Hi guys,
Counting down the weeks....?...I have my own snorkel mask/mouthpiece etc...but I will be in the market for a new GOOD pair of floatable fins/booties and esp a snorkel vest (partially for when I am feeling lazy about buoyancy and partially hopefully to have a pocket or two for keys and stuff)...am I better off price and selection wise buying and bringing from home (several area shops that do sell dive stuff) or buying down in Bonaire? Have no idea of prices or selection down there so...looking to some of you more experienced folk for answers thanks much!
Ginni in WI where it is a "balmy" 50 today!

Hi, Ginni! We have found the prices and selection of equipment (snorkeling, at least) to be much better priced and more varied on Bonaire, itself. We went to the Caribe Inn and found some great deals on fins and booties and the likes. I think I have seen other folks mention the same thing on prior posts, but I will leave the topic open for more responses, of course! LOL. Carole

The friend and I who are going together got some stuff at a local dive shop today. However, what my friend wants and they didn't have in her size, was a "skin suit" as she burns VERY easily. She just got back from a trip to Kenya and used one there and loved the sun protection it gave her. Does anyone have any recommendations as to where she might find one in Bonaire and approx. how much it might cost her? Thanks again in advance, as always, for any help!

Hi, I have to disagree with you a bit Carol I know that Bruce does have good stuff priced very reasonably, however, prices seemed a bit high to me at other places...I would suggest buying it before you go. If they don't have your size, or type you would like, then you are stuck. For a skin, www.divegoddess.com has colorful skins and the prices are about average. I paid $100.00 for mine about 5 years ago, and it is still holding strong. Also, booties and fins, fit is critical, so trying them on and getting the right fit may be easier locally. Another option, once you find the type of bootie, fin and size, try www.diversdiscount.com or www.diversdirect.com and check pricing...it may be cheaper online. I have bought several things at diversdiscount when I found they were cheaper there...however you look at it, have a great time!

Cynde

Cynde,

Of course prices are somewhat high on Bonaire, everything has to be ordered well in advance and shipping is not cheap. The point about buying on Bonaire is the same about buying at your local dive shop, if you don't support your local dive shop or your dive resort on Bonaire then it might now be there the next time you want to dive. On line discount shops maybe save you a couple of bucks, but when it comes to a ripped seam or a defect what is it going to cost you in time and money to return these items to a cheaper on-line dive gear dealer, when you probable could have said "Hey Bruce" or just gone to your local dive shop and had it made right. AND, if you going to purchase your regulators on line, just how much confidence do you have they made the proper adjustment ??? My regulators and alternate air source are tuned for me by an experienced factory trained individual...not some I-net dealer.

My 2cents ...

It has been my experience that buying at Carib in is less expensive than the dive shops in my area. My $85 Decor dive mask on the 2nd time using it, broke and was unfixable while in Bonaire. I went to Bruce and he fitted me perfectly for half the price. My fins here were 80 something dollars here and though a different style, again for less than half the price at Carib.
Bruce went out of his way to order a wetsuit that he use to carry that I liked. He is holding two different sizes for my arrival on Dec. 6th because I didn't know my size. It's a Bare, high neck, long sleeve shortie and it cost $99 not to mention, that I found very few of that style while surfing the net. I think that is a very fair price and the service is unbeatable!
And no I don't work for Carib Inn! One last thing, before contacting Bruce, I did try to order a wetsuit on line and it cost me $25.00 in shipping charges for the experience of finding out that it didn't fit right! $12 something each way!!

C.K....I knew I would get some flak for posting the website discount places. First, I wouldn't by a BC, reg, computer, wetsuit or anything of that nature online. I go to my local store where I know I can see it before I buy, and know that it fits and I will get good service. I have bought flip flops, hoods, snorkels, (Kelly bought her skin from divegoddess and loves it) and such from a couple of online stores. If the budget is tight, sometimes that's the way you have to go...so, depending on what your budget allows, depends on where you buy some things. Diversdiscount.com is local, so I have run to their retail store a couple of times for small things.

I was merely throwing out "options"

Cynde,

"I was merely throwing out "options""

As I was offering my opinion and I certainly understand budget constraints.