Hello, all!

Two days to Bonaire and I can't wait!

I've been scouring the websites and this board, and I haven't quite found the information I'm looking for...

First, my girlfriend and I are novice divers (freshly PADI certified, with a massive 1:20 of bottom time each). We are looking hugely forward to our first independent diving experience, but want to make absolutely certain we do NO damage to the Diver's Paradise. I've seen some breakdowns on which sites require advanced skills, but are there any sites recommended for two people still getting a handle on their buoyancy control? We don't bounce off the bottom regularly, but we certainly need some practice. I am willing to trade a "stunning view" for a "good view" if it eliminates the chance of mass murder of coral.

Second, I saw mention on the Bonaire Marine Park site about free buoyancy workshops offered by some of the local dive shops, but could not find information on who offers them and when. Any thoughts?

Danki!

Matt

If you stay six or seven feet above the coral you shouldn't have any problem in most places.

I'm sure you will get many suggestions for places to practice, but one area I know of is right off Buddy Dive's pier. It is very easy entry and exit, and a long stretch of shallow water with mostly dead coral. That might be a good place to practice; there are areas you can go near the pier that shouldn't have any boat traffic.

Thank you for the tips, Edward. Will Buddy's allow non-guests to dive off their pier? (We will be staying "next door" at the Divi.)

I don't think Buddy Dive will mind if you dive off of their pier, but be sure and ask first. However, you probably have the same or a similar environment at the Divi. Someone here will certainly know.

The divi has an easy entrance to the water too.
It has a small sandy beach.

You will find another easy entry at the plaza.
They will ask a entrance fee of $5 each.

An other option is to do some guided dives. That's not to expensive.
You can practice your buoyancy in front of the dive school and get acquainted with the marine life of Bonaire.

I did some 150 dives, but that was 10 years ago.
I made an appointment with Yellow submarine for refreshment, but I'm sure that at divi you can give you the same service.

Matt, I suggest Buddy's too. Also eat at their restaurant when you're finished, it's fabulous!

One thing though, Buddy's isn't "next door" to Divi.... in fact they are pretty far away from each other... just thought you might want to know that.

You will love Bonaire and will love Divi too!

you will have a great time at the divi and will find the entrance to the water very easy off their docks...I recommend you dive several boat dives with them and ask Serge (dive shop manager) about bouyancy work... btw, I highly recommend bouyancy instruction for new divers...I commend you for thinking about it

you will have a great time at the divi and will find the entrance to the water very easy off their docks...I recommend you dive several boat dives with them and ask Serge (dive shop manager) about bouyancy work... btw, I highly recommend bouyancy instruction for new divers...I commend you for thinking about it

Hey Matt, we are going to be in Bonaire on Saturday as well for 8 days, staying at captain dons. If you want someone to dive with on occasion, stop by Captain Dons and ask what room Leipold is in, or just come to Gibi's Tuesday night at 6.30.

Bonaire Dive and Adventure (Sanddollar) offers a special on their PADI peak performance buoyancy specialty course. It was $30, but I think they have gone up to $35, but it comes with individual instruction, and includes two tanks which makes the course virtually free.