Hi,
Just wondering what the dive conditions are like in Bonaire in September. Is this an OK time to go? Is the vis and weather ok?

Thanks,

Darryl

Darryl

The diving is good in Bonaire at anytime of year, September is exceptionally good as there is a coral spawning 7 to 9 nights after the full moon. I think the spawning should be around 26th - 28th Sept. As for weather and vis it is a good time. Also have a look at the trip reports from that period.

Brian

Darryl, were were there last september and it was warm (we had ac in the master bedroom where i spent a lot of my time)! But you are in the water so much it really is no big whoop. Definetly need ac in your car for driving around. vis and water is fantastic! Here is a link to my trip report...
Trip Report

Darryl -

Take heed of Cynde's note that September can be "warm." I would suggest it can be blisteringly hot as it was in September '99.

We just got back from a mid-January '02 trip and it was breezy, very moderate temperature and most pleasant. For a place where the temperature seldom varies, there was a dramatic difference in the way it felt between the two trips.

The real explanation is probably that in Sept '99 there practically was no wind and no rain. In Jan '02 there was both.

In no way is this intended to disuade you from a September trip. Just be prepared, especially if you've never been that close to the equator. The sun of other latitudes, even "upstream" in the Carib, is nothing compared to the southern latitude of Bonaire. AC and lots and lots of sunscreen will be a big comfort.

With these thoughts in mind, there is one thing you can almost certainly count on: you're going to fall in love with Bonaire!

Chas.

I've been told it is warm in September and part of the reason is the winds either die down and/or shift. That means diving on the east side is more accessible.

Hopefully someone with more experience will confirm or deny my impression.

Bea

Bea, we actually had some breeze when we were there in September, but the winds didn't shift, and there was noooo way we were going to dive the east side!

It IS warm in September and in the midst of wind reversal season. We did have some light wind days last year and the east side was accessible. The only way to do the east side is with experienced divers who are familiar with access points and conditions. My attempt last fall ended up aborted. The reversals are sporadic and changable so I am told. I have yet to experience one. I am looking forward to a successful foray and have heard wonderful things about the diving there.