Two of us will be spending the last 2 weeks of Dec. in Bonaire and would like information about shore diving- sites, requirements, all useful advice will be greatly appreciated since we are relatively new divers.
Thanks

That's EZ Gary.. Simply buy the book Shorediving Made Easy..
see below
http://www.bonairestuff.com/index.php

Recommend you buy the book "Bonaire Shore Diving Made Easy - 4th Edition 2005 -2006 by Susan Porter." You can purchase the book at www.bonairestuff.com. Have a good trip!

We must have been posting at the same time Vince!

You didn't really say how 'relatively new' you are. I wouldn't recommend shore diving, but you could buy the book if you want to.

Having said that, you could ask your dive operator for a guide or where to find a guide for the first several shore dives.

Shore diving isn't for everyone, especially not for 'relatively new' divers. You risk harm to the reefs and harm to yourselves. Be safe this time out. We want you coming back.


Any of the dive operators have great dive boats and you can do at least two dives a day, with a night dive right off their docks (some don't have docks, so you'll have to arrange differently for a night dives.)

Have fun and be safe.

I should clarify about the relatively new divers. I am an advanced diver who will admit I do not know everything about diving and my spouse is open water certified but has not dove as frequently as I have. I have had shore dives in Roatan and have just returned from diving in Cuba so I have more than just a little experience and safety is first and foremost on our minds. I appreciate all the information so far and looking to having a great time in Bonaire.

When my husband and I were relatively new divers we found Bonaire to be an amazingly easy place to practice our skills ... all as shore dives. Navigation is easy on the shore dives, there is little current at most sites and, depending on the site, very little surge to worry about during entry and exit. In addition to a copy of Bonaire Shore Diving Made Easy (which is also available on the island) be sure you have thick soled booties as the shoreline is not sand. Enjoy!

I learned to dive in cold water. All shore dives. All limited viz and all with decent to extreme currents. Navigation was difficult due to viz and the bottom profiles.

In comparison, Bonaire was like a bath tub. decent viz. Warm water. Easy navigation. Typically minimal currents.

That said, I think Barry's point is that you are truly 100% responsible for your own safety on a shore dive. There is no dive master to watch you kit up nor is there anyone to jump in on a rescue attempt. You must navigate and develop your own dive plan.

Personally, I do nothing but shore dives (and a fair number solo at that). But I do recognize how diving from a boat provides you with additional layers of security. Have you done any shore dives beyond Honduras? And Susan has some great tips...

David- the only shore diving I have was in Honduras where I took my advance training, we have been to Belize (San Pedro Island) boat diving-it was awesome.

Thanks for the tips

Gary