Hello,
I will be in Bonaire in 3 LONG weeks. This is my first time on the island, first time trying to scuba, and first time snorkeling. To say the least I have no gear what so ever. My question is do I rent or buy? I think I want my own snorkel and probably my own goggles, I am staying at Captn Don's so I know I can rent all the equipment I need. My biggest question if I do decide to buy is it better to do it here in the States or on the Island?
Part of me is thinking I need to try all the things out to make sure it is something I will want to do my entire trip.
Advise anyone?
Thanks!

Robin,
First of all, I'm terribly jealous! Two weeks in April was too short.

All the dive shops in the island go through the same supplier. I have a hard foot to fit (small) so ran into issues looking for full heel fins when one of mine fell off the Woodwind. You'll be able to find most everything on island but if you have time to get the perfect fit, I'd recommend buying mask, fins and snorkel in the states. Also, if you get open heel fins, find the perfect booties before your trip(no stitching in the middle, near heel) if you have sensitive skin. First pair of booties I bought tore up the back of my legs near where the straps sit. Good luck!

Robin..Really, I'm a long time diver, but my advice to you is to rent your equipment if you've never dove before. OK to buy your own mask & snorkel, but I'd rent everything else. After you've tried it & decide it's what you want to do (give it a week) then seriously contemplate purchasing all your equipment. That's just my advice. Whatever you do, enjoy yourself. That's the name of the game.

Hi, I totally agree with Vince. Try the sport and see if it's for you before you start investing money. You do want to buy your own mask and snorkel though because when it comes to masks, one size does not fit all. And the snorkel should be self explainatory after you think of all the other people that have rented it before you. You are going to love Bonaire!! We just returned from there 2 weeks ago and I see why so many people return to the island year after year.

Robin - I will chime in here too to answer your here or states question. While I have found very good prices on Bonaire, especially at Carib Inn, I would hate to find that nothing worked for me. If you are trying scuba or will be snorkeling from shore go with booties and open heel fins. AND make certain that the booties are hard soled - I mean REALLY hard soled. Having said that, I have purchased mask, snorkel and booties at Carib Inn (along with many other items) and have always felt like they have had some great gear at great prices.

Make certain that after you buy your mask, where ever you buy it, that you clean it before your use it. I would strongly recommend buying it from a dive shop for fit reasons and then ask them if they can clean it for you, if not get toothPASTE - not gel but the old fashioned PASTE - and rub it inside of your mask on the glass and on the outside as well. When they make your mask there is silca (or silicone) on it and you have to get that off or it will fog up no matter what you do.

If it's convenient get your mask, fins, snorkel and bootie in the States - if not, wait till you get there.

Generally, I agree with Vince. I would buy open heel fins with hard soled booties. You will find some variation about what folks carry -- I don't think one distributer has sole control of the island.

Bruce generally has a good selection and does have great prices. That said, I would start by looking locally -- especially to get the perfect fit in fins. Yo MO is very correct about the toothpaste.

(Message edited by bonairetrip on June 25, 2008)

Believe it or not, when I literally visited almost every dive shop on Bonaire (and spent the better part of a day)looking for fins that fit, several of the owners commented that they all used one distributor. That being said, I wholeheartedly agree the best service was at Carib Inn, where I found another pair of booties that fit and didn't tear up the back of my legs.

Robin,
What Vince said.
Dive gear is relatively expensive and you have the chance to drive before you buy.
Just from previous posts here, prices are competitive on island vs stateside.
Enjoy!

Rent the major dive gear but buy your mask,fins and snorkel at home. Price or style of the mask is unimportant, FIT IS EVERYTHING. An expensive mask that fits poorly is worthless and an inexpensive one that fits well is priceless. Shop as many dive shops as you can until you find the best fit. Don't be taken by expensive, flashy "dry" snorkels, they are a waste of money, the Kmart varity work just as well and are $5.
In addition to your M/F/S I would suggest you consider some form of wetsuit or skin. The sun on Bonaire is intense and you will burn quickly. Sun screen will wash off, you may miss a spot and it's not good for the reef. A simple nylon skin is fairly inexpensive and will prevent sunburn.