BonaireTalk Discussion Group
Diving Bonaire: Dive Shop Charge Question
Bonaire Talk: Diving Bonaire: Archives: Archives 2008-2009: Archives - 2008-08-01 to 2008-12-31: Dive Shop Charge Question
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mike O (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #7) on Monday, November 17, 2008 - 10:32 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Just got back from a stay at Belmar. It was, in most respects, a good experience. One thing did get to me, however. For the "guided" dives, the shop assigned one guide to go with our group and they charged the guided dive fee per person. For example, we had three people who hadn't been diving in a while and, though one guide was assigned to go along with them for the first dive, the charge was $35 per person. The assumption going in was that the guide charge would be the same whether one person was guided, or three were. For our Salt Pier dive, there were five of us. Again, one guide and they charged $25 per person -- grand total of $125 for that guide to go with us to the Salt Pier. Can't recall them doing that on my previous trips. Seems a bit much to charge per person. Is this common practice among the shops?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By a retired Grunt, back in May (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #659) on Monday, November 17, 2008 - 11:25 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I can only speak as to the Salt Pier dives; the cost has been "per person" since the requirement for it to be a guided dive. I agree it seems expensive. It has to do with US port requirements after 9/11.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Johnson (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #483) on Tuesday, November 18, 2008 - 2:48 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

In the case of Salt Pier (and Town Pier) it has always been described as per person to me. Just as boat dives are typically per person. That said, you might be able cut a deal with a given DM.

Is it too much? I think that is a judgement call. Did you enjoy the dive $25 worth (as that is what you paid)?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Vince DePietro (Bonaire Beach Condo ) (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1766) on Tuesday, November 18, 2008 - 7:04 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Mike: the dive guide is in reality responsible for all in the group he/she is leading. Obviously their task is a bit more difficult leading a group of 5 as opposed to 1. To expect a guide to lead a group of 5 at the same price as 1 individual is not realistic.

If you wanted a discount for a larger group, this should have been discussed beforehand.
As I'm sure many on this board would agree your "assumption" was in error.

Nevertheless, hope you had a memorable and enjoyable trip!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cecil (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #7018) on Tuesday, November 18, 2008 - 8:42 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Every time I have used a guide it was charged per person. This leads to one of my weird thoughts about Bonaire, I do not begrudge them (Bonairians) asking for money. Most times it's earned, but even in marginal cases I am way more forgiving than in the states. I'm not sure why, it may be due to how difficult it is making a living on Bonaire, it may be buying a friend, and it may be envy (which would be backwards).

The recent spate over raising the departure tax is an example. I have no problem paying that or the the park fee. Now if my home town tried the same stunt, there'd be some he11 raised. To weird.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kristi, the GOOD (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #4121) on Tuesday, November 18, 2008 - 11:14 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

a guided dive is per person. IMO and experience. And it should be..IMHO

And I agree with what Vince wrote...

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By pat murphy (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1613) on Tuesday, November 18, 2008 - 12:11 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

it had never occurred to me that it would be other than a per-person charge....as was stated earlier, it's like a boat dive without the boat. and i agree that when you are going with a guide, that guide is responsible for everybody in the group.

so, now you know. hope you had a good dive anyway and will continue to dive places like town pier and salt pier with guides.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Debbie B. ~ Jersey Gal (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #8360) on Tuesday, November 18, 2008 - 1:58 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Uh, as long as I have been coming to Bonaire, been many years, always be per person charge, I don't get what you are saying as being different?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mike O (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #8) on Tuesday, November 18, 2008 - 3:15 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Thanks for the responses. As usual, a bit more direct than perhaps anticipated, but the internet is not always conducive to the most pleasant of conversations. Your points are well taken and, yes, the dive was enjoyable. Thanks for asking.

Mike

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By lisa z (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #195) on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 - 1:08 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

And, as usual, it always helps to ask in advance....is this per person, or per dive?
I know that I hate being surprised when it comes to paying out money.

 


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