Can anyone tell me if Bonaire requires a snorkel flag to be used when snorkeling? I know some places in the states require it. It is probably a good idea in any event, but not sure how much boat traffic or other type of marine vehicle traffic there might be near snorkel spots.
Any comments would be appreciated.

Hi there, I don't think that you need a snorkel flag on Bonaire.. we've never used one, or been advised to take one.. there isn't a great deal of boat traffic on Bonaire (thankfully).. We did use one on the Caymans, but it was so much busier on the water there...

Talking of which, are divers expected to use an SMB? (surface marker buoy). When we were doing shore dives in Tobago we had to use one (although I can appreciate the safety aspects, they make life more complicated,esp if you've got a camera as well!)

To the best of my knowledge there is no requirement for dive flags or surface markings ..jack or one of the operators can better address this but is is my understanding that boat operators are encourage/required to operate in the blue/deep water away from snorkeling/shallow areas.. Probably more to protect the coral then the tourists

Nope. No requirements. And experience has shown that when a dive flag is used, many Bonaire boaters don't have a clue what it means (or at least what to do differently near one).

Jake

They do not use them in Antigua either. I was always so scared when my ex and I used to free dive. Sadly, a friend of ours who spear fished for a living (I know..fie on spear fishing) was hit by a motor boat at Sunsail and he died. Of course he would be out quite far as well..

Annie

Dive flags are not required and neither are snorkel flags.

The rules for boats are to stay seaward of the dive bouys, you the snorkeler or shorediver stay landside of the bouys. There is one exception where I would recommend a flag for both....in the harbour near the sailboats. There is a lot of boat activity in that area and prudence is best.

Thanks to all who responded. I think in FL it is the law you have to have a flag even for snorkeling. However, not sure snorkelers ever pay much attention to it. I have snorkeled in areas where it is posted you must have one, but didn't use one... stupid on my part, because boat traffic here can be very busy.
Just wanted to come prepared. Thanks again for the enlightenment! Have a good day all...
23 days & counting.

Rita or anyone,

Speaking of Tobago, we were thinking of planning a trip there next year and I was wondering what sea life there was and diving conditions? I have been certified for a year with approx. 50 dives. Would this be a place with someone with not to much experience. Do you really see whales and sharks???

The diving is mostly (fairly advanced) drift diving and I didnt do much! We stayed at Blue Waters (which is away from the airport end and most of the tourist hotels) and there was a reasonable shore dive/snorkel there. A beautiful French Angel came up to see you every time you got in the water!
The other thing that put me off was the boat - (and the roughish seas) as it wasnt a proper diving boat and you had to do a back-roll entry and clamber back in over the side.
There is a good chance of seeing mantas at the right time of year (although we didnt) but I dont think whales and sharks figure much! The vis tends to be poor by Caribbean standards (because of the run-off from a large river in Venezuela) but thats what brings in the life the mantas feed off (apparently). There is supposed to be the largest brain coral in the world there.
The island is lovely tho and I'd go there again just for the birds even if I didnt dive.