I have not been keeping up with this thread, sorry about the slow responce.
The marine park consists of ALL of the waters around Bonaire, from the shore to a depth of 200 ft (think the depth is correct)
The fee is $10 per year-Jan to Dec with some overlap if you buy the Dec tag as it will be for the next year.
Yes, you will have to take the orientation which also includes you doing a dive off the house reef for the purposes of getting your bouyancy correct and "tuning" up your skills.
The Helma Hooker is easy to do from shore with the port side of the ship at about 60 ft and the sand at just under 100ft. If you want to get to 100 ft, go to the bow of the ship where you will find a washed out hole and mash your gauge into the sand....caught my wife digging out the hole last year to get that last few inches.HEHEHE
There is really no need for gloves even on the Hooker unless you can't do free accents/decents. If that's the case, gloves migh not be a bad idea as the bouy line has some fire coral on it.
Natasha, did you know the exit tax has gone up to $20pp ?
I will be glad to personally investigate any other questions real soon....ON ISLAND IN 11 DAYS !!!