Hello,

My wife and I are arriving into Bonaire on sept 21, 2006. I'm reading something about a check out dive you must do. Does any one have more info on what it is, how much it cost and were and when you can take it?

Also if any one else has any words of wisdom for those of us who have not been to Bonaire before.

Thanks,

Hi Thomas and welcome to BT! The check out dive is required to obtain your marine park tag. You cannot dive without the tag. The dive shop you are using on island will have an orientation followed by a check out dive. Usually this is around 9:30 in the morning, but I have heard tell that some shops do it at other times. The dive itself is not stressful. It is a time for you to check your weights and make sure your buoyancy is under control. I have not heard of there being an extra charge for the check out dive, it is usually part of your dive package. My suggestion would be to send an email to the dive shop you are using and they should be able to answer your questions. Have fun and enjoy your diving!

Hi there, we are diving with Bruce Bowker, Caribe Inn and he advises, that whenever we show up he'll let us do the check out dive to get our marine park tag. We are diving with him for two weeks. Everyone on this board raves about their favorites, and I have not read a negative word about any of them. Isn't that awesome. Our first trip is planned for Feb.

If my memory serves me correctly, you can watch the video and do a 2 minute check out dive (no supervision at all) then burn to your favorite dive spot.

What is important is to respect the beautiful reefs on bonaire at ALL times.

Thomas, welcome to Bonaire Talk

Before you can dive on Bonaire, you will need to do the "orientation" at the dive shop. As Tribs said, times at the shops vary in regard to when they give the orientation. Each dive shop does the orientation a bit differently (some have videos, some do not). They give you the run down on diving Bonaire, good sites, which sites are closed, current, etc. Then they show you the equipment rinse stations, how they check out tanks, etc. Once this is done, you pay the $25.00 for the dive tag, put it on your BC, and you are ready to go.

The "check out dive" is not supervised by the dive shop. You can hire a DM to go with you if it makes you feel more comfortable. As Tribs said, it's really to make sure you are weighted properly, etc. It is preferred that you do your check out dive at the house reef of the dive shop, but it is not mandatory you do it there.

One other tip, pick up a copy of Bonaire Shore Diving Made Easy, it is a great tool, and describes the dive sites very well.

Have a great trip!

Thomas, Welcome to Bonaire Talk and ditto to everything Cynde just said!

The checkout dive is easy peasy... when I go with my dive group, our check out dive is on the dive boat! We do our group orientation with Serge (yes, the big man himself) and then head out on the boats ! It's easy and lots of fun.

check out dives can just be a way to start making yourself comfortable diving... whether you are new to bonaire or have just been out of the water for awhile...it is NOT so much about rules and regulations...

think of it as "stretching" exercise...you know, before you really get down to business;)

this is a pic from my last checkout dive in front of yellow sub...i think some eel (left bottom) farted/giggled and hid under the rocks and the rest of the fish are taking off in disgust;)

Wow, Bob! Great picture as always. Love all the different fish!!

Thomas, the checkout dive is simply you getting in the water, getting your bouyancy figured out, making sure you are neutral and double checking your equipment for function. The dive shops will not test you.....to dive there, you have to be certified. They (the dive shops)respect your certification and do not feel the need to "re-certify" you. The checkout dive is on your own.

You will be shown a 15min DVD on the Marine Park, you pay for your $25.00 tag and they point you toward the water. Have fun..... don't worry, no tests in Bonaire. The orientation is held in the dive shops only once per day. At the Plaza it was at 0900. 45 min of your time and you are done. Enjoy the diving there.... you'll love it!