As you can tell from some of my other posts I am a first timer going soon. Inlaws, two kids ages 5 and 8 and my wife. My wife and I are experienced certified advance open water divers. We are staying at a rental home (Crown Ridge) in from of Andrea I and II. Where should we rent tanks? I know we need to get passes but was curious about the orientation. It sounds like many don't actually have to get into the water just sit through a video or discussion or something. Can someone explain this to me? Also, does the whole family have to go? We arrive early sunday morning and was kind of hoping to go out and deal with this while the family rests.

Thanks

Hi Greg,
I'm currently renting over here at Crown Ridge myself and will be here when you arrive. I use Dive-Friends for my tanks. Their friendliness and professionalism swayed me over from another outfit I had been using. Only those who intend on diving need to attend the orientation, while those who snorkel just need to get a tag at their convenience. You should count on getting wet however for part of your orientation. But that should only be long enough to get any bouyancy issues worked out before you get turned lose on the reefs. By the way, you'll enjoy having the great house reef of the Andreas right in your back yard. I once counted 17 turtles on one dive.

I would point out (I'm not sure it's clear from Bruce's response, forgive me if it was...) that the orientation does involve a lecture on the Marine Park rules and all who intend to dive must attend. There's no "I'll attend and listen and let the others know" concept. And both the diver and snorkeler tags should be purchased before diving and snorkeling.

Personally, I feel anyone who snorkels would benefit from the orientation as well.

Enjoy your vacation - the Andreas are great! If you get a chance, go to the Rum Punch party at Habitat and meet Captain Don, who named most of the dive sites around Bonaire.

Greg, I highly recommend Dive Inn, Bert and Jannette are gems. In January, Bert came to our condo and delivered the tanks to our door daily...the empties were gone and fresh ones were there when we woke up...He's like the tank fairy...lol..

(Message edited by modcynde on February 12, 2008)

Greg,
Everyone must attend the orientation there are no exceptions unless you have been to Bonaire in the last calendar year. Dive tags are $25 per diver and I think snorkler tags are $10 per person.
Divers also must do a check out dive, this is done to check your bouncey and weight needs before you begin diving. Dive master will not go with you unless you want one to go, this is usually done at the dive shop house site.
Hope this helps you some. diving on Bonaire is so easy and so much fun. Enjoy your trip.

Andy

I guess I should clarify, we did do our orientation with Dive Inn, just like we do every visit. In fact, the times I've been twice in one calendar year, I have still had to do an orientation (more brief than the usual), but still had to go through orientation. Check-out dive is also done at the dive shop "house reef."

Greg, one trip my dive buddy did not arrive until a day after I did, so I arranged ahead of time to have a DM go on my "check-out" dive with me. It was $15, but this was 6 years ago, I believe the going rate now is around $25.

Have a great trip!

(Message edited by cyndelee on February 14, 2008)

So, it sounds like take the family to a dive shop (Dive Inn or Dive-Friends) with the wife and my dive gear. Go through the oral orientation with my inlaws (snorklers) then send them on their way with our kids (ages 5 and 8) while me and the wife hit the water. They don't actually go in the water with you and don't need to make reservations for this - correct? I guess I should just email one of the shops. The problem is we get there on the early flight and I am sure we will be tired. But we can get into the house right away. Sounds like once settled in we should go deal with this because I know the kids will be dying to get into the water. But, we can't do that without the tag.

Thanks

Hi Greg,

You have it correct. Here is Dive Inn's website. Email Bert and Jannette, and they will respond within a timely manner with any questions you may have

http://diveinnbonaire.com/

Have a great trip

Hi Greg! Wanna Dive is an excellent dive operation. Bart is probably one of the best operators on the island. He will show you were the key is so you can get tanks 24/7. I've had a little bit of trouble getting tanks at other places as they lock them up and if you fail to get tanks before they close, your done! There are many good dive shops on Bonaire and I'm sure you will be taken care of no matter where you go!
Have a good time!!!!