In the past we've always stayed at the resorts with the on-site dive facilities, but for our next trip, we're considering one of the apartment facilities that aren't associated with a dive operation. How easy is it to get a weekly dive package directly through one of the operators, and which ones might be recommended. We're looking for the standard unlimited air/shore diving and boat trips out to Klien.

Thanks.

Michael
candoia@yahoo.com

We did a dive package with Bon Bini last year when we stayed at Ocean View Villas. They have a number of boat/shore dive packages available and provide a shower, rinse tanks, and locked storage for your gear at the dock. They also have a roadside drive through for tank pickup for shore diving. Nice operation, I would highly recommend them. We liked them so much that this year we are returning to stay at Lions Dive and diving with them again.

I also want to add to my previous message that accommodations at Ocean View Villas were very nice, but this year we wanted to do the resort thing. Kind of the opposite of what you are thinking about doing. We would recommend them highly as well.

If you check www.infobonaire.com and look at the diving link, I think all the dive operators give costs for dive packages for those who aren't staying in the resort accommodation. There are also a couple of operators who aren't actually in resorts, I believe.

We were at Lion's Dive last year, and I did my ow with Bon Bini. They are a terrific outfit!

We all have our favourites....Mine is Lagoen Hill Bungalows which we've used a couple of times. The last visit had the added bonus of a newly installed self service dive tank "shop" provided by Toucan. Their HQ is at The Plaza.
It's worth using Toucan if only for the privilege of listening to the nautical tales of its manager Steve Jevon, who despite his repeated denial is in my opinion, the older brother of Cap'n Don.

Older? Was that a typo or has Steve Aged that much? Tall tales abound on these islands....

I like Sand Dollar dive operation...tank pick-up and return very easy,,,good staff,,, secure lockers available to leave gear..halfway between north and southern sites...good and easy shore site right there , good for night dive with rope to guide you back to shore and rinse gear right away...have fun!

No typo Michael.
I reckon that he has to be older than Don because of his Titanic story. You must have heard it? No?
Well, it's the one where he forces his near naked body (he had been employed as a boiler room "stoker" on the ill fated vessel) in between two of the buckled plates of the ships hull. Thus slowing the torrent of incoming arctic water & giving the crew & passengers a few invaluable extra minutes to evacuate the sinking ship.
Surely, whilst Steve was performing this heroic feat, his brother the young Don, was playing contentedly with his rubber ducks in the old tin bath they used to share, as Mom scrubbed his chubby little apendages before playfully smacking his cute little butt & propelling him towards their cabins welcoming log fire, to dry himself.

I rest my case.

Hysterical! Carole

Andy,
You are beginning to reach the limits of credibility, everyone knows I have never shared a bath tub with Cap. Don.

andy, surley you must right that novel someday...you do have an imagination that is quite fertile...oh, and where is the story of the "hat?"

I do believe that the Websters definition of fertile is? Hum starts with a "s" ends with "t". Oh that's right Mister "shovel" you have lots of natural fertilizer at your disposal.

By the way the "Hat" is on its way.

The slow 2-fingered typer is working on the story of the "deep dive". I am also waiting on the pictures. When I have them I will post the Story. Suffice to say that Ikelite can now rate their housings to 351 ft+. In late Jan. we will do more exploratory dives in this area again. More pic's to follow.

So nice to hear from you all!
I wondered what it would take to drag you back to the keys Steve. Thought that I might get away with the bath tub story....but decided against including the pic of Mom rocking gently to & fro in her chair on the verandah as she breast feeds you both from her ample bosom.
Walt...Come on man! If they don't fall for my slight exaggerations, you surely don't expect 'em to believe that you've gone to 351 ft do you?But seriously....looking forward to reading your write up & hopefully seeing a pic or two.
The hat story is one for the new year methinks. First I've got to "deal" with Habitat.
In the meantime....I hope that Santa brings you all everything you desire & the New Year brings you peace & happiness.

Andy & Marcia

walt..had to read yours post twice, and study the numbers to assure I wasn't seeing things...would love to hear the report and see pics...as for "mister shovel"...i think the hat story would make a lovely new years toast

The wonders of three gasses in a rebreather!???!

Glen the wonder of carrying 5 tanks and a 3 hour+ dive. Cynde the story is on the way.

Rb sounds better!!!!

Brad and I just returned, today, from spending a month diving on Bonaire. We had at least 4 friends with us at all times...not always the same 4, but.... We rented a unit at Lighthouse Beach Resort from Joe Bird and he, being a part-time resident of the island, recommended Photo Tours Divers. WE COULDN'T HAVE BEEN MORE DELIGHTED with their operation. Total flexibility of dive package, total convenience, free gear lockers, skilled equipment tech, and FUN staff. While $99/week unlimited shore dive is the standard package on the island, Photo Tours stresses flexibility. Two "sets" of friends were there for two weeks, but not diving every day. They dove over 10(?)(12?) days instead of 7, got the one week package, less 10%! How much better can it get than that? There are also some companies who will only let you take one tank each at a time. We frequently loaded up with THREE tanks each (for six of us) for the day's diving. Tanks available 24 hours a day. Good dunk tanks. And Ante was exceptionally helpful when my husband encountered regulator problems: loaned him a part for the duration of our trip. We only did one 2-tank boat dive and a guided night dive under the Town Pier. The rest was shore diving. A must: buy Jessie Armacost's book on shore diving...and read it! Her specific directions about easiest entry and exit is well worth the $10. And it was written AFTER Lenny. At any rate, during our month on Bonaire, Brad made 53 dives and I did 48. Photo Tours gets our vote, and the votes of the eight other divers in our party.

I would have to agree with Freeda. We have used Photo Tours every time we visit Bonaire. The gang there is top notch, and flexibility is an understatement. You can basically request dive sites for the daily boat dives the day before and get to visit that site if the mooring is available! Jessie Armacost (sp?) is on staff there which is invaluable when doing boat dives, she briefs the group on what to expect and where to look for some of the more shy critters. Add the freedom of shore diving, and I have yet to be less than Wow'd by their operation. Small groups on boats, exceptional service, and priced equal to all the other operators...it's a no brainer for my money.

we enjoyed Photo Tours last year, and even took our underwater camera specialty class from them.
they were very friendly, convenient, and good.