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Trip Reports: Looking for a divemaster escort
Bonaire Talk: Trip Reports: Archives: Archives 2000 to 2005: Archives - 2001-11-30 to 2002-09-25: Looking for a divemaster escort
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By stephanie morrell on Tuesday, September 3, 2002 - 9:46 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I am traveling to Bonaire with a friend and we would feel most comfortable diving with someone who know's the reefs and great sites. If anyone is interested or knows some one please get back to me . I will be in Bonaire Sept 17 and am so psyked. Thanks , Steph

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cynde Lee on Wednesday, September 4, 2002 - 1:18 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

steph, most of the dive shops have dm's that will take you on guided tours. email the dive shop at the place you will be staying and they can give you the info.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Randy Patka on Wednesday, September 4, 2002 - 5:52 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

hi Steph,

another option would be to schedule a number of boat dives. Many of the dive ops put a DM in the water at each site. This was the method I used last year when I stayed at the Divi as a solo. If you've never been before, you can relax and be assured it's some of the easiest, wonderful diving you will do.

Randy

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By seb schulherr on Thursday, September 5, 2002 - 12:38 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Aw, to heck with boat dives in the shore diving capital of the world! I laugh out loud when I see dive boats anchored at Windsock for a boat dive. Why don't you contact Bas on these boards and see if he can get you up to speed on shore diving? DO get some stout booties with thick soles before you go or when you get there. We ended up getting thicker ones at Carib Inn, our old ones were a little too worn down to handle the rubble.
Personally, I like to wear my fins on my hands as I enter, helps me control myself better in the surge. It is surprising how little water you need to float in with your bc inflated, and then I can fin with my hands out to deeper water.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Randy Patka on Thursday, September 5, 2002 - 4:27 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hello Seb,

I'd agree unless of course a person wanted to enjoy some of the Klein reefs, which would make for a bit of a surface swim. And for rookie divers like steph and her friend, a few boat trips would get them into the swing of things and teach them the few navigational skills needed to really enjoy the dives as well as give them a DM to calm any initial jitters. Then they could safely venture off shore diving. All just my opinion mind you.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By seb schulherr on Thursday, September 5, 2002 - 4:38 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hey Randy, I did not realize that they were novice divers, you musty be relying on prior knowledge! And of course, if you want to dive Klein a boat is the way. I can see your position as a solo diver it might be more comforting to be with a group.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Randy Patka on Thursday, September 5, 2002 - 11:54 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hi Seb,

No problem, I don't know steph, but she also posted this inquiry here under "Diving Bonaire" and mentioned their "newbie" status. When I first visited last November I went solo and therefore liked the boat experience. When I am back on Nov 6th I plan on taking more advantage of the many great shore sites now that I am an "Expert". lol

As a newly single, 53yr old, certified Old Fart diver though, I am more than willing to act as a tour guide/dive buddy to any similarly single nubile females I happen upon while there. I mean, it's all about being a giving person, isn't it?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By gregg brewer on Monday, September 9, 2002 - 7:23 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Steph,

As Cynde mentioned, check with the dive shop where you are staying (assuming you are staying at a place with a dive shop). I ditto the recommendation to take boat dives if you are fairly new to Bonaire and diving. Most resorts have a divemaster in the water from the boat. If you want a personal shore dive, talk to Bart at Wannadive...he would be a great leader for a small private group www.wannnadive.com

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By stephanie morrell on Sunday, September 15, 2002 - 9:38 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Thanks to yo all for your advice ! I am feeling more confident after speaking to some of you Bonaire Divers . Since the the reefs are parallel to the shore so I hear , my confidence is stronger. I am leaving on Wed, Sept 25 and am so excited to dive and experience all that Bonaire has to offer.

 


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