I've been lurking for a bit now trying to learn more about Bonaire. What a great board!

I have the oppourtunity to go to Bonaire with a group from our local dive shop. The trip would include about 12 couples and 1 dive master who has been to the Island before. Price is only slightly higher that if we booked the trip ourselves.

Has any one ever gone with a dive group before? If so, would you do it again? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Lee

Lee,

I've always done my dive trips with a group. My first dive trip was a trip to Nassau that was organized by my local shop, where none of us knew each other. After that, a few of us from that trip stayed together, added a few others along the way, and continued to dive together every year...including Bonaire (1997). In fact, I'm planning a return trip to Bonaire for next summer. I highly recommend diving with a group, its great fun!
Of course, everyone's opinion will vary, but it has worked great for me. I have a whole new group of great friends that I never knew before I started diving.

Mike,
So far, that has been the feedback from others I have talked to.
It just so happens that there is a Bonaire seminar tonight at my local dive shop that my wife and I will attend. I am pretty sure we will sign up afterwards. It sounds like it would be a blast.

Lee

my four visits to Bonaire have all been with a group - lots of advantages to it from my point of view...

I have done it both ways. Our first trip was with a LDS group and the next 3 were with some dive buddies of ours. Both ways have their advantages and disadvantages. I find that if I have never been to a location before, I like having an experienced person along, be it a true "trip leader" from a dive shop or just some who has "been there, done that". If you need dive buddies, a shop trip is one of the best ways to get to know some fellow divers in your area and to see if you are compatable dive buddies. Another advantage to a larger dive group is that there is always someone willing to do one more dive. When I go with just my wife or a few other divers, I sometimes want to do another dive but no one else wants to go. Either way, you will have a great time.

Hi Lee,

I’ve gone to Bonaire 3 times now with a group of about 20, and have my deposit in for next July too. The group changes some each year, but about 2/3 are repeats. As Mike said, we’ve developed a new group of friends that are almost like family.

I have found that going with a group, especially the first couple of years, to be very beneficial, both above and below the water. There’s always someone to hang out with, always something to learn from group discussions, and always someone to dive with. There’s a marvelous sharing of experience levels. It’s very similar to the experience that I get right here on Bonaire Talk!

The only negative that I’ve experienced is that we don’t mix enough with the locals. This past year a group of us did go and meet some B.T.er’s at Gibi’s, and a few of us went to the Art festival, but nowhere on the scale that people seem to mix that don’t have that large group to fall back on. We discussed this last month at a get together, and agreed that next year we need to do a little better at reaching out beyond our own circle. There’s too many new friends to meet!

Either way - it will be a blast! Gail

To all,
Thanks for the feedback. I went ahead and reserved my trip in July with the dive shop. I think it will be a blast!
We are also looking to increase our circle of diving friends.

I don't really see any downside for going to Bonaire with a group. After all, you don't HAVE to dive with them all the time. Thanks to the easy shore diving you can go with your buddy where you want, when you want, and not be dictated by the will of the group.

Darryl

Welcome to the BT board, Lee! You will definitely have the diving time of your life on Bonaire. She has wonderful things to share with you when you are land-locked, as well. Be prepared to relax, kick back and soak in all her beauty and wonderment. There is not a nice place on earth, in my opinion. Glad to have you on BT. CArole

Congrats Lee, you won't regret your decision I assure you. However & whenever you get to Bonaire, its a treat, so now that you've booked the trip, the hard part is over...its all smooth sailing (& diving!) from here on out. The worst that's left is the wait....and then the unfortunate post trip blues....

The seminar last night was great! We were shown video's and a slide show. I believe Mike that the worst part is going to be the waiting. Oh well, I guess that gives us time to buy new gear. :-)

There ya go Lee, great idea! Any excuse you can dream up is a good one!