Hi everybody,
I´ll be traveling to Bonaire for a dive trip during the Regatta week and I´m concerned about the diving conditions during the races. Does anyone know about any restrictions to diving during the races ? Will the dive sites be opened while the races ?
Thanks a lot
Marcelo

We were in Bonaire in 2002 during Regatta and a far a diving goes, no sites were closed that we were aware of. As a matter of fact, we didn't even see any races going on - although there was. The only thing we noticed was there was a lot more people on the island during that time.
Our resort owner said petty crime tends to go up during Regatta time, so be extra dilligent about leaving things out (as we found out the hard way).

Lorraine, thanks for your feedback on the issue. I´m sorry you´ve had had trouble with the crime issue. Hope they do something about the problem.

Marcelo, we had two incidents on that trip. We left our dive boots out to dry overnight and my husbands were taken but not mine. His had seen better days but it meant looking for a new pair on the island - totally our fault as we were warned by the resort owner not to leave anything out. The other incident was stolen licence plates on our rental car - odd! This has in no was detered us from returning. The diving is awesome, the pace of life is awesome and you can help but fall in love with Bonaire. Freedom from a drysuit is the best. Is this going to be your first time?

Lorraine, yes, it will my first experience to Bonaire, and my group is all excited about. I´ve been watching the board for a while and I´m aware of the troubles people have had with crimes on the island. And yes, I agree about the water temperature. Here in Brazil we often dive with temperatures like 18 degrees or less !!! Finally I´ll wipe the dust from my 3mm !

Our first trip to Bonaire years ago was during Regata week but we weren't aware of that when we went. There are more people there that week and lots of partying going on.

We were snorkeling at Windsock one afternoon and the sailboats were coming down by us to make their turns to go back up the shoreline. It was kind of neat being at water/eye level with them and watching them race.

We now go in May/June with smaller crowds which is better for us. We like to get "away" from folks for a while and just "vegg" out in the waters.

You should have a lot of fun, tho. Just be careful. Whenever there are more folks on the island the bad activity can increase at times. Just use common sense and you should be just fine@

Have a great time!! Carole

Hi Carole, thanks for the advise. I´m sure we´ll have a great time. I´ll post a report when I´m back.
Thanks!