I've got a trip booked Nov 24-Dec 4 to do some shore and boat diving. Since I won't have a dive buddy, was wondering where I might stay where I can
meet others socially as well as possibly get paired up with a dive buddy.

I'd also entertain taking the Advanced Open Water PADI course. Any thoughts? How about the Black Durgon Inn since I've read so much about it?

Thanks!

well,

you can certainly start off with boat dives - built in supply of dive buddies...

if you do AOW then you will have an instructor for 5 dives (probably shore) - note that this will require some homework (study the lessons)

black durgon is a small resort, might have more to choose from at a place like buddy dive or captain don's or divi...

you'll have to work REALLY hard to NOT have a good time on bonaire;)

enjoy;)

Hi Helen! I was sans buddy my last trip and met a ton of wonderful people. I did manage to track down two people before heading to Bonaire (via this board) and dove with them both and it was a great time. However, I was there for quite a while (sigh) and between the two of them, I was still without a buddy for about 6 days. So, I spent some time making signs for the webcams and almost every time I went to Eden Beach with my sign, I met another BTer. I found 6 more dive buddies that way. Also, go to Gibi's for dinner on Tuesday and you will meet a lot of BTers there.

The other standard options are: talk to the people on your dive boat and see if you can tag along with any of them for shore diving; tell the dive shop you are looking for a dive partner and they will usually know if someone else is diving solo.

Helen

Took my AOW at Carib Inn in 2002. Stayed there as a single in 2003 and meet up with folks there informally to do shore dives, and if no one was available, dove the boat. The boat is small, and the dive master is your default buddy. BTW the AOW was excellent.
Just came back from a 3 weeks stay there and had an exellent time, five min walk south of town, so v. convenient as well.

Lydia

Helen,

You shouldn't have a problem meeting folks to dive with. I have stayed at several places on the island, but back in March, I took my first solo dive trip and stayed at the Black Durgon. I loved the place! Like Lydia, as a backup plan for not meeting dive buddies, I had contacted Bruce and his crew at the Carib Inn (where I stayed two years ago with a small group) to do some boat dives if necessary. I ended up doing 1 boat dive and about 20 shore dives with assorted dive buddies staying at the Black Durgon. I made some great friends that I still communicate with via email. If you like laid back, quiet, and right on the water, the Black Durgon would be perfect. I can't wait until March when I go back!

Good luck and have a great time!

Steve

Welcome to the board Helen.

You might also want to start a new post here with a title like "Need dive buddy for Nov 24-Dec4 ". I have done that in the past and had good success. I would also add in the post what you want/need in buddy. Is a newbie OK with you or do you want an experienced diver, that kind of thing. Throw in free airfare and I may can make it.

These are really good suggestions everyone, thank you! I was a bit hesitant booking this trip and going alone, but now I'm looking forward to it.

Last question, do you think 9 whole days in Bonaire is too short? Its really just to do some diving and get a little introduction to the island. I know I'll be back

9 DAYS - that's NEVER enough!!!!

just kidding. Since you said that your goals are to do "some" diving and get a "little" introduction to the island I think that is perfect. Too many of my trips are only 7 days but we enjoy our 7 days very, very much.

We do hope you enjoy the island. And if Herman can't make it as your buddy I would be happy to go - I like free airfare.

Helen, welcome to Bonaire Talk I have to say that 9 days is not enough...my last trip was 15 days and was still too short!

I concur with Steve's comments in regard to Black Durgon. Small, on the water, very laid back, friendly folks, and Rick is an excellent instructor if you decide to do your AOW.

I've never stayed at the Carib Inn, but I have had some gear fixed there on my last trip

Helen
Another vote for the Black Durgon. We've made and kept several friends on our five or so stays with them. Only once were there all couples,and the singles always seemed to find themselves invited to tag along. In our experience its always been safe, clean and cool.
The Plaza it ain't. Thank God.

helen, welcome to bonaire talk. black durgon would be a good choice as would carib inn. both are small, on the water, and you are sure to get to know the other guests.

Hi Helen! I went to Bon my first trip with my teen daughter who didn't dive. I had contacted some folks on the board before my trip and had a great time diving with them.
Here is a link to who will be on the island in November. You can send them a message and inquire about dive buddies by clicking on their name which will take you to an e-mail address or way to contact them through the board!
Have fun!
Going to Bon in November

Thanks everyone! You've laid away my fears of having a lonely time in Bonaire... I'll be solidifying my trip plans and reading up on what type of gear I should bring. Right now I own *nothing*

Barbara... since when did your VERY good friend Kelly become "some folks on the board"????? I am offended !!! lol.. just kidding...

Helen... fear not little one, I have traveled to Bonaire alone several times, the last of which was for over two weeks. Get into the island frame of mind, pack a sense of adventure and sense of humor, and you're on your way !

Come on everyone ~~~ "Go, Helen! Go, Helen! Go, Helen" !!!

Wanda and I went for 15 days last year--too short. 21 days this year will still be to short.
As for buddies--if you want to dive a site--wait for other divers and ask if you may join--I have done that lots and lots with only one couple saying no--in a language I did not know.
GO HELEN GO!!
Dave

ok! ok! You guys have completely convinced me that I'll have a great time, Bonaire is full of friendly folk, my holiday will be over before I know it, and that I'll have to come back next year because I won't have gotten enough this time around. Closer to the date I'll send another email to touch base. For now I'll be getting together some basic gear and organizing my lessons/accomodation. Thanks everyone! Great board!

Helen

Dear "some folks" aka Kelly...mucho apologies...
OKAY, the folks I didn't know before I went to Bon, but took me on my first ocean dives, to whom I will ever be indepted, and whom I consider to be some of the most fantastic people and dear friends include, but are not limited to KELLY, WALLY & EVA & JOEY, SEB & MARY, KATHY & LARRY and if I forgot to mention anyone, blame it on my rapidly advancing senility!

Be sure and check the November list that Babs suggested. The first time we went to Bonaire 6 years ago we met a girl from Holland who goes every year solo and loves it. She told us that she has met many new friends that way.