Afternoon in Bonaire - shallow water shore dive / free diving?

[YYJValerie]

We will be in Bonaire for an afternoon on Nov 23 from 1 PM - 10 PM off of a Windstar cruise. Looking for a shallow shore dive opportunity where one of us can dive while the other snorkels / free dives -- something similar to Porto Mari in Curacao (one of our favorite spots). . Preferably somewhere with a dive shop on site or nearby to rent tanks/weights. And then a recommendation for dinner. We've been to Curacao several times, but have never made it to Bonaire before.

Looking forward to recommendations -- much appreciated!

 

[arew+4]

Reach out to Dive Friends Bonaire for tanks and gear if you need it. Try Salt Pier if there is no ship at the pier, it's about 20 minutes south of town. Rent a car or maybe a golf cart if you have nerves of steel

 

[tkaelin]

Another option might be Bari Reef at Isidel Beach Park. There is a Dive Friends next door at Den Laman/Sand Dollar. You can check with them on rentals

 

[tkaelin]

you won’t find a dive site with beautiful beaches like Curacao. Isidel Park has nice amenities, waterfront restaurant, rest rooms, easiest entry on the island with a handicap ramp and excellent shallow snorkeling and diving

 

[SelfDiver]

We will be in Bonaire for an afternoon on Nov 23 from 1 PM - 10 PM off of a Windstar cruise. Looking for a shallow shore dive opportunity where one of us can dive while the other snorkels / free dives -- something similar to Porto Mari in Curacao (one of our favorite spots). . Preferably somewhere with a dive shop on site or nearby to rent tanks/weights. And then a recommendation for dinner. We've been to Curacao several times, but have never made it to Bonaire before.

Looking forward to recommendations -- much appreciated!

Dive friends at delfins will rent out tanks and snorkel gear.
You can dive and snorkel off the pier in the restaurant.
Fun dive and easy entrance.

 

[YYJValerie]

Thank you for all the great information! Beach (like Curacao) isn't as important as facilities. Dive shop, restaurant, and relatively easy entry are at the top of the "wish" list.

Any suggestions on where to rent a golf cart - preferably near the cruise port? Is an international drivers license needed? And just curious... Arew+4... why the comment about needing "nerves of steel". Is driving a golf cart in Bonaire sketchy?

 

[BigDaddyGlad]

The dive site "Something Special" is right off the beach just north of the cruise terminal. I don't think there is an easier entry/exit on the island.

 

[arew+4]

Thank you for all the great information! Beach (like Curacao) isn't as important as facilities. Dive shop, restaurant, and relatively easy entry are at the top of the "wish" list.

Any suggestions on where to rent a golf cart - preferably near the cruise port? Is an international drivers license needed? And just curious... Arew+4... why the comment about needing "nerves of steel". Is driving a golf cart in Bonaire sketchy?

I've seen them on the roads when the cruise ships are in town, and lined up by the pier when the ships are arriving. I've never rented one but I have passed them on the roads a time or two, I try to be courteous, but I've seen others being rather aggressive, closing speed, pull out distance etc.