I am thinking about doing some boat dives during our next visit. This will likely be a 1 time event so I would like your input on best dive sites to request. I have read a lot about Keepsake & Knife but they appear to be closed. Thanks for your input!
Boat Dives
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Rappel...
or Forest over at Klein.
Buddy's also runs a 3-tank up into Slagbaai Park once a week. Easy way to do those sites.
or Forest over at Klein.
Buddy's also runs a 3-tank up into Slagbaai Park once a week. Easy way to do those sites.
Doctorfish
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Karpata, Something Special are among my favorites.
I don't know if the dive ops still can boat dive at Salt Pier, if so, easier than shore diving the site.
I know these sites are all divable from shore, but for me, boat diving is much less work. I know, I'll get an argument here
I don't know if the dive ops still can boat dive at Salt Pier, if so, easier than shore diving the site.
I know these sites are all divable from shore, but for me, boat diving is much less work. I know, I'll get an argument here
mala
Contributor
in Bonaire never boat it if you can do it from shore.
the boats will have a dm-so that's not good
then there are another dozen people in dive kit jumping in at the same time.
I had 2 glorious weeks in Bonaire recently marred only by one boat trip.
It was a free addition to my holiday package and I must admit I got what I paid for.
2p
the boats will have a dm-so that's not good
then there are another dozen people in dive kit jumping in at the same time.
I had 2 glorious weeks in Bonaire recently marred only by one boat trip.
It was a free addition to my holiday package and I must admit I got what I paid for.
2p
Sue Sue
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You know what ? ... You are correct in that Most Bonaire dive sights are known for shore entry, however, if you like boat entry then that is good too !
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I never have but I'd do 1000Steps from a boat. It's not the climb down that's the issue...
I have a DM acquaintance who does the Hooker from a boat. It allows you to start on the 2nd reef then float in onto the wreck.
You were on the wrong boat. Toucan goes with 4 divers. Did it twice on different days with them. I've seen less than 6 on the BD&A boats also.
I have a DM acquaintance who does the Hooker from a boat. It allows you to start on the 2nd reef then float in onto the wreck.
Ours floated along for an hour blowing bubble rings while pointing out things we missed - like frogfish. Not sure how that's bad.
You were on the wrong boat. Toucan goes with 4 divers. Did it twice on different days with them. I've seen less than 6 on the BD&A boats also.
To me, the main downside to boat diving in Bonaire - especially to sites that can be done from shore - is that it wastes too much time. By the time that you've done two dives from a boat in Bonaire and have arrived back at the dock I've done three, bought lunch, and am heading to the fourth dive site of the day.
Klein Bonaire might make sense (though I've not felt the need to head there) and possibly Buddy's three-tank park trip - though I'd take four tanks in a truck to the park and make a day of it.
if you like to sleep in, and/or only want to do two dives in the morning and one in the afternoon, boat diving would be a good idea. Personally, I like to be in the water by 8 or so. I also like the ability to pull up to a given dive site, see one other truck there and say to my buddy "too crowded, let's hit the next site."
Klein Bonaire might make sense (though I've not felt the need to head there) and possibly Buddy's three-tank park trip - though I'd take four tanks in a truck to the park and make a day of it.
if you like to sleep in, and/or only want to do two dives in the morning and one in the afternoon, boat diving would be a good idea. Personally, I like to be in the water by 8 or so. I also like the ability to pull up to a given dive site, see one other truck there and say to my buddy "too crowded, let's hit the next site."
The boats I went on in Bonaire had a great DM, and took us to sites you can reach from shore. We didn't have any issues you describe.
Just because you don't think it's a good idea to dive from a boat there doesn't make it a bad thing.
If you have ample experience, a couple dives off the zodiac on the "wild side" are a blast from start to finish. Not recommended for new divers or those who need a lot of help getting in and out of the water (read: out of shape, injuries, etc) in fairly challenging conditions.
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