One day on island- Dive or snorkel?

[Sik_Z33]

Hi all, I know there are many threads on the topic I have several options and am seeking advise. I am an experienced AOW diver arriving to Bonaire for the first time for one day with my non-diver wife next week on 1/23 via cruise ship in port from 8 am- 6 pm. I have narrowed my options for diving down to the following:

1) Dive Eden beach's house reef with Wannadive while my wife stays at their resort.
2) Skip diving and snorkel Klein Bonaire and take my wife along.
3) Book a 2 tank shore dive excursion with Dive friends and book a spa day for my wife on the ship. (least favored unless this is my best option to see the best reefs)

Any advise is appreciated!

 

[kelemvor]

What are the depths at the sites you're considering? I'm thinking of required no-fly time... Personally, I'd go with the shallower +nitrox if I were flying home the next day - although I'm less conservative than some on the issue.

 

[Sik_Z33]

What are the depths at the sites you're considering? I'm thinking of required no-fly time... Personally, I'd go with the shallower +nitrox if I were flying home the next day - although I'm less conservative than some on the issue.

Edited my post, I am arriving on a cruise ship I will be in port from 8 am - 6 pm. Just trying to do my best to do the island justice in my short time there!

 

[JackD342]

I think the only input that matters is that of your better half! If you need to accrue some points, does that mean you snorkel? Maybe depends on how much she values that spa day. Are you planning any tour of the island, or just activities? If no tour, can you squeeze in both dive AND snorkel? And if she says "don't worry about me, do what you want," is it safe to believe her?

 

[Lorenzoid]

. . .
Any advise is appreciated!

There's an aspect to your question that gets into your personal relationship with your wife. I mean, if it were me, I would stick with my wife because we both love the water and love being together in the water. If she were unable to dive, we would snorkel. But that's just us. What kind of "advice" would help you make your decision? The diving in Bonaire is great, as you no doubt are aware. Snorkeling is pretty good, too. Some specifics about what kind of information would help your decision would be helpful.

 

[Sik_Z33]

I think the only input that matters is that of your better half! If you need to accrue some points, does that mean you snorkel? Maybe depends on how much she values that spa day. Are you planning any tour of the island, or just activities? If no tour, can you squeeze in both dive AND snorkel? And if she says "don't worry about me, do what you want," is it safe to believe her?

Haha all valid points. We are hitting Aruba and Curacao the 2 days prior, I am not making diving a priority at those ports as a compromise. We are exploring both islands on land ourselves with our own snorkel gear in tow so we will be in the water plenty.

What I would like to know if anyone can offer experience, where will I have the chance to see more coral Eden beach shore diving or Klein Bonaire snorkeling.

 

[Lorenzoid]

where will I have the chance to see more coral Eden beach shore dive or Klein Bonaire snorkel.

Well, that's certainly more specific. Unfortunately, too specific for me to be able to answer.

 

[Dzydvl33]

I just did a cruise for in October, 4 day Catalina ensanada, My wife and I were going to dive on Catalina. Then as the cruise got closer the thought of lugging basic gear, mask fins gloves boots BCs and Regs, finding somewhere to clean and dry them in our state room....... Then it was also my 25 year class reunion so PARTYING. We decided to snorkel. I'm glad we did. 10 hrs sounds like a lot of time until you're there trying to get off the ship get to the site and all the hustle and bustle. Suddenly the time is used up. The snorkeling was great though and easy.

This was my resent experience just some food for thought. If there are shallow reef that see easily accessed that would be my choice on a cruise.

By the way we had an Amazing time on our cruise even those it wasn't to as nice of places as you are headed. HAVE FUN.

Happy Diving

 

[Doctorfish]

I would book a snorkel trip on the Woodwind. The Captain, Dee goes to some good sites on Klein and is very knowledgeable.
This would be a nice day trip for both you and partner. The Woodwind used to be moored at Divi which is right near cruise ship dock, but I'm not sure if they still keep the boat there.

 

[tursiops]

where will I have the chance to see more coral Eden beach shore diving or Klein Bonaire snorkeling

Easy. Very little coral at Eden Beach, it is on a rubble shelf. Go snorkel Klein Bonaire, see the coral, AND keep the wife happy.