By Mark Mans on Saturday, January 26, 2002 - 5:08 am: |
I am diving Bonaire for the first time this Sept. appx 10th thru 20th. I am coming by myself unless one of my dive buddies changes their minds. I am planning on a solo trip. Can I dive the shore dives alone? ( I have done this many time but some places do not allow ). If not, is there enough boat diving to stay entertained for nine days of diving? I am PADI AOW/Rescue Cert.
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By Ken on Saturday, January 26, 2002 - 10:53 pm: |
I'm a beginner diver, but from what I've heard and read, the phrase "diving freedom" applies. Only thing I've read is if you're diving at the 'resorts', they might/will stop a solo diver if they feel that they are not safe... as far as shore diving, you will most likely find sites where there is nobody around for miles.
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By mary pequinot on Sunday, January 27, 2002 - 12:01 pm: |
Diving freedom does apply. Also, you probably wouldn't have any problem finding someone to buddy up with while you're there. Have a great time!
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By Glen Reem on Sunday, January 27, 2002 - 10:09 pm: |
Mark,
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By Captain Papa Nut on Monday, January 28, 2002 - 1:29 am: |
Solo diving is alive and well on Bonaire.. but if you prefer a buddy, then put your name up on the board at Bon Bini or Green Submarine etc and someone will call you!
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By Chuck Stauffer on Friday, February 22, 2002 - 1:57 am: |
Will be visiting Bonaire and staying at Lion's Dive March 29th through April 5th. We plan on making plenty of snorkeling trips. Does anyone suggest where to go to get a guided snorkel trip? Is it just as good to snorkel off the beaches instead of the boat trip? I may schedule a dive for myself (my partner is a nondiver) and so far it appears that I can get a buddy from the dive shop. Any insights in this area?
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By Ray on Friday, February 22, 2002 - 2:13 pm: |
Mark- Diving alone is not a big problem as long as you stay in your comfort level. In Michigan(USA) when we have vis less then 10ft sometimes you feel like you are diving alone but knowing my abilities and comfort I will go on to enjoy the dive. When I have been with a group of divers sometimes it's nice to get in my own space (I will tell the group before hand that I may put some space in between myself and them). In Bonaire with vis that is near 100ft comfort level increases, you need to watch your depth much closer. Have fun down there, I will be done there in less then a week for some great diving.
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By Glen Reem on Friday, February 22, 2002 - 7:26 pm: |
There is no prohibition on diving alone from shore; it is your choice. Some dive ops don't allow diving alone from their boats or docks, some do, i.e., Habitat. There is so much shoreline with easy entry on the lee side of the island that you can virtually park anywhere south of Sand Dollar and dive. The one area off limits is around the commercial piers downtown. A guide is required there.
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By DARLENE ELLIS on Saturday, February 23, 2002 - 10:25 am: |
Chuck and Christina, The snorkeling is great in Bonaire where ever you enter the water. The fish life is incredible! I prefer sailing on the Woodwind over shore entries. We sail on a trimaran that sails out of the Divi Flamingo Resort. The Trimaran is run by Renee and she does two guided snorkel stops with almost all her tours. Her web page is www.bonairenet.com and I think it is listed under transportation. She knows where all the little and big critters live and she gets great joy in sharing them with you! When I am out on the Woodwind I get the peacefulness of a smoothe sail, great sceenery and incredible snorkeling so I think I have died and gone to heaven!!!! I only snorkel so you might want to check out my trip reports. I was just there in Janurary. Enjoy your trip!!
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By Linda Richter - NetTech on Monday, February 25, 2002 - 10:14 am: |
The full URL for the Woodwind is:
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By Joe Raynak on Wednesday, March 6, 2002 - 5:20 pm: |
I do not know about these days, but a few years ago a dive master jumped in the water after me and guided me to the surface at Sand Dollar (when they had a dock)and told me I could not dive solo at the Sand Dollay property. Strictly enforced. Too bad because that place was expensive!
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