We've been to Bonaire twice and have stayed at Harbour Village both times, diving with Great Adventures. This was great, however we're looking to shore dive a lot more this time and Harbour Village isn't very accommodating to shore diving.

We're looking at staying at the Bellafonte. I was wondering what would be the best dive operator to sign on with? We want to do a lot of shore diving, but we would also like to do a few (6-8) boat dives out to Klein or elsewhere. We liked the boats at Great Adventures, which were usually not very crowded, and even if they were they tended to have plenty of room. We definitely don't want the cattle boat experience. Thoughts?

--Kim

Kim, give Divi Dive a shot for boat diving. You can pull your truck right up to the back gate, and go right on the boat. It's easy, and the dive masters are all good guys and gals. Serge, the GM, will set you up nicely. You can also find out, from the board, exactly where they are going the next day. Good boats, and a nice operation.

Welcome to BT, Kim. I just don't get the need for boat diving on Bonaire. In my mind it is not easier (you still have to load the boat), the sites are not better, it costs and you have to do it on their schedule. I just love the freedom of shore diving, but hey that's only my opinion. One suggestion is to not pay for the boat dives ahead of time and just buy them a la carte. It's the same price at most places.

I did get a laugh at the cattle boat comment. I think cattle boat and Bonaire are mutually exclusive.

It's more my dive buddy who wants to do the boat diving... He dives with a very large camera and likes the break of not having to handle it trying to climb into the water at the shore. It is nice to get out to see Klein, as well.

We were thinking of diving with Dive Friends, due to the many locations. I'll check Divi Dive out as well.

Well, Cecil, there are some pretty good reasons to boat dive:
(1) you can get to sites that you cannot get to from shore, places like Klein Bonaire and Rappel come to mind.
(2) for most folks, a boat is easier and less dangerous...DM's to help, no coral rubble or holes to step in, something to chase you with if you happen to get caught in the wrong position
(3) photographers with large cameras often choose boats, MUCH easier to get in/out

Yes, there is at least one Bonaire cattle boat...the Divi Divi barge.

Kim - consider Toucan Divers at the Plaza Resort. I have picked up boat dives with them when at another residence. Great people. Generally smaller boats, 8 or so per boat.