I'm just wondering in case I forget something or want to get say a heavier boot or a retractor or whatever. I don't expect them to match the prices here at home, but I'd just like to get an idea of the cost of things.

I think the prices are similar to a little less for Dive stuff. Sand Dollar has had 25% off wet suits the last 2 Years. I did not price big ticket items. I suspect they would make you a deal but you only get to take $600 back duty free. I am assuming you are from the US. If you are with family you can combine your $600's.

Brian, you may find an occasional sale on Bonaire, but remember you will paying to the cost of transporation and importation for almost everything (but local items) that you buy on Bonaire. You will find dive equipment approx. 25% higher than stateside.

Kelly, Brian, here's one for you. Is there anywhere that sells big umbrellas that can be used for shade on the beach. From all of the pix I have seen, there seems to be an acute lack of trees near the beaches, or anywhere else for that matter. I usually take one of those big canvas umbrellas with me when I shore dive here so I can sit under it during my surface intervals and read or eat or snooze.

An umbrella on the south shore would just blow away. I have not seen any local places to buy them. Although 77 General Store has had the picnic table with large center umbrellas in the past.

When we were on Bonaire, it was pretty windy - better get some heavy-duty tie downs for those umbrellas ;-)

I was actually impressed with Carib Inn's prices on things when I was there in Feb and told Bruce that his prices were really no higher than that of my dive shop here in Denver. Although I do get a discount to help with that cost I am just talking sticker to sticker. Feb 2000 when I was there I was also pleasantly suprised when I needed to purchase a new mask while on Island, I bought a nice one from Habitat and actually paid less for it there than I found it for later in the states.

i would opt for a large hat for shade, maybe one you can tie on so it doesnt blow away.
also along many of the beaches are small trees you can use for shade.

Ouch! I completely forgot about the WIND! Not exactly tropical breezes huh. As you may have realized I have never been to Bonaire so my local knowledge is, well, pitiful. lol. Thanks for bringing me up to speed on the local conditions. I ask about the equipment because I ALWAYS seem to forget something when I go for a dive. Thanks!

Let me second Barry's surprise with respect to Carib Inn. It's where I shop for dive equipment I need soon, and the deals so far have universally been better than any U.S. dive shop.

The only places stateside that I find stuff to be even more affordable is via the dive mail order operators in the U.S. (LeisurePro is who I usually visit in NY or order from on-line/phone.)

I haven't priced other dive shops on Bonaire recently, but do recall getting a heck of a deal on a dive computer and regulator at one of Habitat's inventory clearance sales a couple of years ago.

Jake

Pink Beach and Windsock have some shade, we also had a big van 9-12 passenger and the tailgate gives some shade. I would agree about hats and I keep my shortie on between dives for sun. With the trades it is actually comfortable to cool, not as hot as you might think. But the sun can get you good, especially if it is the winter and you are from up North.

I ended up not being able to use a hat because of the beautiful winds on our trip. If I had taken one of mine with a tie down it would have been better but I didn't really find a time when I needed it.