I just became a certified PADI diver in a college course in Reno, Nevada. My family is planning a trip to Bonaire in December for a windsurfing trip. No one else in my family is a diver but I really want to take advantage of the wonderful diving while I'm there. I was just wondering where was a good place to rent gear and if a person can go by themselves and be assigned a buddy?

Hi Stephanie,

There are a lot of good dive operations on Bonaire. Buddy Dive, Bon Bini, Toucan, Wanadivebonaire are several of many the come to mind, all of which are good. You can go to almost any of the resorts and rent gear or dive on their dive boats. As for a buddy, thats a little harder. I am sure the divemasters on any of the boats will be happy to assist you. You may also try posting a "buddy wanted" notice here, maybe one of the regulars may be on the island when you are. Look around the hotel where you are staying and find a group that appears to have some experienced divers. Go up and introduce yourself and ask to join them. Be honest when you tell them your experience level, they need understand that they are getting a new diver and don't be upset if they decline, some diving is not ment for beginners and they may be planning just such a dive. Dive safe and enjoy Bonaire.

Herman

Congratulations Stephanie... I am sure you will truelly love diving in Bonaire. We have had divers ask us to buddy with them when previously in Bonaire. I am sure you will find people who are happy to dive with you. I suggest you just be sure to do all the safety steps you've been trained on even if the person you buddy up with doesn't think to. And don't dive with someone who is not willing to do so... WE have had buddy's join us who take short cuts and we insisted to take our safety precautions with them anyway - as a newbee you want to look out for your safety (even if not a newbee ofcourse) My young son once buddied with somebody on a night dive who never once looked to be sure they were together and that all was OK and our friend who was buddying with another close by saw what was going on and buddy'd up with our son on the spot.

Congratulations, Stephanie. I got certified on Bonaire in August at BonBini (which is at Lion's Dive Resort). I was travelling alone, so I just did boat dives with BonBini. One time I buddied up with another newbie who had done some of the certification classes with me(and we stayed very close and didn't go terribly far from the boat). Other times, when the other divers were all paired up, the divemaster stayed with me/guided me. Worked great, I saw a lot, felt very comfortable and got more confidence (I was a VERY scared student). I'm sure all dive operations will work that way, but I really felt comfortable with the folks at BonBini.

You'll have a great trip. Bonaire is wonderful.

Thank you everybody for all of your help!