I'm a snorkeler, and love it, but am envious of those who dive, so I've been considering diving for my next trip (four weeks in Feb-March). My husband isn't interested in diving, and it seems trying to do shore dives wouldn't be the best idea for a new diver, so I'm thinking maybe I'd just do a resort course, to at least have a little diving opportunity.

I know that if I did get certified, either doing part of it up here (Rochester,NY) or the whole course in Bonaire, I still wouldn't want to do a whole lot of diving (my husband and I really love to snorkel together, so that would still be our focus).

I'd appreciate input: what does a resort course really cover; what I might be able to do with the same company after the course, if anything; other comments pro or con this approach.

Right now, I have fins, prescription mask, and dive skin, no other equipment.

I also would appreciate input on what total cost would be, for a resort course, a whole certification course, or just finishing certification in Bonaire --- including equipment costs, and additional diving after completion.

Thanks for any comments/ideas/suggestions.

Additional Note, forgot to say, we're staying at the Bonaire Townhomes, not a resort.

Josie,

A resort course (something PADI calls "Discover Scuba Diving") will get you into the water and diving no deeper than 40' with an instructor in a matter of hours, but next time you go on vacation you have to do it all over again.

You may want to consider investing a couple of days to get the PADI Scuba Diver certification, which is like a transferrable resort course (i.e. you don't have to redo the resort course each vacation). You're still required to go no deeper than 40' and with a divemaster, but you do get to dive. You'll have to inquire at the dive shop of your choice how much this costs.

The full course is the PADI Open Water Diver, which is a 3-4 day course at most places. Prices vary, but this is priced around $300.

Another option is to do all your class and pool work where you live, and just do your four open water certification dives (called doing your "referral dives") here on Bonaire - cost is around $190-200 most places, plus whatever you pay stateside. Big advantage is that you don't take up precious vacation time studying :-)

I hope that helps.

Jake

Josie, if you'd like specific prices, just email us at info@bonbinidivers.com. We'd be happy to give you all the details. Susan

My husband and I took a resort course at Divi to see if we would like it.
They put the cost toward our certification.
my sons, after we went home and told them how much fun it was,took the clasroom where we live and the open water inBonaire, that way they where able to have maximum time in the water. Consider a underwater lession is a dive and your with someone teaching all about this warm beautiful world with fish and coral all around.and how to be confortable and safe in this environment, Not a bad classroom.
Plus when you do go out on your own with a buddy your familiar with this area too.
We found in the begining we went with a divemaster they know the reef so well and taught us alot about it creatures and where to go to see them,we still like to go with them,then we ventured out on our own when we where confortable enough.
We rented everything except mask and fins at first, then year after year aquired our own.
Either way you'll find Bonaire a great place to learn, with it's clear warm waters and an island geared towards diving. You can rent everything you'll need.
Have fun!

Josie,

Check out http://www.divebonaire.com (especially the Q/A section) to get some good feedback on training course offerings, costs, etc. ) You may find this to be helpful.