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Diving Bonaire: Where's the best place to stay for first visit for active women divers.
Bonaire Talk: Diving Bonaire: Archives: Archives 1999-2005: Archives - 2001-09-01 to 2002-05-23: Where's the best place to stay for first visit for active women divers.
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Debbie Riels on Tuesday, November 6, 2001 - 1:35 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

We're looking for a hassle free, no boat loading, no tank totting, easy time. Where would a group of gals go?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Thomas R. Gastio on Tuesday, November 6, 2001 - 9:25 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Most of the dive operators on Bonaire have the tanks loaded on the boat for you. All you have to do is put your own personal gear on the boat, and then you just strap a BC and regulator to the tank that is usually behind the seat. Divemasters will help you at the rear of the boat if yu ask. They usually help my wife with her set up and than just a short stride into the water. DIVI has an easy operation as well as many others. If you keep checking the board, I am sure you will have many answers forthcoming....

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kelly Lott on Tuesday, November 6, 2001 - 11:27 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

I would vote for Divi too. You can feasibly do all your dives right off the dock, and your gear is stored about 10 steps away from the end of the dock. Very civilized.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Will Chetwood on Tuesday, November 6, 2001 - 12:02 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

As Thomas said, most of the operators seem to have devised systems to make life as easy as possible. I stayed at Captain Dons this summer. Normally I reckon to have to haul my own gear and at least one of my kids'. Not at Captain Dons. For boat dives, tanks were invariably on the boat and there was even a system of ensuring that small tanks would be provided if necessary. On exiting the water, we just sat down of the stern of the boat, and the Divemaster removed the tanks and stored them.

Similarly, there were lockers to store gear right by the jetties from which both the boats left and shore diving took place (take a padlock).

Easy diving indeed!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Susan Feldman on Tuesday, November 6, 2001 - 12:02 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

As Thomas said, most of the dive operators on Bonaire take good care of the guests.

As at the Divi, Captain Don's Habitat has a nice house reef in La Machaca, easy access to your gear with the reef a short walk down the dock. The boats are nice, they load all the tanks on board and all you have to do is hook up your reg and BC. The divemasters are all pleasant and courteous, and will help if you need any.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Susan Feldman on Tuesday, November 6, 2001 - 12:05 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I forgot about the small tanks - thanks Will!

I found that I didn't really need to be carrying 80's - I could still get an hour plus a bit under water with 67's. All I had to do was put a notation on the boat sign-up board, and the 67 would be loaded on the boat and there for me.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Alan & Joan Zale on Tuesday, November 6, 2001 - 1:19 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

You might want to check out Sand Dollar Condo resort. They have studio, one, two and three bedroom units all with complete kitchens. The dive operation is great. Just ask and they will put smaller tanks on the boat for you. We must admit we're partial to Sand Dollar, we own a two bedroom there, but that's because it is such a great place

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Robert Deal on Wednesday, November 7, 2001 - 7:22 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I would second earlier suggestions for Divi...OK, I'm biased---we always stay there. Diving is very easy, small tanks available, just fall off the pier or step on a boat. Another plus is the walking proximity to town, restaurants, Karl's, etc. which is nice when you have a group of people who don't want to worry about transportation.

 


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