I will probably do most of my diving via boat unless I run up on a good buddy (by myself). I'm staying at the Plaza and am going to use Toucan for convenience. Anyone have experience with them? I was thinking about splitting my nine days with another operator.

Kevin
I dove with Toucan last March and will be doing the same next week. I did like 5 days of boats over two weeks and was totally happy with their service, equipment and DM's. I don't really know what you'd gain from switching operators except maybe variety among DMs.

When are you going?

Well, you may hook up with another single diver on the boat, and decide to shore dive with them. You can also look for buddies amongst the folk who will be on the island when you are, at Gibi's on Tuesday, or through the compiled lists on this board. There is plenty of good shore diving on Bonaire, I have not actually been on a boat dive there in years.
I find that the cost of diving is usually the sum of it's parts, that there is not often a discount for prepaying, in case you do change your mind.

Kevin, I'm with Joe, there would really be no advantage in switching dive operators mid-dive week unless you aren't happy with their services (which I don't ever remember hearing about anything negative Toucan). Plus, it would be an inconvenience to be staying at the Plaza and having your dive gear at another shop...you will literally walk from your room to the dock and then onto the boat. If you switch shops, you will have to drive to the other shop, park, walk...way too inconvenient as far as I'm concerned!

When are you going? There is a spreadsheet with the January Bonaire Talkers on island, and Chet Wood, the master of all BT organizers has a February/March sheet. You may be able to hook up with folks and get some great shore diving in by going to Gibi's as Joe suggested.

Still waiting for the june and july sheets (tee hee)

Seb...LOL...actually I'm glad that Chet has February/March covered so well, it gives me a little breather Someone remind me in March they are going in April and I'll start the April sheet (like someone will have to remind us their going in April...Martini???) [wink]

Well, If you want to know the truth... We are leaving March 31-st to Bon, so we might even get on chet's list... On the other hand, maybe not, as we are arriving April 1-st real early...

And we arrive March 29th - departing April 13th...So let the list be started !!!! :-)

How many days for YOU, Loo Hoo?

WOW! I never expected such a response to my question. This is my first time to Bonaire. Man, am I starting to feel at home. I'll be there May 10.

Thanks everyone. I know I'll have some more questions again.

Kevin

Kevin, start planning your NEXT trip now! There is no doubt you will become addicted to Bonaire like the rest of us are. You are in for such a treat. If you can hook up with some folks for shore diving you will experience the ease of diving without a boat schedule. Either way, you are definitely in for the diving treat of your life on Bonaire! Carole

Cindy,
Even Deity's need a rest; besides, I just could not resist making my annual Feb/Mar chart.

Martin,
(Another 'list' maker)I'll sneak you into the far right of the chart; you'll mentally be on Island on the 31st.

Linda,
You also get added. Will post update soon (within a day or 2).

Kevin, keep an eye out in early April for the May chart

Chet, you started the whole chart thing I wouldn't think of attempting to map February/March...that thing is HUGE! I couldn't wait for it to get here and so I could kick my feet up for a couple of months! LOL!

Seb, I'm not counting yet...60 days to Sint Maartin though When I get back from that trip I'll start counting Bonaire days