I am a 6'4" svelte 230+ dive master. Can any one tell me if I can rent a 100' (120') tank on Bonaire. If so, where? We will be visiting Captain Don's in February and I'd prefer not to haul down a tank. Any help would be appreciated.

peter, welcome to bonaire talk. see walt at rectec for larger tanks. info@rectecscuba.com. maybe we'll see you at gibi's in february. our first gibi's night will be feb. 21.

Hi Peter. Here's something that might be more convenient than renting larger tanks and waiting to have them filled every couple of dives, especially if you're trying to do a few dives at the far ends of the island. When I went to Bonaire in 2002, I brought along a 30 cf pony bottle right inside my luggage without any difficulty. It was secured and well-padded, of course. Perhaps you can rent a pony bottle in Bonaire. It will let you have the convenience of using the dive op's 80's, yet still provide a margin of reserve, which you probably won't use very often. It came in handy for me, as I would often take 3 or 4 tanks for few hours of solo shore diving at various sites. My air consumption is a bit heavy, but the pony's reserve let me drain the 80 down to the the dive op's minimum and I got plenty of dive time, plenty of depth and a good margin of safety. As I think you know, your air consumption in Bonaire will be a lot better than in cold northern waters. Mine was. Hope this helps. Have a great trip! Dave C

Peter - Try nitrox. I'm 6'1" 180 lbs and most dives in Bon are 90 mins + with 500 to 700 lbs left on exit.

Peter~

Walt III has double 80's if you're trained to use them, he probably would rent you a set.

jiminiŽ

Wow - thanks for the great responses. I even received a response already from Walt at Rec Tec Scuba. Thank you all very much. I can't wait to get there! I'm taking all this information to my buddy who owns a local dive shop and see which great idea he recommends. Great boards, great information. Your island sounds like a diving paradise. Looking forward to our trip.

Peter, Bring an extra regulator and a tech strap and burn the second 80 first. Unlimited air on the Island just watch your profile.. Ron

I'm 240 lbs. and get 60min + out of an 80. Most dives on Bonaire can be done in that amount of time unless you burn air. There are some Tech divers on the Island if that is your pleasure. Have a good time and watch your computer... Ron

Peter, Divi Dive Bonaire at the Divi Flamingo Resort also has tech diving. Although I've been out on the boats with the tech divers, I didn't notice what their tank configuration is, but they could certainly equip you with something suitable.