I've asked this question around Bonaire and got mixed answers. I am posing it here hoping to get some more specific information.

Are there any rules or policies that specifically forbid solo diving in Bonaire? Or are there policies that vary from dive shop to dive shop.

I am asking because there were times when I wished I could go in for a quick splash but my (spousal) buddy was unavailable. I felt quite comfortable and capable of diving off the dock at Den Laman. I did not do it this time but I'd like to keep the option open for our upcoming trip.

I am very cautious and very careful but occasionally I afford myself the thrill of solo diving, during daylight, near a house reef. And I always let someone know of my dive plan.

There appear to be no real rules forbidding it on Bonaire. My GF had a leg problem and had to skip diving during our November trip, just snorkeling.
So I ended up doing about 20 solo dives during the week, including off the dock at Buddy's at night.
This was my 3rd Bonaire dive trip, so I had decent idea what I was getting into.
Enjoy...

Leo, as far as I know, there are no "rules," nor is there any "hall monitor" watching. I did a few last week off the house reef where I was staying. Of course, I let someone know I was going in, and about how long I'd be.

I did two weeks solo diving last year . No problems . Also met some nice folks on the beach .

Solo diving police do not exist on Bonaire. Or really anywhere for that matter as you shore dive. You are your own police and take all the risks. I too have done numerous solo dives in Bonaire from numerous sites. All site swith which I am very familiar and when sea conditions are good.

Watch our for yourself. As an instructor I can only officially suggest you get proper training in emergency procedures, redundancy, people who know your dive plan, etc.

With that said - have a safe, fun and enjoyable trip.

Leo..If you're a competent capable diver and in good physical condition by all means go in by yourself and enjoy! I've been doing it on and off on Bonaire for over 20 years. No one has ever said anything to me. Having said that, of course build in a major margin of safety in your profile. Solo diving does at times have it's benefits. But it's obviously a personal decision.

There are no police but you do have to watch out for picking up stray DM's, read second post, Dive 5 Windsock.

The SDI Solo Diver course is available on the island, and I recommend it. It deals with self-sufficiency, dive planning, and specialized equipment (like a redundant air source). It also provides a card that may let you solo-dive in places less lenient than Bonaire.

Mel, I was just looking at RecTek's course options and the solo diving course jumped out as pretty appealing. I might do that next trip to Bonaire. Thanks for the suggestion.

Yeah, Walt teaches it, but I don't know if anyone else does or not (Divi is the only other SDI place). I'll have four Solo students in March....a bit tricky, 'cuz I don't want them in the water at the same time for their two certification dives.

Some dive ops have, in the past, not allowed solo diving from their docks, etc., citing insurance coverage rules: Sand Dollar Dive and Photo was one. I don't know the policy now at Bonaire Dive & Adventure but it would be worth asking before jumping off André's dock. If he doesn't allow it, go in and out from the the small Sand Dollar beach next door or on the south side of Den Laman. I used to do both. Best to ask at any operation.

That said, go for it. Did it for 20 years on Bonaire.

No-one has every tried to stop me from solo diving in Bonaire. I prefer to do a lot of my dives solo in Bonaire, and I meet a lot of nice people that way. That being said, I was shore diving; not sure if you need a solo cert for boat diving.

Boat diving is a totally separate issue. You've got a captain and a divemaster, each with a vested interest in returning with the same number of people who went out.

Shore diving on your own, there's no one else involved...

Leo
I've taken the the Rec tek solo diving course, about a year ago.
Very informative,as a double check and refresher course. Walt talked about how your diving attitude is your best asset or hindrance.

I've had no problems shore diving solo on Bonaire.

Leo, I also had no problems shore diving solo on my last trip to Bonaire. Maybe you should use a pony bottle as redundant air supply. Walter (Rec Tek Scuba) offers them in various sizes.

Thanks all for the very helpful information. Here's the summary about solo diving in Bonaire.

• There are no known laws or ordinances prohibiting solo diving from shore locations around Bonaire (as of January 2009);
• When diving solo from a dive shop facility it's always a good idea, and a courteous gesture, to ask the staff first; some shops may not allow solo diving from their property;
• When diving solo, always provide someone on shore with your dive location, plan and estimated time of return;
• When diving solo, always carry a pony tank with you (looking at web listings of rental equipment I couldn't find any dive shop on Bonaire that would rent you one);
• Take a course on solo diving.

Leo,
Regarding a pony bottle you can contact Walter (info@rectekscuba.com) he offers them in various sizes and can answer any question. Holger

I love solo diving in bonaire. I just wouldn't advertise it too much in case someone decides they do need to make a law against it!!

Or a "special fee"

Dave does some solo diving while we are on Bonaire. He is a dive junkie and will dive anytime/anywhere, since I don't dive as much as he does solo diving works for him. I usually go with him and either sit in the truck or find a nice tree or palapa to sit under and read and enjoy the wind. He always solo dives on a site that we have already done a dive on so that he is familiar with any changes. He also is a guy who uses 2 compasses, redundunt(sp) air and does not go very deep (usually less than 40 ft)60 ft or less.

It's OK on Bonaire. I spent a day solo diving last trip (while my buddy was kayaking) and had a blast. Even Buddy's was great; early morning, changing of reef life, relaxing at the bottom of the reef with 5 or so resident tarpon..fond memories of that dive.