I'm coming to the island from the UK in May, but whilst I dive mty wife unfortunately does not.

As I wanted to avail myself of all of the wonderful shore diving in Bonaire, and of course didn't want to dive alone, I wondered if there was an easy way to hitch up with others in the same position?

Any advice welcome

Check with your dive operator, most usually have a "posting" type board where you can put your name and that you are looking for a dive buddy. Also, check here! See if someone is going to be on Bonaire the same time you are, maybe you could hook up with them. Enjoy and welcome to the board!

Alan,

Post your dates and accommodation you may find another lone diver who wants a buddy.

We all share a common bond. In Bonnaire everone is friendly and we have always met other divers who want to share dives.

Enjoy your trip, we leave for Bonnaire at the end of May.

Dave

When I stayed at Eden Beach last trip, I found on two occasions divers hanging around Bongo's waiting to see who was diving. On two different occasions divers came over and asked my family (as we were gearing up) if they could join us. We said yes, and ended up diving with the both of them the remainder of the week! One Dutch woman who's husband only snorkeled, and one dutchman who's wife did not dive or snorkel. The common denominator was they were both outgoing enough to initiate conversation. We still e-mail both of them and the way Bonaire is, we ended up dining with them in the evenings and set the next days/nights diving up with them. It was great!

My 2 cents:
1) What worked for me was to go on a couple of boat dives.
Boatdives are an easy way to meet people (how can you not talk if you are in a confined space and just did an awesome dive ... ).
And it seems that there are always people on the boat that are by themselves, for whatever reason (traveling solo, spouse does not dive, etc). Just don't give up after the first trip if you have not met anyone to dive with yet.

2) Some of the people I met also did solo dives - there is a lot to see even at moderate depths, like 30ft (I don't think I would dive hilma hooker solo though....).

3) The "message boards" at the dive shops I went to were not very useful ("looking for a dive buddy" with no contact info, etc.) or non-existent.

4) I would imagine that it will be easier to find someone to dive with if you are staying in a resort where you can meet people at the bar, breakfast etc.

Bottom line: I would not worry about it too much, but plan on it taking a day or two.

Alan, if you have arranged to rent a truck or other vehicle for shore diving, you will doubtless find those without transportation eager to go with you to other sites. Just ask people who are shore diving at your resort if they'd like to go.
I've also found if I arrive on the dock alone, others preparing to dive will suggest I dive with them without my needing to ask. Something about Bonaire makes people very friendly. You'll love it!
Tish

If you are going to be there April 30 to
May 5, email me and we can hook up. My
friend is a diver and I only snorkel.

Thanks

Carl