September Caribbean Dive Trip Recs?

[tursiops]

Also, you should carry your BMP tag with you on shore dives. it is not checked often by the Rangers byut if they do, you'd better have it. I carry my BMP tag and my BD room-key card in a plastic ID holder on a cord aroudn my neck. YUou could put a CC in there too.

 

[smashweights]

Also, looks like there will be cruise ships docked Tues, Wed, Thurs while we are there. Any tips to avoiding getting overrun by tourists or snorkel teams?

I'm guessing plan to do those more popular spots Sun, Mon, Fri then?

Any must do non-diving things on island? We fly out Saturday at 1500 so we'll plan to end our last dive around noon on Friday and will probably look for something to do Friday evening that doesn't involving ongassing.

 

[smashweights]

Also, you should carry your BMP tag with you on shore dives. it is not checked often by the Rangers byut if they do, you'd better have it. I carry my BMP tag and my BD room-key card in a plastic ID holder on a cord aroudn my neck. YUou could put a CC in there too.

Is the BMP tag really a theft concern? Couldn't that just be folded and stashed in the truck?

 

[TNEngineer]

Last February I believe Buddy Dive handled the marine park and visitor fees automatically.

I have a DryFob but theirs have always worked great.

US money. US plugs and voltage. US driving. Seriously, don't fret so much. It's painless and you'll be just fine.

 

[tursiops]

Also, looks like there will be cruise ships docked Tues, Wed, Thurs while we are there. Any tips to avoiding getting overrun by tourists or snorkel teams?

Stay out of downtown.

Any must do non-diving things on island?

Some like the Donkey Sanctuary or the Cadushy Distillery,

look for something to do Friday evening that doesn't involving ongassing.

Go out for a nice dinner.

Is the BMP tag really a theft concern? Couldn't that just be folded and stashed in the truck?

Sure, But it is printable to just the size of an ID card. No reason not to carry it.

 

[smashweights]

Last February I believe Buddy Dive handled the marine park and visitor fees automatically.

I have a DryFob but theirs have always worked great.

US money. US plugs and voltage. US driving. Seriously, don't fret so much. It's painless and you'll be just fine.

Trying not to. Seems pretty simple and we're fairly experienced international travelers. I'm just forgetful, lol!

 

[tursiops]

Last February I believe Buddy Dive handled the marine park and visitor fees automatically.

i doubt it. It is possible to get the BMP tag from the BD dive shop, but you can't even get into the country without the tax payment.

I have a DryFob but theirs have always worked great.

Many have had the BD case leak, and BD shrugs and says not our problem. Pay for the fob. Why take the chance?

 

[smashweights]

i doubt it. It is possible to get the BMP tag from the BD dive shop, but you can't even get into the country without the tax payment.

Many have had the BD case leak, and BD shrugs and says not our problem. Pay for the fob. Why take the chance?

We already have the BMP and VET taken care of and printed off so not a big deal. Key fob belongs to BD so I would think they'd care? At the end of the day, i guess I'd just have my driver license, cash/cc, room key, truck key, so as long as nothing is electronic should be ok if it gets wet?

 

[tursiops]

We already have the BMP and VET taken care of and printed off so not a big deal. Key fob belongs to BD so I would think they'd care? At the end of the day, i guess I'd just have my driver license, cash/cc, room key, truck key, so as long as nothing is electronic should be ok if it gets wet?

The BD trucks are electronic key fobs. Dry is essential. If you use the BD 'waterproof" container, be sure and mutually understand who is responsible for what.

 

[Wants2divemore]

Also, looks like there will be cruise ships docked Tues, Wed, Thurs while we are there. Any tips to avoiding getting overrun by tourists or snorkel teams?

I'm guessing plan to do those more popular spots Sun, Mon, Fri then?

I don't think you'll have to worry much about cruise passengers while diving. I was just there in June on a cruise stop. Since not a lot of operators offer boat diving, I've never seen official shore excursions for diving in Bonaire. I dove with a private guide who drove me to sites, but I didn't see anyone else on my ship (or other ships) that seemed to be diving also. In my experience most (but not all) of the people who dive on cruises are vacation divers who don't bring their equipment and just want the convenience of a ship excursion.

Since I didn't go downtown, I can't comment on what the downtown near the port looks like on a cruise day but I'd imagine it's busy with cruise passengers like @tursiops said.