Hi! We will be going on our first trip to Bonaire in August and will most likely be staying at the Lions Dive Resort. My son, age 10, is Padi certified as a Jr Open Water diver and I am also newly certified. We've each been on 12 dives (in Belize and Moorhea) so we are still newbies. We have never shore dived. I'm assuming shore dives are done without a divemaster present?? Would my son and I be safe shore diving from the beach by Lions Dive? Is shore diving okay for newbies or would we be better off sticking with boat dives with a divemaster?

Michele,

There are some dive sites that on some days may have a strong current as well as some difficult entries and exits. There is a wonderful book called "Bonaire Diving Made Easy" by Jessie Armacost that I recommend you purchase. It is a practical guide to the shore dives of Bonaire and it has a rating system based on the experience level required to do the dive safely. It also lists various things about each dive site. It does list about 30 shore dives in the easy category. You might contact one of the local dive shops and they may allow you to purchase it online and they could mail it to you. If your comfort level is there, I found in the beginning that by doing shore dives you're more apt to practice your navigation skills. I have a 10 year old daughter that was certified last summer in B onaire and there are several shore dives that I would attempt with her in Bonaire.

Have a wonderful trip!

Michelle, the book Kay recommends is good. there is also a web site that I have bookmarked at work I can send to you that rates all the sites, etc. When you go through your orentiation at lions, tell them your situation, and they can tell you the easiest entry dives. you will be ok, as there are a lot of shore dive sites that are a breeze. you do need booties, as the coral rubble is pretty tough on the feet. you may want to do a few boat dives just to "get your feet wet" and get comfortable in the water again, and with your equipment and all that. we found that navigating the shore dives on bonaire to be the easiest we have ever encountered! the dive shop will also explain this to you in your orientation as well.

Thanks Kay and Cynde. I will definitely get the book and I would love the link to the website with the ratings. Has anyone shore dived from Lion's Dive Resort?

Michele, I have it at work, I will send you the link. I had printed it out when we went becuase it was so helpful. i don't think there is a beach at lion's, i don't remember if they have a dock or not. you will love bonaire!

here are a couple of links, on the first one, click on dive sites and then each area.

http://www.skin-diver.com/bonaire/main.html

another

http://www.infobonaire.com/html/divemap.html

This is probably the site Cynde is talking about. If not, it's IMHO the best site describing the shore dives on Bonaire, including photos of the entries, etc.

http://www.shorediving.com/Earth/ABC/index.htm

Greg, thanks! That one is the one I had at work.

michelle, try this link, when you get there the order for the book will be on the left.
http://www.bonairenews.com/

One of my favorite easy dives on Bonaire is right in front of Lions Dive. My husband and I will be staying at Lions in April and May, so I am looking forward to that dive especially at night. The dive instructors there will have suggestions for you on other easy sites. Also, on every trip to Bonaire, we have met others who have gone diving with us on a few of our dives. Bonaire is so friendly, that I think it rubs off on the tourists. I am always more comfortable, especially at a new location, when there are a couple of others in the water with us. One of the great things about Bonaire diving is that you don't usually have to go very deep to see lots of great coral and fish. If you do decide to arrange for boat dives, I recommend that you just do the 6 boat dives in a week package. That way, it will leave you lots of time for exploring the island and doing some shore dives. By the way, Lions is a good spot to stay. This will be our 8th. trip to Bonaire and our 4th. time at Lions Dive.

There's no Beach at Lion's Dive, but diving from they're dock should be easy. They have to dive from the dock 2 stairs, and a boat pier!

We had diner at The Lion's Den, they're fine restaurant at the waterside.

Wow! You guys are awesome. Thanks for all the great info. I'm feeling much better and am ready to book with Lion's Dive on their RCI members deal. Thanks Dean for the link to ordering the book. I wish I didn't have to wait until August for this trip. We fly on frequent flyer miles so have to book WAY ahead to get what we want. This trip was booked last September. Maybe I'll book now for next January since it sounds like Bonaire is diver's heaven, can't go wrong.

We've stayed at Lions Dive twice and are planning our 3rd trip for Christmas. We have 2 teenage sons that are certified and a 10 year old daughter that wants to get certified before our trip. The diving in front of Lions Dive is some of the best, and a good way to get adjusted to underwater life after a few months on land. The current is usually minimal and the Bon Bini Dive shop folks are very helpful. You'll find the entry and exit from their dock to be very easy. Have fun!

"Bonaire Diving Made Easy" by Jessie Armacost
Is this book readily available for purchase at the dive shops in Bonaire? I'm leaving the end of this week so no time to order it. Wish I had known about it before!

I think I bought mine at Photo Tours. But I'm sure it is available at most dive shops on the island. Have a great trip!

Lion's Dive is right at Bari Reef-this is where I finished my OW certification. Easy diving, easy entry, lots of stuff. And BTW, Lion's Dive does now have a small man made beach, an improvement they made after Lenny hit. You'll love it.