Hi everyone,

I've been planning a trip to Bonaire for some time now. I was going to "just" snorkel (FYI, I love to snorkel!)...but an opportunity came up to take a beginner's diving course and I went for it. I did my open water dives last weekend in Lake George (upstate New York, USA). So now I have a "C" card and that's about it! Okay, I have snorkel gear, including open heel fins and boots, and dive skins and wetsuits. I hope to get in as many dives as possible before I arrive in Bonaire, but I do live in the mountains and not near much in the way of good diving...so there aren't that many divers that live near me. Despite that, I hope to get some dives in. I certainly do need more practice.

A retiree from my office used to dive and he is interested in selling his old gear, including Scubapro Mk2 regulator with console and a non-weight integrated bc that appears to be in excellent condition and a older Oceanic Prodigy computer. If we can agree on a price, I still need to get it all serviced as he hasn't used it in 5+ years. I believe he purchased the stuff maybe 10 yrs ago. So, I either go with his stuff, buy new or rent when I get to Bonaire.

I have a reservation at the Black Durgon for the last 2 wks of October, 2008. Unfortunately, I couldn't talk any friends or relatives into coming to Bonaire with me. And after I "sacrificed" my time and bought plane fare to join my cousins in Hawaii last spring (at their brother's condo = free lodging), you would think they would feel some obligation to join me in Bonaire...but you'd be wrong!

I would like to do some shore diving if I can find partners who won't mind that I'm not an experienced diver. I will also add that I don't feel a great desire to dive below 60 ft. I want to see fish and corals...and the lighting is better in shallow water, so why not stay where you can see more colors? Anyway, that's how it seems to me, but what do I know?

My plan is to do some diving most days, and snorkel like crazy the rest of the time. At least, I hope so.

Any comments or advice is welcome!

Thanks, Dan

Hi Dan -

Congrats on getting certified! You'll love diving in tropical locales and diving in Bonaire is addictive!

I can't speak to your equipment option - we've always bought new because it can be a safety issue, but lots of people do buy used. I would suggest you might want to rent equipment until you figure out what you want. Otherwise you could end up spending more money in the long term since you could end up buying equipment twice.

You are right that the colors are better and there is a lot to see above 60 feet, but there are occasionally times when you need to go deep to see something in particular so it is a good idea to get your AOW - the night and navigation skills will also help you. And that class is a lot more fun; less class time and more diving. But first you should get comfortable diving so you'll be ready to learn your advanced skills.

Regarding dive buddies, you can just ask people if you can join them or you can go to Tropical Dive across from the Plaza about 9:30 to meet other solo divers. Another option is to take a few boat dives and you could meet buddies there. Boat diving in Bonaire is pretty cheap - they only about $25 per dive on top of the purchased package we had last year.

For your next trip, you might consider signing up for a dive trip through your local dive club so you can meet more divers who live year you.

Enjoy Bonaire - you're lucky to have your first open water trip to such a wonderful spot.

Cindy

Well, you're staying at the best place to build your underwater skills! First, see if other guests at the BDI will let you buddy with them, which most folks are accommodating.

And you'll learn the landmarks very quickly for finding the dock - once you're back in 25 feet water look for the anchor and the mooring blocks for the barrels. Great snorkling there too, but you'll come to love the diving.

Dan,
Myself, my wife, and a friend of ours will be there the 9th to the 19th, if our last couple days correspond to your first couple we would be glad to take you around to some of the best of what Bonaire has to offer! I am a private PADI instructor originally from NY myself now living in Richmond, VA. We will be staying at a Sanddollar condo and if you are interested please email or call me anytime! Bill & Joan 8043392984

Thanks everyone for your comments. I will arrive on the nonstop Continental flight from Newark early on Sunday, October 19th. Bill...if you are leaving that day, then I guess we will just miss each other. I realize that you are not supposed to dive within 12 or even 24 hrs before your flight out in any event.

While I will go for the AOW when I get the chance, I don't feel compelled to do so before I visit Bonaire the first time. I don't mind getting to know the diving there slowly (I feel no need to rush to see every possible site on the first trip). Hopefully, I will want to and be able to return.

Dan

I am sorry, as you stated, we will not be diving that day, but I may see you in the airport! I hope you have a relaxing, safe, and most memorable trip! There are many people on the island that will be willing to help you. We have met a lot of truly wonderful folks on our many trips there. Be sure to stop in and say hey to Michael at the Chat & Browse. It is located next to the Sanddollar. He is a good resource and friend (and you may recognize his accent!) Look forward to a trip report from you when you get back.

Bill