Wanted to see suggestions for best dive operator. We are staying at the Divi and are thinking of using their local operator. Should we book something in advance or wait until we get there? Any advice?

Eric,
The Divi has one of the best Dive Operations on the Island... Ron

Based on the various previous postings on this site, and based on the responses your question will probably get, every operator on Bonaire has his/her following who will praise them to the maximum, and every operator has some customers who are not pleased. Reminds me of the story about the 2 families who are thinking of moving to a new town. They check in with the local church where they are asked what type of people were in the town they are leaving. One says the people were all nasty and they are promptly told by the minister that they fill find exactly the same type of people in the new place. The second family says all the people in the old town were warm and friendly, and the same minister says they will find exactly the same type of people in the new place. Bottom line, your opinion of the type of people (dive operators) you meet is mostly up to you and your own attitude.

Having said that, we originally dove on Bonaire with Great Adventures at Harbour Village (1997 - 2000) and found them wonderful. We have used Toucan at Plaza for the last 10 trips (since 2001, even though we now stay at Belmar) and feel they are great. Most of the people there have also become our friends, and we enjoy the extremely warm greetings from everyone when we arrive.

We hear similar stories about the folks at Buddy Dive from other people who stay at Belmar (where Buddy Dive runs the house operation), and have heard positive things about the folks/operation at Divi from people who have stayed there.

Bottom line: you should enjoy Bonaire and whatever operator you use.

Dr. Director, well said

Eric, it is "customary" to use the shop where you are staying. It is also not only customary, it is a LOT more convenient. You can dive off the divi dock. They have a great locker and tank set up at the dock, and the boats leave right from there as well. You can store your gear, use the rinse tanks, etc.. I've always used the shop where I've stayed, and I can't say I've ever had a bad experience (I must be the second type of folk in your analogy Dr. ;-)) Oh, and I've never stayed at Divi or used their shop. Have heard good things about them. Have eaten at Chibi Chibi, had the breakfast there, and been on the dive dock waiting for the Woodwind.

If you use Divi, no need to email them prior to arrival. Check in and see what time the orientation is and you are set to go!

Eric, I see you are staying at Divi... I just posted on the dining thread I think that you'd like the Divi for after diving hangouts and drinks. When I go to the Divi with my dive group, we love hanging out at the Flamingo's Nest bar there. Also, right beside the dive shop is a nice little "hut" where they have hanging chairs and it's a lovely place to watch the sunset.

I disagree with Cynde though on the email thing, I would email them prior to your arrival and just let them know you are coming and when to expect you. Then when you show up, they know who you are. Serge runs a top notch dive operation there in my opinion.

Be sure to do a night dive off the south pier. There is SO much to see there it's amazing!!

You will love the Divi Dive Shop....the divemasters are great and the manager Serge does run a top notch operation.

Thank you for your input. I think we will go with Divi just to make things simple. Is there a email address strictly for the dive shop or do you have through the general info one? I am so excited since I have never been to Bonaire before. One week and counting!

Dividive@diviresorts.com

http://www.diviflamingo.com/diviflamingo/resort_dive.asp?general_resort_content_pkid=18

You will love the Divi and you will LOVE Bonaire! Have fun!

Toucan.

Does anyone know if Leo is still at Great Adventures/Harbour Village? We're going back there in a two weeks and I'm hoping he's still there! They really are wonderful (as are all of the dive operations on the island).

Bonaire Dive and Adventure (adjacent to Sand Dollar and Den Laman). Very accommodating and fun dive crew. No cattle diving here. Their "house reef" is fantastic for diving and snorkeling. Their on-site photo service is also great.