9 more days

[Maine Diver]

I am packing reusable water bottles and we bought rechargable batteries for our camera and dive lights. I will try for on island updates, just depends on how tired I am from all the diving! I will post a trip report. 8 more days!

 

[DiveMaven]

Actually, although we dive at least 4x per day on Bonaire, we find ourselves LESS tired than when we're boat diving somewhere else. Not only do you not have to contend with the motion of the boat (which can be wearing), but the diving itself is so much easier and relaxing when you can set your own pace.

Think about it, when boat diving you don't typically get to choose your sites, then you know you have 1 dive there, so want to see as much as you can, you might have to follow a DM, and you're likely limited on time (all true even on Bonaire's boats). Contrasted to Bonaire shore diving where you can dive the same site as many times as you want, you can stay down as long as you want, you can go where ever you want, and spend as much time in any one place as you choose. Then your SI is spent drinking water in the sunshine sitting on the tailgate of your truck.

Ahhhhhhh......can't wait to go back!

 

[Maine Diver]

OK, you talked me into it. I will update

 

[rjchandler]

reusable water bottles sometimes go for a walk. Empty pop bottles are a good cheap substitute.

 

[Waterskier1]

Not to put a damper on your first day, but if you haven't been to Bonaire before, be prepared to wait.

Don't be surprised if after your 5:22AM arrival (that's when I arrive on the same flight the following week) you wait 15 minutes for customs clearance before the doors open.
Then, after deplaning, you stand in line for 15-20 minutes, sometimes longer to go through customs/immigration.
Even after all that time, you'll likely end up waiting another 15-20 minutes for the luggage to arrive. It's kinda funny, they have only one "luggage trailer" and they must make 20 trips back and forth to the plane before all luggage is unloaded.
Then, if you're renting a car (truck) at the airport, plan on another 15-30 minutes. All said, it was almost 90 minutes from the time of arrival to the time we were on our way out of the airport.
This may be a bit longer because I had to wait for everyone in the group to retrieve their luggage, and for everyone to get their trucks, before I led them off to the resort.

I'm saying this to forewarn you, so just try to relax, know that it will take a while, you're on island time, and don't let this frustrate you. I know I was quite frustrated about all the inefficiencies the first time I went to Bonaire.

But, the upside of this is that most resorts will be open by the time you arrive, and most will have a place for you to store you luggage if they don't have a room for you yet. I take this time to change into shorts and a tshirt.

If you like, grab some breakfast, and then be prepared to attend the mandatory Marine Park Orientation. Find out when that is before you get there so you can plan around it. If you miss it, no diving. Some of the larger resorts may have an afternoon orientation, I haven't heard of that though. At Wannadive at Eden Beach, it is between 8:00AM and 8:30AM.

After the orientation, depending on how you feel, you may crash (many have a hard time on the red-eye flights) or start diving (I can doze enough on the flight). Let the fun begin!

 

[Boat Chick]

Also: even though it's hard to bring liquids on the plane, get some bug repellent wipes or something in a contained small enough to carry-on with you so you can apply it just before you deplane. You often end up waiting for your luggage as the sun starts to rise and that brings the new dawn's worth of mosquitos into the open-air baggage claim area, well-rested and hungry for new blood. If you think you're already tired after the miserable 4-hour red-eye, long enough only for a fitful nap, you'll be exhausted after Bonaire's national insect drains a pint or two.

good point Mossman. I used to carry Avon Skin So Soft wipes but they no longer make them. The last two trips I've put this SMALL bottle in my carry-on with no problems.
Adventure Medical Kits Ben's 30% DEET Combo Pack at REI.com


A quick search came up with these, probably a better option in case security decides they want some DEET.
ADVENTURE MEDICAL KITS Ben's 30% Deet Tick and Insect Repell - Eastern Mountain Sports

Will look forward to your on island reports!

 

[DiverVince]

BC..We just bought Deep Woods Off wipes (with deet) for the plane & will apply as soon as we land. Hopefully it'll work as we wait watching the bags go round & round. At this stage we only bring one, but that's one too many! Next trip all carry on.
Many time we use the Avon skin so soft & apply before going out to eat. For me it works great.
48 hours for us, but who's counting!

 

[Mossman]

I'm saying this to forewarn you, so just try to relax, know that it will take a while, you're on island time, and don't let this frustrate you. I know I was quite frustrated about all the inefficiencies the first time I went to Bonaire.

Inefficiencies? I always have to wait even longer for luggage at my closest home airport, ONT, and 15-20 minute delays are common clearning immigration when returning home to the U.S. Sometimes the line to clear customs can be backed up that much too.

The main difference to me is that U.S. airports have air-conditioned mosquito-free baggage claim areas and jetways.

 

[rjchandler]

Wow -- i never have had any bother with mosquitos at the airport. Maybe that is because they like my wife better and I always bring her.

Getting a good rest that first day can make or break the rest of the trip. Travelling from Maine to the equator in one day is bound to wear you out. Island time is good.

 

[Maine Diver]

Not quote Maine but close enough. Maine has my heart. But I think bonaire may steal it.