Back to Bonaire in August

[BradMM]

diverjen,

The whole family used to dive but, living in Texas, we would fly down to Cozumel every summer very cheaply (before fuel prices went up) and basically just pack a swim suit when we stayed in all-inclusives. Guess we just got lazy but also lost interest in anything deeper than about 30' so my son and I were always just free diving to see stuff. Wife/mom would stay on the surface, daughter some of each.

I'll definitely check out the south entrance at the Hamlet.

Thanks!

---------- Post added July 11th, 2014 at 01:08 PM ----------

I would like to solo but probably won't just because I know it's not the smartest thing I could do. Mostly just looking for good shore-snorkel spots.

Thx

 

[diversteve]

Caribbean Snorkeling Sites | Bonaire Snorkeling Sites - Snorkel Sites click each marker for a brief description.

 

[uncfnp]

Talk about Hell on earth! I'm sorry but I just can't imagine being a certified diver in Bonaire and not diving. Yes, there is much to see to 30 feet but all that wonderful sealife just out of reach..aaaargh!

Absolutely, snorkel Bari. In fact, most any dive site between Bari and Dive Friends Hamlet should give you good snorkeling. Once I spent about 45 minutes with a tank just messing around in the 15 foot range at DF Hamlet. Had lots of fun and saw everything from secretary blennies to a small octopus and a rainbow parrot.

 

[boat sju]

I would like to solo but probably won't just because I know it's not the smartest thing I could do. Mostly just looking for good shore-snorkel spots.

Not trying to start a big debate here but there are a lot of solo divers on Bonaire and no-one seems to give it a second thought. The crest of the reef is 25'-30' deep. Which is really more dangerous, to solo free dive to that depth or solo scuba? I'm about your age and I know which one is harder on me.

 

[uncfnp]

Not trying to start a big debate here but there are a lot of solo divers on Bonaire and no-one seems to give it a second thought. The crest of the reef is 25'-30' deep. Which is really more dangerous, to solo free dive to that depth or solo scuba. I'm about your age and I know which one is harder on me.

I'm with boat on this one. But of corse it all depends on your comfort level. Take a refresher course before your trip. If you are comfortable free diving that depth and get up to speed on your scuba I don't see a down side. Just expands your options. And if your read much on SB about Bonaire, you know finding a willing dive buddy is usually not too difficult if solo diving is not for you.

 

[drrich2]

Not trying to start a big debate here but there are a lot of solo divers on Bonaire and no-one seems to give it a second thought.

Bit of a tangent, but you mentioned the solo thing, and while nobody follows you around, if you dive house reefs this might be good to know.

Buddy Dive Resort (I learned by asking) and Dive Friends Bonaire (I learned from a web page by them) allow solo diving if you are solo certified.

WannaDive and the tech. diving shop that operates out of Captain Don's Habitat both offer the SDI Solo Diver course, if memory serves; I speculate that they would honor it at their locations, though you might want to ask & make sure if it's a potential issue.

I'm not a free diver. I'd read up on shallow water blackout if I were going to be free diving Bonaire, especially solo!

Richard.

 

[Scubawankenobi]

Not trying to start a big debate here but there are a lot of solo divers on Bonaire and no-one seems to give it a second thought. The crest of the reef is 25'-30' deep. Which is really more dangerous, to solo free dive to that depth or solo scuba? I'm about your age and I know which one is harder on me.

I agree - shallow solo diving, within one's level of training and comfort, of course, might be a great option.
I found no hassles solo diving, and to be honest, (again if in your training/experience/comfort level) I just can't imagine "scuba police" showing up and dragging you out of a beach entry or handcuffing you to some random (and un-known) insta-buddy. ;-)

I really appreciated the relaxed, respectful treatment of divers that I experienced in Bonaire.
Some of my best dives were the few solo dives I did, when I got away from (boat) groups dive bombing one another, crowding some sea life that was spotted, or buddies relying on me to navigate.
With those beautiful shallow reef crests, it's easy to navigage (no getting lost) to comfortable depth/time and crest for an easy safety stop and short swim back to beach.

I'd go so far as to say Bonaire probably offers the "easiest" solo diving I've ever experienced, particularly for those perhaps doing their first solo diving.
[ Again, only recommend within level of training/experience/comfort ]

Hope you have a great snorkeling/scuba experience in Bonaire!
Happy bubbling!

 

[ScubaNCycle]

Brad,

If you are planning to dive and are looking for a buddy, I'd be happy to pair up on a few dives. We will be in Bonaire 8/2-8/16.

Brian