I am traveling to Bonaire by myself to go diving. My wife and I return in Feb to snorkel. I am a dive master and have been diving for 10+ years. I have a wide range of diving experiences including east coast wreck diving, west coast, great lakes diving, high altitude and cavern diving. The last few years I have been doing warm blue water diving but in out of the way places; Costa Rica, Utila, Caye Caulker, etc so I am not you cattle boat type. I would be interested in buddying up with someone with a similar level of experience and an adventurous spirit. I will be in Bonaire from Jan 7-14th

Based on my background;

Is it worthwhile doing any boat dives?

If this was my only trip to Bonaire, what dives should I not miss?

I am staying at Coco Palm Garden, which dive shop would be best for me?

Thanks!

Mike C.

When your life passes before your eyes, ensure you have plenty to watch!

hi mike,

tough questions;)

1. boat dives - there are some exceptional sites off klein bonaire and a couple of others off the main island that are not shore accessible. if you are looking to be "blown away" on every dive you will need to consider boat dives

2. not to miss - la dania's leap to karpata drift dive is a nice one. a couple more sites north of bopec with breath taking coral blocks - probably will need a guide to find correct entry points. always do the hilma hooker. some nice dives to the south between whiteslave and red slave. tori's reef and the invisibles as well (not as far south as white slave)

3. i stay at coco palm and use photo tours/yellow sub which is probably the closest shop to the resort but that really doesn't mean much - small island;) (and you are out passing other dive shops going to the various dive sites)

i'd show you a couple myself, however i don't get there until the 12th...

so have fun - be prepared for a few bugs (i think it has been raining)

;)

Michael, welcome to BT. There are many threads here where folks post their favorite dives and the responses are almost as diverse as the number of sites. The topography differs in the north and the south so be sure to do some of each. I also like the sites "in town" as they are different yet. You might want to get in touch with Bas for a guided dive on the rougher east side of the island. You might also consider picking up a copy of Bonaire Shore Diving Made Easy by Susan Porter since it is packed with information not only about entries and exits but what you can expect to see on each dive. It also contains information for snorkelers so will be of use on your return trip.

Michael..Welcome to the board. Since this appears to be your first trip to Bonaire & you are interested in meeting some dive buddies, what better way to introduce yourself to others then on a dive boat?

Sorry to admit (maybe it's my profession), but I for one am usually leery of diving with strangers until I see them underwater.
Although it's not discussed much on this board, being a dive buddy to someone can also bring in a host of legal problems if unforeseen events arise & there are injuries as a result of same.

Additionally there are some fine sites to dive over at Klein, so I'd be inclined given the situation as you've described to recommend at least some of your initial dives are off a boat. I'd start that way & then as you meet others plan some shore dives with them at mutually convenient times.

Well, this is a different chat site. Precious and concise responses that answer the question asked. This is very refreshing!

Good points on boat diving to visit Klein Bonaire and to find “buddies”. Not only do you get to see them but they get to see you! I had the same thought but it is good to get it confirm from voices of experience!

I did check the threads for suggested dive sites but it is always worthwhile getting suggestions based on your own profile. A good dive for me would be a tough dive for a novice for example. Based on threads on east side diving, I did send an E-mail to Bas to discuss diving the East Side just after I posted here. Also, again based on suggestions from this chat room, I have purchased and read Bonaire Shore Diving Made Easy.

Based on the web posting of all of the dive operations, I was leaning towards photo tours/yellow sub. I will check with them for boat dives and maybe a guided dive for the first couple of days. Both la dania's leap to karpata drift dive and hilma hooker are good candidates for guided dives. I also will do the piers the first couple of nights. (Good idea? Or not?)

Bob,
I assume that you Coco Palm more then once. Again I assume that you are happy with them. I have been very impressed by their communications. My wife and I like the idea of a self-catering mini apartment in a garden setting. Would dive with you but the 13th is my out gas day so I will be kayaking and mountain biking on your first dive day.

Michael S. Contratto - Don't be too refreshed. You got lucky. We usually digress to other topics.

Oh, and welcome to Bonaire Talk - THE place to find the answers to your questions, and then some that you didn't think to ask!

I would only do boat dives if they are going to Klein or Rappel. Virtually every other dive you will do from a boat is an easy shore dive. It is a personal decision whether or not you feel comfortable doing them alone. Boats can be a way to find a buddy, but many Bonaire regulars only shore dive. A lot of new divers start on the boats. As always, there are exceptions to every rule.

Michael - regarding the guided dives - I would recommend the guide for the La Dania's to Karpata dive but I don't think you need one for the Hilma. It's a longish swim out but an easy dive once you're out to the mooring balls. And yes, I would get a guide to do the piers. If you can find someone that will do town pier either before or preferably AFTER the crowds you will enjoy it much, much more. Also consider the lighthouse if the currents and waves are too much and do Red Slave.