A few last minute Bonaire Questions..

[AceszHigh]

I've read many helpful posts on Bonaire, a group of us are going and staying together in one of the Hamlet villas for a week , leaving next week. A couple questions..

1) Are boat dives worth it? Am I really going to see anything much different than I'd see on shore dive sites? Asking because there is a package addon of three 2 tank boat dives for only $80 or so more. Or should I just stick to 1 or 2 boat dives? Obviously I'd only go on a boat for dives not accessible by shore .. klein bonaire (and our op, dive friends, mentioned also boats going to northern sites in bonaire not easily shore accessible.

2) I noticed some people saying they bring spices and other food items. Is there not much to be found in the grocery stores in bonaire? How are the prices compared to in the US?

Lastly, we live in Florida and are flying with the airline DAE ..their guidelines with regard to carryon luggage are quite vague, and the representatives on the phone weren't any more helpful. If anyone has experience with this airline and can share some insight that would be appreciated!

 

[akirawut]

I would not pre-pay for boat dives. It's easy enough to sign up once you get there, only do it if the boat is going somewhere you can't drive to, IE Klein. However you may find that you don't have any interest spending the time getting on and off a boat, waiting for everyone else etc.

I could understand bringing something if there was a really specific item you could not live without, but I think a lot of people overreact w.r.t. the availability of food on Bonaire. Even before the big new supermarket opened we never had a problem. I wouldn't lug anything like that down there.

 

[diverjen]

I agree about not prepaying a boat package.

Klein sites are worth the boat IMO, so its worth getting out there a couple of times during your trip. Also, Buddy Dive offers a 3 tank dive to the park for ~$129 (check early in your trip I guess it books up), which I have heard nothing but rave reviews of. Also heard really good things about doing an East Coast 2 tank boat trip. Other than those three exceptions, you don't need the boat.

You can find a lot at the stores, but if you HAVE to have something bring some.

Have a great time!

 

[wwguy]

1) We've spent 14 weeks on Bonaire since our last boat dive there, and are content to continue shore diving. We like the autonomy to dive when and where we like, and we prefer to avoid other groups when possible. But some folks prefer the the guided boat dive experience. As mentioned above you can always add on boat dives if the urge strikes you. Klein Bonaire is only accessible by boat. It's great diving, but so is the shore diving elsewhere. If you do chose to boat dive, one upside of diving with Dive Friends Bonaire is that they only take their boats to site that aren't accessible from shore. Some other dive operations take their boats to sites accessible from shore too.

2) Food is more expensive than in the US. Almost everything on the island is shipped in, which adds to the costs for visitors and residents alike. The main reason for bringing spices is because it usually doesn't make sense to buy them and only use a small portion before you leave. You mentioned staying in one of the "Hamlet villas", which covers several properties. If staying at Beachcomber Villas (Hamlet Villa #11) you won't need to bring or buy any spices. They're well-stocked. If staying somewhere else you might want to ask the property manager or owner.

I can't help with the flight question. We had a couple of interesting experiences with inter-island airlines years ago and now take the nonstop flights from the U.S.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[coldwaterlloyd]

Boat diving on Bonaire is kind of like bringing a Ham Sandwich to a buffet. It is the best shore diving on the planet . Unless physycally challanged I would shore dive while on Bonaire . It is a divers paradise for its diversity and ease from shore .

 

[AceszHigh]

Boat diving on Bonaire is kind of like bringing a Ham Sandwich to a buffet. It is the best shore diving on the planet . Unless physycally challanged I would shore dive while on Bonaire . It is a divers paradise for its diversity and ease from shore .

That was my impression of it. I was basically just wondering if theres specifically something that much Different or special in klein bonaire, etc. , compared to the shore dives in bonaire that would warrant a boat trip? Thanks for the help all
We're in Hamlet 10.

 

[akirawut]

diverjen did raise a good point about doing the east coast via boat. That in my opinion was worth doing.

While the boat dive to the park is a good option, don't discount spending a day exploring the park in a vehicle, and doing a couple dives as part of that. Also a good way to go.

 

[uncfnp]

diverjen did raise a good point about doing the east coast via boat. That in my opinion was worth doing.

While the boat dive to the park is a good option, don't discount spending a day exploring the park in a vehicle, and doing a couple dives as part of that. Also a good way to go.

We really enjoyed most of the park dives but the park roads are "challenging." Plan to spend the better part of a day traveling in and out and pack a lunch. Try and talk your dive shop into letting you have three tanks each and be prepared for some challenging entries.

 

[diversteve]

I would add-on a few boat dives as fits in your schedule.

Rappel is a very good dive off Bonaire that you can't do from shore. Didn't know much about it then but almost everyone on the boat asked for it. We also did Jeff Davis from a boat - IDK if it's shore accessible either. There's some Klein sites worth a ride out - Forest was a good dive - lots of black coral around 70'.

I'd do 1000Steps from a boat just so I don't have to walk back up carrying gear...lol.

 

[diverjen]

I'd do 1000Steps from a boat just so I don't have to walk back up carrying gear...lol.

I did!