Trip Report Bonaire: Bonaire Scuba (June 2025)

[Wants2divemore]

I dove with Bonaire Scuba (Larry Stern) on a cruise ship stop in Bonaire.

TLDR: Great operation, great dives, highly recommend and would definitely use again.

BOOKING: Beforehand, Larry was easy to communicate with and answered all of my questions promptly.

MEETING: Larry picked me up right outside the cruise pier.

PRE-DIVE: Larry asked about my experience and what I wanted to see on the dives so he could tailor the sites. There had just been thunderstorms on the island and the weather was changing, so he took that into account in selecting sites.

DIVE1: Salt Pier. Surface swam to the far left pillar (looking from shore), descended, then swam slowly along with the current towards the far right pillar. Saw lots of life included eels and many turtles (my favorite).

SURFACE INTERVAL: Drove around deciding on site 2. During the drive Larry provided information about Bonaire and its’ history.

DIVE 2: Bachelor’s Beach. Another great shore dive. Saw lots of life again, including eel, lion fish, sea horse, and squid. After the 2nd dive, Larry returned me to the cruise ship.

The pace of each dive was perfect for me, very relaxing and left plenty of time to observe everything. Larry took pictures throughout each dive which he emailed me afterwards.

This was my first time on Bonaire and now I understand why everyone raves about Bonaire. Even though the viz was less than normal, it was still great (to me). Larry was a great guide, a lot of fun to talk to, and has great knowledge of the island and the sites. I highly recommend Bonaire Scuba.

 

[YYJValerie]

Thanks for this. We are looking for is exactly what you are describing. Unfortunately, Larry is booked. Is there anyone else you - or anyone else reading this - can recommend?

 

[Harry Hood]

I too had a great experience diving with him (Larry from Bonaire Scuba). It's rare to get to dive with someone with so many dives and years of teaching scuba. He seems to be in demand-and now I know why!

 

[Wants2divemore]

Is there anyone else you - or anyone else reading this - can recommend?

This was my only trip to Bonaire so far, so I don't have any other personal recommendations.

From my research on SB and Trip Advisor, the following operators seemed good for a cruise ship guest:

Beyond the Corals: Has 2-tank cruise ship special, including pick up/drop off at pier

Dive Friends: Has 2-tank cruise ship special, 2 minute walk from pier

Div'Ocean: Has 2-tank cruise ship special, will pick up/drop off at pier

VIP Diving: Has 2-tank cruise package, includes dives, island tour, lunch, and pick up/drop off at pier

 

[mac66]

I used Dive Friends when I was in Bonaire. I was the only diver with the DM that morning. Very good dive, great experience. Like was mentioned they have a place a minutes walk from the port where you hook up with the guide. Then they drive you to your dive locations. Pretty much all shore diving. I'll try and remember where we dived.

 

[Jake 10]

Thanks for this. We are looking for is exactly what you are describing. Unfortunately, Larry is booked. Is there anyone else you - or anyone else reading this - can recommend?

Dive Friends, they always have a DM available. Island people are happy, humble, helpful people. I know ! , ask for Salt Pier, The Lake, Aquarium, Alice in Wonderland, or vista Blue in the south. 1000 steps, Rappel (my favorite), Oil Spill, Karpata on the North

 

[BigDaddyGlad]

I've been to Bonaire a number of times off a cruise ship, and been there on two extended stays.

My #1 recommendation is VIP Diving, though any of the operators on the island will provide a similar experience.