A group of us are planning a trip to Bonaire in November and some of us have been there several times in the past. PBD is excruciating!

Anyway, the last time I was there (over a year ago) we had a run in with the guy that runs the Sand Dollar dive shop telling us that Bari's Reef was not public access and you had to be diving with him to do it. This was contrary to our prior visits and had several people tell us at the pier that he was "full of it" but wanted to confirm the truth as it is today. This is one of my wife and I's favorites and would be sorely disappointed if we have to skip it due to the package we get with Buddy Dive. Anyone have the skinny on this???

Buddy Dive is beside Sand Dollar. Get in the water at Buddy Dive and take a left at the reef. I believe the customary courtesy on Bonaire is to rent a tank from the dive shop from whose dock you wish to dive, and there's usually no problem.

The dive shop at Sand Dollar asks that you come in and sign a liability waiver before diving Bari Reef. They do not expect you to rent a tank or support their business in any way. It is always a good idea to check in with the dive operator at any resort before using their facilities. Susan

Hi Susan!!

Jason - The last time I was there (in April) I just signed the waiver and went diving - no problem.


Ditto to what Susan said about letting the dive operation know you are diving off their dock.

Thanks for the information everyone. I have no problem throwing the operation a little money - seems like I always need something on a dive trip that I hadn't planned for... I also will be sure and talk to them prior this time around. On our previous trip to the last experience there wasn't anyone there and we were with a group that said you can just walk down to the pier. The problem I had was with the way this guy approached me and the family on the last go around. He was pretty loud and belligerent. Either way, I will definitely go see them prior to unloading a single item from the truck.

The DM at Photp Tours informed us that both Sand Dollar and Cap'n Dons now charge for entrance to the reef. We just went off from Lion's Dive (next to Buddy's and now part of Buddy's)where you are free to come and go as you please.

Mary - was that Bas or Eddie who told you that? I know Don's charge - but when did it change at the Sand$? In April it was just fine - as long as you signed the waiver.

It was Eddie.

I wondered how long it would take after Capt Don's started before other resorts would pull the same stunt....lets see, now a fee for Capt Dons, Sand Dollar, town pier, salt pier... what is next

Mary,
I can assure you that Sand $ does not charge for the use of their pier or beach access. They do ask that you sign a liability waiver. If you have doubts, do call Joan at the shop (Bonaire Dive & Adventure) and she will let you know for sure.
Susan

That's interesting-just reporting what the dive shop told us.

I have gone to Sand $ many times in the last year and never paid a charge for beach access or even to snorkel. Last time there was this past February. Debbie

Just got off the phone with SD and they DO NOT CHARGE. It is just the case of an ill informed DM running off at the mouth and creating problems by repeating half truths that tend to damage the reputations of competitors. Too bad it has already been repeated1!

Michael, thank you for doing that. You know I love you !!!

It's funny how things get going isn't it?

Thanks Michael! Guess I could have called as well, but glad you did for all of us who enjoy going to SD to enjoy the sealife there! Debbie

Michael, tks for clearing that up...I'm a little surprised at the requirement for signing a waiver...surely Bonaire is not becoming as litigious (?) as the U.S... we come to Bonaire to get away from the ambulance chasers

This has probably been covered well enough in the previous posts, but still I thought I'd weigh in. We dive regularly at Bari Reef and almost always use the Sand Dollar pier to enter and exit the water. We are careful to say hello to the staff there, let them know that we have signed in and have a waiver in the book. They're always polite.
I think that they are being responsible in making sure they know who is diving off the pier. A major benefit is that it is a safety measure; if someone has trouble at that dive site, the shop staff are more likely to know who is in the water at any given time. And the staff has first-hand experience of diver difficulty at that site.

I'm just curious about something... do you check BACK in with them when you are finished? If not, how would they know if you didn't return from your dive? I do understand letting them know you're going to be in the water, but does anyone keep track of who comes and goes?

A very curious Kelly

So, if you're not staying at Sand Dollar, but you want to night dive Bari Reef from their pier what is the procedure? Thanks.

Very Curious Kelly - they did not ask for us to check in once we finished the dive and we did not think about it. It would be a smart thing to do though.

Marcus - I would email BDA and ask that question. There is nothing and nobody stopping you from going out there at night.

Mary: Yeah, that sounds like the best way to approach it. Thanks.

is all this the same for snorkelers?

Karen - I do not think so - however - it would be best to either call BDA or email them and ask them that question.

Well, if I misheard (which of course is always possible) I apologize. It is not my intention to give misinformation.

Does anyone know how you get permission to dive small wall. in bonaire?

Theresa, to my knowledge, you have to do it as a boat dive unless you know someone with private property access, or are staying at Black Durgon. Someone jump in and correct me if I'm wrong... I think this used to be the case anway.

That is the only way I know.

Thanks guys for info.

what is the email address for BDA? do we need permission to snorkel at any other site where there is a hotel?

Karen, the e-mail address is info@bonairediveandadventure.com

thanks Tom