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Diving Bonaire: Dive shops for newbies?
Bonaire Talk: Diving Bonaire: Archives: Archives 1999-2005: Archives - 2004-02-16 to 2004-08-14: Dive shops for newbies?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Suzie Bauer (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #3) on Tuesday, April 6, 2004 - 12:17 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Will be in Bonaire in 2 weeks.Got my Open Water Certification over a year ago and haven't been diving since.I'm interested to know which operators may cater to someone who's been dry for so long?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Linnea Wijkhof-Wimberly (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #675) on Tuesday, April 6, 2004 - 2:17 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

They all will if you let them know, especially the dive masters on the boat. Bonaire dive operators are some of the best in the Carribean. They take care of you, will show you things of interest, but do not herd you. They also will give you tips on what to do or not to do while diving. You may want to request a dive master to go with you on your 'check out' dive to help with any setup or bouancy issues.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jerry Besco (BonaireTalker - Post #39) on Tuesday, April 6, 2004 - 5:14 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Suzie,
Linnea's right Bonaire dive masters are top notch. Photo tours uses a smaller boat which means a smaller group of divers and dive master Mr. Bas is a great fellow who knows Bonaire as well as some and better then most. Check them out. Best wishes, Bonaire was my first warm water dive trip and after diving many other places I've found Bonaire to be the best overall experience.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Susanf (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #745) on Wednesday, April 7, 2004 - 8:22 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Suzie,
If you're staying at a "resort" (Captain Don's, SandDollar, Divi, Buddy's, etc. etc.), there'll be a dive shop right on-site, and as Linnea said, any one of them will be great - just let them know and they'll give you whatever extra attention you might need or want.

While I'm sure Photo Tours is great and I know Bas is a sweetheart, there really shouldn't be any need to go to an "outside" dive shop in this case - stick with the shop associated with the resort, they're all great.

There's also the possibility that Photo Tours will be the dive shop for the place you're staying.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Michael Scully (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #10) on Thursday, April 8, 2004 - 4:07 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Suzie,
While staying at Buddy Dive last year I had the opportunity to observe the staff work with a referral OW certification. A woman having completed her classroom/pool segment came to Buddy Dive to complete her OW cert. I overheard her say she hadn't been in the some time and was anxious about actually being in the ocean. The instructor was very patient with her and spent as much time as she needed to refresh her memory of her training. They then did her skills testing out in front of pier at Buddy's. Once she completed her skills they went on a short dive out on the house reef. When they returned she had that typical new diver grin you see so often. I think you'll have no problem with any of the DM's you met as long as you explain you situation and experience to them. Enjoy yourself and safe diving.
Mike

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Lorraine Meadows (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #809) on Thursday, April 8, 2004 - 4:30 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Let the divemaster know and I'm sure they'll accomodate you.Diving is a "second language" on Bonaire. Everyone understands. The clear blue calm water makes it easy to dive here.Have fun!

 


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