Bonaire boat diving.

[Bonairetrip]

In terms of boat dives, I might consider klein and rappel. For the east side, you can do shore dives (with Bas) or by boat (as indicated above). The Carib Inn also sometimes runs boats to the east side.

 

[BonaireDan]

Yep, the best recommendation is to wait until on island to pick up boat dives. If you buy in advance you may not use them all - too mch great shore diving awaits.

The east side is not to be missed but make arrangements ASAP on arrival.

 

[Skookumchuck]

Thanks to all who responded. The reason I'd like to sample the boat diving is that I shore dive almost every weekend at home. Variety is the spice of life. As far as wasting time and money, if I had a nickel for every time someone's accused me of that I'd.... well I'd probably waste it. Looks like I'll bring a handfull of U.S. dollars and book a boat to the wild side at least once.
Andrew.

 

[KY_BOB]

Looks like I'll bring a handfull of U.S. dollars and book a boat to the wild side at least once.
Andrew.

You won't regret it.

 

[Drewpy]

Andrew,
I do a fair amount of shore diving in Monterey..and trust me,it is quite different and very easy.. plenty of spice awaits!
If you do spring for a boat do the east side!

Be sure and try some of the local grub! The Rose Inn in Rincon has an excellent goat stew!

Have fun!
Drew

 

[dvrliz1]

You may also consider shore diving "the east side". Bart at Wannadive has a guided shore dive (I think a maximum of 4-6 divers allowed at 1 time) from Lac Cai on the East Coast and it costs $45.00 per guided dive. Other guests have done it and loved it!

 

[robint]

In terms of boat dives, I might consider klein and rappel. For the east side, you can do shore dives (with Bas) or by boat (as indicated above). The Carib Inn also sometimes runs boats to the east side.

ditto... we had some really good boat dives when we were there! Rappel can only be done by boat, and it is awesome! And the dives are Klein Bonaire can only be reached by boat. Also, coming back from our dive on Klein one day we had dolphins and we talked the DM and boat capt into letting us stop and snorkel with them for a few minutes.
I have a video that shows our boat dives:
Bonaire2007 - Boat Diving on Vimeo

but that said, you don't have to do boat dives as the shore dives are so good. See my other videos! We stayed at Buddy Dive and saw as much cool stuff right there in front of resort as we did on any of our other dives!!!

We heard another group actually did the Hilma Hooker by boat, saving time on the shore swim, and said they preferred it that way. They did it by shore the day before so they had a comparison.

Bonaire is fantastic diving and we plan to go back in the near future!

robin

 

[chauncy19]

Just back from a week on Bonaire. Bas N is a great choice to go on "non standard" shore dives. Did a day with him and it was great. I have previously done boat dives with the Carib Inn and highly recommend them.
If you going in the "off" season wannadive is probably great too. I have done two boat dives with them to Klein. One great, one not so good ( way to crowded for me). Not real sure about a strategy for canadian dollars but credit cards work fine for any of the boat diving options.

 

[RJP]

Rappel can only be done by boat...

Not if you consider how it got it's name! (From a couple of Jersey guys, by the way...)

 

[DiverVince]

Try doing the east side from shore if you're up to it. I'd recommend Bas Tol. Did a night dive with him several weeks ago at Cai. A real unique experience to be sure!
786-4917 or e mail him at loonybin@bonairelive.com.
anyone want more details, PM me.