ready to get back in the water the next day.
How long does a Sports Massage session last?
Sessions are available in different durations to suit your needs and schedule. The right length depends on how much of your body needs attention and how deep you want the work to go. During your consultation, your therapist at Massage Bonaire will help you choose the most effective option. For detailed information on session lengths and pricing, please visit our pricing page.
Do I need to be an athlete to benefit from a Sports Massage?
Not at all. The name can be misleading — a Sports Massage is ideal for anyone whose body has been physically active, not just competitive athletes. If you’ve been snorkeling, cycling, hiking the national park, kite surfing, or even spending long days on your feet exploring Kralendijk, your muscles are working hard. A sports massage is designed for exactly that kind of physical load, whatever level you’re at.
What techniques are used during the massage?
Your therapist draws from a range of professional techniques depending on what your body needs. These include deep tissue massage, cross-fiber friction to address muscle adhesions, trigger point therapy to release stubborn knots, myofascial release for connective tissue tension, and active or passive stretching to restore range of motion. The combination is always tailored to the specific areas of your body that need the most attention that day.
Will a Sports Massage be painful?
Deeper work can involve moments of intensity — especially in areas that are particularly tight or overworked — but it should never feel like unpleasant pain. A well-trained therapist works with your body, not against it, adjusting pressure throughout the session based on your feedback. Most guests describe the sensation as ‘good hurt’ — that deeply satisfying feeling of tension finally releasing. Communication with your therapist is always welcome and encouraged.
Can I book a Sports Massage on the same day?
Same-day bookings are sometimes available at Massage Bonaire depending on schedule and therapist availability. To avoid disappointment, especially during peak tourist season on the island, we recommend booking in advance. You can check availability and book directly through our website — it only takes a minute and guarantees your spot.
Should I do anything special before or after my session?
It’s a good idea to drink plenty of water before and after your massage, as deeper work stimulates circulation and helps your body flush out metabolic waste more effectively. Try to avoid intense physical activity immediately after the session to allow your muscles to fully benefit from the treatment. If you’re planning a big dive day or a long cycling route, booking your sports massage the evening before is a great way to arrive prepared and at your best.


