My son and I (I am his 39 yr old dad) are planning to take a trip to SCUBA dive. We are not yet certified. We plan to do the class/pool work at home, get referral for open water certification to complete in Bonaire. We are also considering Cozumel, Belize and Roatan.

We have snorkeled a lot and are psyched to dive. We don't need first class accommodations (think- budget). That said, we would like a pool. We were thinking about getting a dive package with unlimited shore diving/ 6 boat dives. Will anyone include the open water referral in the packages?

I weigh 260, he weighs 105 and is 14 years old--can we feel safe (are we allowed?) going off on shore dives by ourselves? (i.e. Jr Open Water certification restrictions? What if big dad has problem?)

We probably wouldn't mind having other people around, don't want to be too isolated where we stay. We were thinking about late January or late March (any weather related or pricing reasons to consider?)

We are looking for a great deal on a package from Chicago--any suggestions?

I appreciate opinions...Thanks for any help....

Larry

Bonaire is the home of "Diver's Freedom", so once you and your son are certified you can dive where ever and when ever you like, no restrictions, only common sense and safety.

Caradonna Caribbean Tours www.caradonna.com can package you to Bonaire. I prefer Capt Don's Habitat www.habitatdiveresorts.com/bonaire/ for their staff, their facility (awesome dive shop, excellent accomodations and dining) and their house reefs. Your cost will depend greatly on the time of year you plan on your adventure. I love Belize and Cozumel... BUT you rely for the largest part on boats. You can dive off the docks at Capt Don's day or night, and u/w navigation is a breeze because of they lead a heavy line from the dock down the reef. Once you find the line you found home.

Been to all four places. You might want to do a few boat dives to get yourself comfortable, but far and away Bon is the best easiest diving you'll find(along with some of the cheapest). I wouldn't put a beginner in the water in Coz (though the drift diving is great with some experience), Roatan is good but it's almost all wall diving and almost all boat dives, Belize (Ambergris Cay) is just about all boat dives. Ya can't go wrong with Bonaire. Be safe, learn well and be ready when you leave Bonaire to explore these other places. There should be any number of locations that have diving (shore and boat), do referrals for cert, and include a vehicle.

Welcome to BT

Lou, C.K. and Joe are right on. Plus, Bonaire has some great shore dive spots for beginners, and plus, you can dive right off the dock of the resort you are staying as well, so you can go as deep (or shallow) as you feel comfortable. Boat diving is good as well, because you have a Dive Master guiding your dive if you like.

Sand$, Buddy's, Divi, Diver's Paradise, Carib Inn, Dive Inn are just a few places that you might consider, they have various price ranges. Dive Inn uses the Divi dock and dive shop, and Diver's Paradise uses Buddy's (Diver's Paradise is not on the water, but it's just across the street from the cams)

If you go to www.infobonaire.com, you can choose your price range for accommodations, and then see what is in your price range. Once you get a feel for where you want to stay, then I would contact the respective dive shop for their open water classes, checkout dive options...then contact the travel agency for packages

Good luck, and enjoy!

(Message edited by cyndelee on November 28, 2003)

In addition to all that everyone has said I would add that navigation in Bonaire is super easy for novice divers. We got the good advice for shore dives to swim out, find a marker we could remember, drop down and go left or right. At 1500psi turn around and head back looking for your marker. When we were beginners this was great advice and very easy -- really helped our confidence. When you check the website that Cynde mentioned you can get prices and info for the dive shops on the island. Oh, I would also add that divers on Bonaire are super helpful as well.

And many, perhaps all, the dive ops will 'rent' you a divemaster for dives. Thus, you could make a few dives with another adult until you are both comfortable.

Bonaire is good for the check-out dives and early experience because the water is shallow and benign in front of all the dive ops.

"I weigh 260, he weighs 105 and is 14 years old--can we feel safe (are we allowed?) going off on shore dives by ourselves? (i.e. Jr Open Water certification restrictions? What if big dad has problem?)"

I applaud you for asking the question. Although Bonaire has much easy diving, I think the size differential between you and your son could present problems. If you should get knocked over in the surge during an entry or exit, your son would have difficulty helping you out. I'd recommend the dive instructors who help you complete your certification give you an assessment of your skill level and what they think you're capable of handling. Although boat dives are more expensive, there are lots of benefits. Others on the boat will be glad to answer your questions about equipment, dive site "highlights" and terrain. The dive master will help you get your tank on, help you get back on the boat. And you will see many more critters diving with an experienced divemaster than you will on your own. Although I've been going to Bonaire since 1981, diving with Kitty from the Carib Inn, I still see things I've never noticed before.

Enjoy your trip!
36 days and counting!

John R

Arriving March 29th with two 14 yr. old GIRLS ...
Staying at Capt. Don's for two weeks. We've always felt comfortable with the Dive Staff. And my daughter loves the pizza.
Enough said ! :-)

John makes a good point. I was thinking about your comment Larry, about skill level and problems that you may encounter. If you aren't completely comfortable going out on your own, do the boat dives, and/or hire a dive master for shore dives. It will help not only build your confidence in your skills as a diver, but as quite a few have pointed out, you will see things that you would most likely have missed (like sea horses, frogfish, and other neat things)

In general, it is customary to use the dive shop at the resort you are staying...it's so easy...you leave your gear in the storage locker, so you don't have to lug it around (unless you go shore diving)

The Carib Inn has a very competent and friendly dive staff. My husband is the diver, but I've watched the guests during the certification process. They start off in the pool (on premises) and then the dives are made in front of the inn. You can get more info on the Carib Inn and their rates, etc. at www.infobonaire.com. We both think it's great. Very laid back, not luxurious, but clean with cooking facilities if you wish to have breakfast, lunch or even dinner in your apartment. There's a shop where equipment, t-shirts, etc. may be purchased. It's also within walking distance of the town for shopping or dining. Carol

We enjoyed the Carib Inn when we stayed there and I've heard only good things about their dive staff. Bruce Bowker is a gem.

I would suggest Sand Dollar Condo Resort. A studio apartment should meet your needs just fine and would be quite reasonable. Their website is: www.sanddollarbonaire.com.

Bonaire is a great place to begin your diving "career." I've been to Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Belize. Bonaire is, by far, the easiest, hassle-free diving I've ever experienced.

Good luck. Enjoy your trip.

Marvin

Larry,

I was about in your position several years ago with my son. Differences were I have been diving since 1976. I have dove all of the places you indicated and find that Bonaire as the best because of the ease of the dives, the freedom, and the marine life. Like you, I'm an XXL diver. You are correct to consider "what if dad has a problem". My son was certified in Texas at the age of 12 and within two weeks, his first real dive was a night dive in Aruba, off of a boat, in about 30 feet of water on the wreck of the Pedernales. We dove in Aruba off boats for about a week and then flew to Bonaire on ALM (defunct) and dove another week in Bonaire. Bonaire was by far, the easiest and best dives that we had. We stayed at Buddies Dive Resort. The package at Buddies included boat dives, a truck and a room with a full kitchen, two double beds with air conditioning in the bedroom. From Buddy's dock, the drop off is less than 100 feet from the dock. Easy entry and exit. Buddy's has a pool. The depth off the dock was about 12' and gradually dropped off to 30' before the drop off which goes down to about 120'. The current usually runs North to South so you swim toward Captain Don's and then turn around and swim back with the current. There is really no reason to go below 60', and with a computer, you can easily get more than a 60 minute bottom time. Night dives off Buddy's dock are fantastic! The freedom to dive when you want is what I really like about Bonaire as compaired to the the other dive sites you mentioned. While Cozumel has maybe better visibility and more impressive coral heads, Cozumel is pretty much a follow the leader, boat dive destination. Cozumel may be more advanced than your experience. I'd stick with Bonaire, and stay at Buddy's, Lion's Dive Resort, Captain Don's (all close together) Plaza Resort (more expensive and upscale). Depending on your time, I'd stick with an instructor from one of the dive resorts that I've mentioned. Even with experience, things could go badly if you have a problem with such a young buddy. Both of you could gain much experince from diving from the dock or a boat with an instructor. The instructor could show you many things that you would miss diving on your own. Your first expierence should be one you and your son will remember (as a good experience). Good luck, and safe diving

A couple of thoughts on boat dives, with a group divemaster, and renting your own divemaster for shore diving.

The boat dive divemaster is responsible for the entire group and really can't spend time with, or nearby, just two of the group. Your own, of course, is yours alone.

And the cost of one divemaster is almost certainly a good bit less than two boat dives.

What really amazes me (continually) is that it is on a VERY rare occasion that someone has not liked their accommodations...just like the dive shop services...RARELY do you hear a bad report...I can't think of any other place that has consistency in quality and service like Bonaire does...Larry, you really can't go wrong, it just depends how close to the water you want to be, how big of a resort you want to stay at

Cynde, I've been pondering since Turkey Day what kind of pearls of wisdom I could include in my 100th post. After hours of thought and serious soul searching, all I can do is respond to your last post here with a resounding.......UH HUH 44 days to go

joe of the 100 posts

Lookie lookie it says "experienced" after my name. This is a great board........KUDOS to Jake and ALLLLLLLLLLLLL the people that help make it as good as it is (I just had to post something with the experienced in it)

Joe... Congratulations!!! You're now Experienced!!! Now you can safely go to Bonaire in a mere 44 days and proudly say you are an "Experienced Bonairian (Talker)!"

Wow.....it comes in red too. I'm not just "experienced", just had a birthday (29 again), we celebrate our 30th anniversary while we're on Bonaire, and the wife is convinced that she wants to get recertified. LIFE IS GOOD

44 days to shed some turkey poundage

thanks cynde

Joe, Happy 29th birthday! It is good to be young isn't it! LOL! I think it's great you will be spending your 30th anniversary on Bon, you and your wife should be proud, not many couples these days make it past the single digit it seems! Oh, and I think it's great that she wants to get re-certified! Life has just begun

P.S...I need to shed some pecan pie with whip cream poundage!

(Message edited by cyndelee on November 30, 2003)

Larry,

You might want to skip doing classroom & pool work at home and do everything in Bonaire. It's alot cheaper and you can get the book sent to you before you arrive. I know the Plaza will do this, as we are having our 11-year old daughter certified this way in February. Some of the benefits are working with the same instructor and getting used to their equipment - you will possibly be the only students. (not to mention the time savings going back and forth to local dive shop & pool) I would imagine most of the larger dive shops would do this. My husband & I did both our basic and advanced this way and I wouldn't change it.

Joe do you mean recertified or renewing your wedding vows?

20 days to BON for us and counting. (Sorry Cynde)

Actually Brian, she probably is "certifiable" for puttting up with me for 30 years, but we're not opening that discussion up (anniversary celebration is an overnight private cruise on Oscarina....it's a secret SSSSSSHHHHHHH!!!!!). The recertified part is becoz she got certified to dive in 97 and never dove (long story involving nose bleeds, a cavalier dive op in Belize and never really wanting to dive until we went to Bonaire last March). Now she wants to dive (uh oh someone else wants dive toys) and I can think of no place better to get comfortable underwater than Bonaire.

Hey Joe ... glad to hear what you finally decided for the secret 30th celebration. As I told you before we will be celebrating our 30th in Bonaire this month, most likely with a full day of diving --- what a surprise! Will be anxious to hear about the overnight (well, at least about the accommodations!) Glad to hear that your wife want to start diving again -- tell her to let me know if she needs help finding the most expensive toys, something my hubby says I am good at. Nineteen days and counting. Susan

Okay guys, great advice... but I have to ask... Lou Ferigno?? Is that "THE" Lou Ferigno???

If I see the incredible hulk underwater in Bonaire.....Kelly your getting all the credit (or blame)


Joe

No better place to learn to dive. We have used the shops at Sand Dollar and at Belmar (a Toucan Divers shop) and been happy with both. We transitioned from boat dives and what might best be called 'dock dives' from resort piers (no waves, surge, or ironshore to climb over) to almost 100% shore dives as my wife, 14 y/o daughter and I have gained experience and confidence over the last several years.

If you are not THAT Lou Ferigno, or if you are but that 260 lbs is not still muscle, I'd suggest a thorough medical eval before you go. Diving can be strenuous and cardiac problems underwater are a common cause of diving deaths.
Some sources e.g. DAN, recommend a cardiac stress test every 2 yrs for divers over 40 (or those at high risk).

with regard to whether to do your "pool" sessions at home or on Bonaire, the basic difference obviously is 2 more days of diving. However on Bonaire these sessions are done in the calm shallow water in front of your resort, as opposed to a chlorinated indoor pool.

Good luck - Hard to go wrong with a dive operator on Bonaire.

-David (M.D.)

Folks the other is "Lou Ferrigno".

Well, Tom, in the infamous words of Roseann-Roseanna Danna ..... nevermind.... LOL

Maybe the dropped r is a disguise.

Hello everyone! Thanks for all the great information and responses. You are cracking me up with all the hulk talk! My real name is Larry F.--I use Lou Ferigno (nice catch Tom--I use one "R") as my anonymous internet name. My real last name is not vastly different from "Ferigno." Most people that didn't grow up in the 70's don't even catch the name reference.

Also--I am 260 lbs, but I am also 6'7". I try to picture my son dragging me out of the water, etc. I feel like I'm in relatively good health and would consider myself a very strong swimmer. I am not a taker of unnecessarily large risks. I like the idea of hiring a divemaster and/or going out on boats, or possibly trying to hook up with other divers so I am not the only full grown human around.

I have contacted Caradonna and spoke to a very nice woman there to try to book a trip. FYI, I also contacted Bonaire "Pros" travel agency. I spoke to an unmotivated sort who continuously insisted that he would not help me verbally and that I must fill out the request template on their web site in order to be helped. Since I was looking for him to suggest dates and packages, and I was flexible with dates to get a better deal, maybe he could take down my info and give me a proposal...."You really need to fill out the internet form..."

No I don't. Caradonna was glad to help me with good old fashioned customer service.

Larry "Not THE Hulk" F.

Yea, but my thought...Lou Ferrigno is older than 39 (unless that is ANOTHER pitch to throw us off)

What did happen to Larry, he has gotten all of these great responses and hasn't checked back. Maybe we scared him off! Or he got mad...and green...and isn't coming back!

Larry, LOL! Were your ears burning? We were posting at the same time!

Glad you got hooked up with Caradonna, I've heard good things from others on the board who have used them. Keep us posted on your plans, I think we will recognize you at the streetcam however, 6'7" will be hard to miss!

I hear you Larry, thanks for clearing it up. Having a name similar to a famous person can be a bother.

Glad to hear you have hooked up with Caradonna, I have had good luck with them.

Where are you staying?

Tom(notthelinebacker)Cousino

Larry,

Almost forgot to add my plug for Eden Beach and WannaDive. Nice smaller resort, great dive shop
easy access to the water.

Benefit for you is the owners of the dive shop are both over 6'4" so you wont have to bend over to talk with them;-{)}

Really, any of the places mentioned above (I have stayed at or used most of their services) are great.

Hope you and your son enjoy your stay. Anyway it will be a lot warmer there than at your home. Heck I near froze to death close to your home in April of "76" when I was stationed in Waukeegan.

So much for unsolicited medical advice. I have a somewhat different mental picture of you at 6'7 and 260.

David

Hey Tom, I used to work in Waukegan making loans for folks on Great Lakes Naval Base (I assume that's where you were?) Looks like we're probably going to end up at Sand$. Cost wise, seems like Dive Inn (no pool) or Sand$ (everything we would like, a little more.) Caradonna has reserved my flight for March 17-25, calling to give final lodging approval and pay tomorrow....

Cynde--"Or he got mad...and green...and isn't coming back!" You're killing me here!! ROFLMAO

David--Is it wrong for a man to have a mental picture of another man? Just asking....

It's nice to run into a good group of people like those on this board....really enjoying the banter.

Larry (A hulk, but not THE hulk) F.

Don't ask, don't tell. Seriously, the not-pretty picture I had was 5'10, 260, clutching chest at 60 feet with 14 y/o son looking on in horror.

Larry, glad you got hooked up and are set! You will have a great time. Make sure you do a dive at 5 (twighlight dive) off Bari reef (Sand$ house reef)...changing of the guard...schools of hundreds of fish all with places to go...it is truly amazing when you swim out over the reef...first time I saw it I was in "shock and awe" (can I use that phrase without being sued?...hope no lawyers are lurking!)...had to just hang a minute and take it all in...it was breathtaking!

Make sure you find Ruth at Mango's and try a Salitos (if she hasn't consumed them all)

Better invest in a reef id book (Humaan is a good one) because you will see about 70% of what's in that book in the waters of Bonaire!

Keep us posted on your progress...

OH, I think it's Ok for Dave to picture another man...trust him, he's a doctor!

Larry,

Cynde is right about the dive at 5.

5 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. (O-Dark-Thirty) my favorite dives of the day. As she said the fish life is very active.

I got hooked on the 5:30 a.m. dives on Bari eight years ago last month. On my first O-Dark-Thirty dive my buddy and I were hovering at about 40' when the sun came up. There were times we could not see each other (we were only 15-20' apart) because there were so many fish between us.

Gosh 75 more days till I am there. Too long:-{(}

We also love dusk dives - the creole wrasse parade out in the blue especially. 23 days to go - but who's counting? Also worth doing a "dive with the naturalist", Jerry Ligon at Sand Dollar, even if you stay/dive elsewhere - you'll learn to see and find things that you would otherwise never notice.

Tom, I will never be able to do a sunrise dive...I just am not a morning person...ask Kelly...neither is she...we "talked" about it when we went in July, but I don't think we rolled out of bed before 8AM...I would be asleep through the entire dive and miss it all...Seb kept telling me that I really needed to give it a try...mabye in my next life I will be a morning person... Thank goodness Michael isn't a morning person (on vacation) either

David, when we stayed at the Sand$ a little over 2 years ago, on our "no dive day" the day before we flew home and took a Fish Behaviour course from a gal at the dive shop. We watched a video, had a short lecture, then went snorkeling with her. We headed south toward the old Sunset Beach hotel, then back up all the way to Buddy's. I saw more stuff on that snorkel than I had seen on some of my dives. It is amazing how much we "miss" sometimes!

Snorkelling = shallow water. There is so much to see as long as there is water, even a few inches. Try along the stretch between town and the marina jetties.

Glen, it was a great way to get and be in the water since we couldn't dive...there were so many "nursuries" in the coral rubble areas in nooks and crannies...got me hooked on looking for the "little" guys!

Cynde,
Have also done that, with Anne Carlson at at sand$ pre-Lenny. I don't think she is there anymore.

Larry, you mentioned hiring a divemaster for shore dives. I have had wonderful dives with Sipke Stapert who used to be an instructor at sand$, last 2 times we were on island was working independently. We dove with him as a guide on Town Pier at night (guide required),
he is extraordinarily knowledgeable re marine life and I always learn something new diving with him. He has a small photography and craft gallery next to Pasabon Pizza in his home, or call him, he is in the phone book.

Larry,

We used Caradonna the last time we went to Bonaire. There was a lady waiting for us at the airport holding up a sign with our name on it. She was there to give us the rental truck. She also met us at the airport at 2:00 a.m. to pick the car up the day we left. The 2:00 a.m. at the airport won't apply to you however.

David, I bought some hand made jewelery from Sipke at the art festival in July...Larry, if you don't dive with him, at least stop by and take a look at his art and jewelery

Tom, six'seven man, and working towards 240!!

Bart, nice to see you posting again. Hope this means all is going well in France. My thoughts are with your family. Will e-mail.

Always thought you and Bob were shorter. Guess it must be because you always have to stoop over to talk to us short people.

Be well.