We're traveling to Bonaire in a month for a week-long, snorkel-filled vacation. I have never used one of the Lycra or bioply suits before, but I have never snorkeled in areas with such shallow coral (or mangroves) such as Bonaire. I'm mainly interested in protection from coral and jelly fish plus UV protection rather than thermal insulation or buoyancy. What do you suggest? Can you rent one on Bonaire? Where? Whats the cost? I'm trying to figure out whether I should invest in one at my local dive shop since I snorkel only about twice a year.

Thanks...Dave

Hello David,

you can easily rent a lycra or 3mm wetsuit or shorties in a dive shop on Bonaire for your snorkel excursions. Am not sure about the prices per week. Probably ranging between $15 or $20 per day? Maybe someone else might chime in with better information? You will also have to buy a snorkel tag from Stinapa.
My personal thought is: Why not checking out what's on sale at your local dive shop? I feel way more comfortable using my own stuff instead of renting, those rental ones are rinsed frequently but cleaned? Besides, buying your own gear makes you want to go on a snorkel trip more often! Yet again, am not sure about the pricing range, I do just have single information from one dive shop and am not aware about other prices in other dive shops.

Go to Carib Inn and purchace a lycra of your own for under $50 and then you will have your own. Prices are very good there.

My guess you will be able to get it cheaper in the states. I would look around at your dive store.

it's been my experience that prices at carib inn are equal to, or lower than, prices here in the states. i had to get a new mask a few years ago when my old one cracked. when i got home i was in my LDS and commented on the mask that i bought. they asked what i paid for it...turned out they had the same mask marked at almost $20 more than i paid.

We bought a Henderson lycra full suit at Carib Inn 2 years ago and the price was lower than if we bought in the US. (& I think no sales tax)

We use a swim jacket and swim tights that we bought at www.coolibar.com they have SPF 50 and have worked for us in our two trips to Bonaire. We will be using them again this summer on our third trip.

I would check Scuba.com or sierratrading.com. I have gotten great deals from them. Last deal was a pair of pinnacle 7mm heavy boots for 20.00 with free shipping.

I'm sticking with the Carib Inn comments. All the gear that I have EVER purchased from there has been lower in price than what I have been able to purchase in US and that includes wetsuits, rash guards, etc.

I'll be paying the Carib Inn a visit on Sunday then !!

(Message edited by kilroy on May 8, 2009)

Good idea Roy - Good idea. I do wish I were going to be there when the gang was in but such is life. Though I think...I "think" we will make it this year - by the skin of our teeth but we'll make a 2009 visit. Haven't missed a year since 1997 - the first time I visited Bonaire.

Thanks for all the helpful advice. I will buy one when I get to Bonaire.

Dave