So..I have been told that there were no sharks around Bonaire. Obviously, this information is skewed. Barry or anybody else who can help, Please tell me the best spot to find some sharks Around Bonaire. I will be there from November 3 through the 10th. I love sharks and would love to dive with them there on Bonaire. It will be my first trip and that would make it even better. I appreciate any help you could give me.

Tim, there are no "shark dives" as such on Bonaire. The most recent pictures of local sharks were provided by the Operations Manager of Capt Don's Habitat (Jack Chalk) and owner/operator of Rec Tek Scuba NV.(Walt Stark) using rebreathers. I suggest after your initial check-out dives you talk with the folks you are diving with, they may be able to offer suggestions. I have been going to Bonaire for a number of years and have seen only one tinsy nurse shark.

Tim...as Kelly said, there are no "shark dives" on Bonaire.

Of close to 100 some dives on the East coast, I have seen a Bull Shark, Hammerhead (both on the same dive and on video) at Boca Spelunk.

I have seen two unidentified sharks (murky water) at Boca Onima and have had others tell me about 'close' encounters (brushing) while in the Boca (murky water).

At Baby Beach, I saw sharks on several dives, but they were small (less than 3 feet and I wouldn't call it a shark dive), in the shallows and fast retreaters. Surfers have said that there were sightings of sharks at Baby Beach.

Your chances of seeing a shark are greater on the East Coast than on the West side, but I wouldn't say that going to the East Coast will result in a shark sighting.

Don't forget, I had been diving for 7 years on Bonaire and I just wouldn't call Bonaire a good place to 'shark dive'.

Sorry for the misconception I gave.

Barry, we might want to mention dives on the East side are mostly unmarked and are "sporting" at best. Unless the prevailing winds shift or you have a boat at your disposal I suggest staying on the leeward (West) side.

I certainly agree, Kelly. The only marked dive site is the White Hole (sometimes called Blue Hole).

I would hope that all who read about the East Coast diving seek out guidance, either with a guide or with an orientation that not only gives the entrances and exits, but what to look for in weather patterns, surface currents, bay tides, etc.

As an example, if it rains heavily when you are at Boca Spelunk, there is a strong possiblity of being stuck back there until the quagmires dry out. Hmmm, take an extra tank or two, maybe? There is one way out, but only an experienced person can show you...it's even too difficult to explain.

Boca Washikemba is the same way with the quagmires. Again, there is one way out, but not easy to find. It can make for anxious moments to say the least.

And one certainly needs to know the particular exit points of the Boca's to be safe.

Well alright guys...I appreciate it. Got to talking with my Instructor yesterday about all this East Coast diving and he said the same thing. He's dove some on the east side and we'll check it out before we even think about considering the possibility of getting in over there. Thanks for the input though. 31 days to go!!!!

There are some small Black Tip Reef shark on the north dives, we saw them on Webers Joy and Bloodlet in September, apparantly they have been aroubd for a while. Some lucky devils also saw a Manta at Karpata see http://www.habitatdiveresorts.com/photoweeklywinners.html

Has anyone ever been attacked?

I don't know if anyone has every been attacked in Bonaire, but you have a greater chance of being bitten at New Smyrna Beach, FL standing in 2-3 ft of water at dusk. (CNN was camped out here earlier this year waiting for the next attack.)

I don't think I've ever heard an attack mentioned. We don't have the sandy shallows that sharks love to hunt in like Florida and the Bahamas.

Worst things I've heard here are diver mistakes like stepping on a scorpionfish or sea urchin.