I've seen many mentions of a required "checkout dive" upon first arrival in Bonaire. Just wondering; is that something required by the dive park, or by individual resorts? We'll be staying at Deep Blue View, so not down in one of the main diving hotels - will we need to do a checkout dive, and if so, who coordinates them?

Thanks!

Hi Anastasia,

Welcome to Bonaire Talk.

Generally, the shop that rents you your gear and where you get your tanks asks that you do a 'checkout dive'. One must also fill out the shop's waiver forms, the health forms, the gear request forms, etc. The checkout dive is basically to make sure you have enough weight, your equipment works properly, you know enough to put your booties on first, then your fins; stuff like that.

There is an orientation to explain the Marine Park Rules, and when you pay your park fee, you get your tag for your BC.

Go to the bottom of this page, find the keyword search icon, click on it, follow the directions and see what others have said about the check out dive.

I cann't seem to understand why doing a check out dive is such a big thing with some people. They don't charge you for the dive and it's a great way to see that everything is working before you go on the boats or out on a shore dive and have to"sit this one out" because somethings was not working properly.I know the antisipation of the great diving but consider this part of the safe diving process.We still welcome doing it after our 10yrs plus of diving on Bonaire.

My two pennies worth on the "checkout dive". The way it is presented makes it seem to newcomers (and we ALL were one once) who read about it as if it some BIG deal, highly structured, Gee I sure hope I don't fail, kind of thing . Maybe the name should be changed to a mandatory buoyancy check before going out on the reef?

Randy, I think that "mandatory buoyancy check" would freak even more people out! (I imagine people thinking that the dive shop would make them hover above the reef for 5 minutes before you could go dive (although, this may be a good idea!)

Anastasia, the shop doesn't go on the dive with you. I think they should call it the "Dive Orientation" instead of check out dive...really, the hour to hour and half is explaining the marine park rules, outlining the dive sites, getting your marine park tag, etc....after all this, then you get your weights and go on your dive (you can hire a DM to go with you if you want, but they won't be "grading you") I hired a DM last July as Kelly hadn't gotten on island yet and I don't solo dive...so Martin from Buddy's went with me and he just went as a buddy, although he did show me the 2 house reef frog fish, and pointed out my first turtle...now that's a great way to start your dive vacation!!!

I wasn't complaining about it - just curious! I'm the kind of person who always appreciates a little orientation and extra supervision on my first dives in a new spot; it doesn't sound like too big a deal.

Anastasia, I have to tell you that I was a tad bit nervous about the check out dive. It seemed like it was a big deal to those that told me about it. However, it's more like your first dive of the trip... no one goes with you, you just go... like any other dive.

Also, I feel I need to address something with one Ms. Cynthia Jane Lee. You just HAD to brag about Martin being your "buddy" didn't you..... lol And in the broken record department... I love himmmmm...

Kelly, LOL! Do you have a picture of Mr. Martin (my buddy)?

Can you believe I NEVER got a pic of that gorgeous one.... but he's on Buddy's website.. I'll have to stop over and say hello and get a pic of him to post... or maybe I should keep him to myself..

OK,, so if we are diving with Toucan Divers,, no one goes with us on the first dive??? This will be our first Ocean dive, we live in Texas and dive in mud holes.... I would like someone to go with us on the first dive.. will they think we are "wimps" if we dont want to go alone????
We'll be there August 8th!!!!! 16 more days!!!

Lisa,

If you dive in mud holes......Bonaire should be a walk in the park for you.

If you want a guide to go with you, inquire ahead of time it could probably be arranged.

Have fun.

Lisa: You are correct. We've dove with Toucan for the last 2 years and neither time did anyone from the shop go with us. The dive is off the Plaza Resort beach and is a very easy entry. Tom is correct, if you dive in mudholes at home 18th Palm off the Plaza Resort beach will be no problem for you. I recommend you try and get them to golf cart your equipment down to the beach instead of you carrying it. Have a good dive.

Thanks. I guess not only do want to check buoyancy, but also,since we are new ocean divers we dont really know what to expect in the way of currents, landmarks for navigation, that kind of stuff. When we dive in Texas Lakes it is usually at dive parks that have underwater maps to navigate by. We were certified towards the end of last summer and have each logged less than 25 dives each.

Absolutely feel free to ask an experienced person to accompany you on your check out dive. No need to be unnecessarily nervous when there will be brand new things to experience. I know people here are trying to reassure you that it is an easy place to dive. That's entirely true. First time, though, don't be shy to have an "old hand" hold yours. Just my opinion. I learn quickly, but I especially learn from being shown, not just hearing something described. Have fun! :-)

Lisa, I agree with Niki. I would email Toucan and request that you would like a DM to go on your checkout dive with you. There will be a fee of course, but it will be worth it. No,they will not think you are "whimps" at all...we all start somewhere! You will find the staff at the dive shop very accommodating to your requests and wishes. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I hired a DM to go on my checkout dive with me as I don't dive solo...and Kelly didn't arrive until later. I emailed the dive shop ahead of time though and requested a DM for the dive

You will have a great time, and fall in love with the teaming marine life of Bonaire!

Lisa: Now that I know you all have less than 25 dives each, I would be inclined to agree with Niki and Cynde. Have a good dive.

Thanks to everyone. I have sent my husband a copy of the responses. I think we will contact them and schedule a DM. We have boat dives scheduled also, we may do a couple of those before we venture out on our own.
16 more days!!