We are considering taking the Delta flight from ATL for our next trip to Bonaire. I expect that if we arrived on time, we should be ready to hit the water as early as 6pm the day of our arrival -- thus making the ideal checkout dive: night dive.

Of course there is that small detail called orientation. And most places do not offer an evening orientation as far as I could see.

I know that Dive Friends Bonaire offer on-demand orientations, and we are looking at the properties they serve. Are there any other dive operations that offer on-demand orientations that would allow us to hit the water on the day of our (Delta) arrival?

If you travel with a group, you can possible arrange a special orientation, especially if it is before 5pm or whenever the folks normally quit work.

WannaDive at Eden Beach. They're great people!

Yellow Sub is pretty user friendly as far as times go. We used them for the first time in July and liked them. When Bert was at Bonaire Oceanfront he was very customer friendly. Not sure where he is now.

Even though Bonaire is divers paradise I would recommend to wind down from your flight with a nice meal and a beverage of your choice so you are fully prepared for a morning orientation dive followed by as many dives you can handle. No point in stressing from the airport to your hotel...rushing to the diveshop....and without proper orientation and weight check jumping in for a night dive. i have been in your position and sooooo eager to get in the water ASAP but I can promise you you'll enjoy it even more when you are rested and take the time for a proper orientation and checkout dive.

Have fun!!

Bas.

On this last trip we used Delta and were at our resort unpacked and relaxing on the beach by 5:00 and we did a dive before dinner. It's not that difficult or stressing with the Delta schedule.

Leo..I agree with Bas.. Traveling is hectic enough.
RELAX..
If you really feel the need I'd just snorkel.
Enjoy your trip!

What Bas said. Slow down! It's "island time!".

Jeff, Bert is back in Holland

I say whatever floats your boat, but that being said, I sort of agree with Bas...there's also the rehydration issue. Flying dehydrates a body, and so you're at a higher risk if DCS after a flight. I have a friend who got bent on the first dive after a long flight in 40 feet of water

We usually snorkel the first night...without lights

I'm just sayin' ;-)

Boat Chick. Sorry to hear about your friend. As an English teacher and editor I have to correct an incorrect statement that you wrote...

"...a friend who got bent on the first dive after a long flight in 40 feet of water."

Do you really mean that the plane was flying in 40 feet of water? Or that your friend got bent in 40 feet of water after a long flight.

Sorry...occupational curse. All in fun and not making fun of you.

Barry, I haven't had my coffee...give me a break...lol...

(Message edited by cyndelee on October 9, 2008)

You get two stars for using the comma and a big yellow flower for being a good sport. Hahaha. Have some coffee and enjoy your day. I'm heading up to the kids to say good night.

BTW...your point should at least be considered.

I have to say that my M.O. is to dump my stuff in my room, get my park tag as soon as possible, and be in the water the very first second I can. Relax....are you kidding? I'm going diving the very first instant I can!

THEN I would be relaxed. Tried to explain that underwater IS my relaxation...and a few brights too.

What Mo said.....

hmm..what Yo and CB said!! I am doing the Delta flight this Sat and better be in the water by 4pm..hehe OK, at least my feet.
The flight is only 4 hrs..no big deal..
we are staying at Eden and again agree with CB...WannaDive is great..very accommodating.

Barry..I often fly in water..sometimes at 40 feet

(Message edited by kristi_tn on October 9, 2008)

I would chill out as BC says maybe snorkel and have a bright or two.

BC

Do you know what - what ever floats your boat means. It comes from the saying - Man in a boat, Do a google, the water is related to the ocean with Seamen, but you need to drop the A.

Brian - I didn't think you could say the word Holibobs on here... and of course I read Holiboobs - too much breast cancer on my mind.

ok brian, i know what it means, but as the urban dictionary says, i'll take answer numero uno:

---

quote:

This is a phrase that often means whatever "soothes your soul" or whatever "works best" Aka- Whatever you feel like doing.

---

lol...not answer numero quatro