bonaire diving ?

[fishome25]

anyone been?
comment?
hotel recommendations?

 

[thereefgeek]

My avatar (that's me behind the video rig) is a pic my wife took of this French Angel that followed us around for about a half hour when we were there last May.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=5228147#post5228147 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by thereefgeek
We just got back from Bonaire, and the diving is spectacular! If Bonaire was Disneyland, Cozumel would be the coin operated ride in front of Wal Mart. Unlimited shore diving was unreal. We'd grab the gear, throw some tanks in the back of the truck and drive up and down the coast, diving when and where ever we wanted for as long as we wanted. http://www.diviflamingo.com/diviflamingo/diving.html
The reefs are very well maintained and the quantity of marine live was incredible. You can still dive with the "cattle boats", but if you're confident in your skills and experience (and that of your buddy), having the freedom to dive on your own schedule can't be beat. Unlike shore diving in Coz, the reefs slope is just a short kick from the beach. Some of the drop offs ranged from 100 yards off shore to as little as 25, and they start at about 30 ft. and drop to 150+. The best views were in the 30 - 50 foot range and at that depth our tanks were lasting us more than an hour. One interesting thing about the climate was the lack of humidity. Bonaire is very arid like the Arizona or Nevada desert. Temp in the low 90's with a moderate westerly breeze almost constantly with barely any humidity.

 

[thereefgeek]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=5220322#post5220322 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by fatsuki
You may want to consider Bonaire. I was there in May for the first time. It is absolutely wonderful. I've been to Cozumel twice and Bonaire has them beat by leaps and bounds. The viz was good (~60 feet), the diversity was fantastic, and the island was beautiful. Most everyone there dives or snorkels, but the place isn't loaded down with divers like Cozumel. Nearly all of the dives can be done from shore. It was the first time my husband and I dove without a group and we fell in love with it. We woke up when we wanted, jumped in the truck and just took off.

You can find some really helpful information at www.bonairtalk.com

One added benefit for you is Continental now flys directly from Houston TX to Bonaire. This route only started a couple weeks ago. Prior to this, it was Air Jamaica (the most unreliable airline around) or American Airlines/American Eagle from Dallas to Puerto Rico and then to Bonair.

Jeni

 

[thebiga]

I've been to Bonaire twice. Two great dive trips! First trip I stayed at "Sandollar". They have condo's and unlimited shore diving, along with their own boats for two tank daily trips. Second time, I stayed at "Bel-Mar". They are condo's only with unlimited shore diving. Both places had dive shop with lockers on site, and a freshwater pool for the human rinse tank effect. "Hilma Hooker" and "1000 Steps" are great boat dives. Food is expensive, town market has lots to offer. Get a truck rental, (most places include this in their price) (remember to take your proof of insurance-auto, or you will have to pay insurance). You will love the "open" airport. One of the best places in the carribean to go diving in my opinion! Take your cameras, photo's are a must!

 

[fishome25]

Thanks guys, you liked the sand dollar I was thinking of either that or the golden reef inn

 

[billsreef]

Hey Tom,

We stayed at the Sand Dollar several years ago. Pretty good dive op, and the house reef was excellent. Bonaire is a nice place, but don't leave anything of value in the car when going to any of the shore dive sites. Also pack anything you can't live without in your carry on I can also tell you about the local emergency room and the local eye doctor, thanks to my daughter (4 at the time) running across the room with a pointy stick :eek2:

 

[SumoBlenny]

Thanks for the info. I'm heading down in June also. Any thoughts on staying at Buddy's reef?

 

[Unresistible Blue]

I've been down twice - stayed and the Sand Dollar both times. Bonaire is my favorite dive vacation location so far (compared to Coz, Fl Keys [20 yrs ago when there was actually live coral in the reefs], Andros, BVI

 

[k3v1n]

I will be going in May. Will a 4/3 long wet suit be to hot or should I go with a shorty?

Thanks

 

[fishome25]

4/3 sounds pretty hot for down there. shorty would prob be ok but i like full suits for the protection. i'm bringing my 2/3 and a 1mm.

 

[MiddletonMark]

We went in September - only a shorty was needed ... not sure how warm it is in spring, but my gauge read 82 or 83 every day in late Sept.

We loved it. Stayed inland, at a B+B which my wife and I loved. A little quieter, nice view down over the island ... plus having two happy resident dogs around `home' was a nice bonus. [Deep Blue View]

Was great to drive along, find the first empty shore-dive ... and have the place all yourself.
Similarly, we went to a couple boat-only places [3 places on Klein Bonaire - very different than Bonaire proper] and a few Bonaire boat-only sites ... only one boat allowed per spot, we had a few spots for just us + our host/guide

Not a ton of nightlife, but after a long day of dining, good meal, and a drink at Karels [pic below] ... we were happy with relaxation and figuring out what we saw all day.

A few diving pics:
Hilma Hooker

Witches Hut

Took a camera out just the last day. Glad I spent the first 6 days just looking ... though missed pics of some amazing stuff, glad I was looking vs. fussing w/ camera.

On the roads, beware of donkeys

 

[MiddletonMark]

Do a night dive at the Town Pier.
Gotta get a guide/schedule it ... but it was great. Couple octo's, lots of macro-life, the most incredible sun-coral I'll likely ever see. Go a little late, avoid the peak-time.
Quite memorable.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6669068#post6669068 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by billsreef
Bonaire is a nice place, but don't leave anything of value in the car when going to any of the shore dive sites.

Yup, we left the windows open, the camera/etc at the hotel

Zero issues, laid back.

More pics

 

[gt93pony]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6684186#post6684186 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SumoBlenny
Thanks for the info. I'm heading down in June also. Any thoughts on staying at Buddy's reef?

I stayed at Buddy Dive June 2003. The resort was nice and never any problems with the vehicles or tank availability. The reef was only 150 feet or so in front of the resort. Pretty and easy to get too. We were able to see a turtle, seahorse, and 2 frog fish in front of the resort.

As stated earlier take a couple days clothes in your take on and possible your mask. I was 3 days without luggage. I looked like a "Super Tourist" wearing all the bonaire shirts, shorts, trunks, etc.

Also as stated earlier, take nothing of value and leave in your truck while you are shore diving. It will be gone. We packed everything into mesh laundry bags so that bag was the only thing in the truck.

BTW Karpata was my favorite dive.

Hope you have fun!