Bonaire East Side Diving

[uncfnp]

Wow, we just got back from Bonaire yesterday and I was already looking into Bonaire East Coast Diving for next time. I'm definitely going to the East Coast! My question was, why do they required a dive computer?

I was not aware that it was a requirement beyond the obvious. There is nothing unique or unusual in the east coast boat dives vs west coast that would mandate a computer.

A few things to consider in boat vs shore east coast dives are that with Bas you dive your abilities and air consumption. There is no time limit for your dive. The boat dives are time limited.

There are a lot more dive sites available with Bas.

For basically the same money, you get a private dive guide and a dive tailored to you.

 

[tarponchik]

There's a professional shore diving guide for the east side; Bas Tol at BasDiving.com. I did Cai with him and it was a great dive (my trip report of that dive).

Richard.

Can you clarify, was this a boat dive or a shore dive?

 

[hroark2112]

Bas does shore dives.

 

[Hintermann]

I too have reserved a day for East Coast diving during my visit to Bonaire in May 2015. Although rest of the dive package is with Bas Noij of VIP Divers, one day is reserved for the East coast with Bas Tol. We have agreed to do 2 day dives and a night dive (at Cai), conditions permitting.

I am assuming that we will be spending all day ay the east coast and there are no facilities there. So, do we have to pack water and food?

 

[hroark2112]

If you're at Cai, Sorobon is right there. Food & water are available, we had lunch there last trip.

Don't leave your gear unattended in the truck. One of our party had his BC stolen while we were there.

You'll probably go back to the resort between the day & night dives too. Bas likes to eat too

 

[Hintermann]

Am I right in thinking that only Bas Tol does night dives at Cai on the East Side? Judging by their website, Bonaire East Side diving offer 2 morning and one afternoon dives but no night dives.

 

[Doctorfish]

Not sure why you would want to go night diving over that side. Rough, currents, no body else around.
The night diving on the west side is terrific.

You do not need a computer for wild side diving. The bottom time is usually determined by the biggest air hog on the boat. Depth set by the dive master from deep to shallow over the drift.
Everyone pretty much comes up together.
You do need to be able to do a safety stop in open water so buoyancy skills need to be OK.
Easy to get back on the boat as a section of the inflatable hull is actually removed so you just need to climb up the ladder to the level of the deck at the waterline. Brilliant in my opinion.

 

[hroark2112]

Night diving on the east side was pretty awesome. I'll be doing it again next trip.

 

[DiverVince]

Am I right in thinking that only Bas Tol does night dives at Cai on the East Side? Judging by their website, Bonaire East Side diving offer 2 morning and one afternoon dives but no night dives.

Bas Tol will do a night dive with you on the east side. Did one with him a couple of years ago, it was awesome.No idea what East Side's policies are.

 

[uncfnp]

Not sure why you would want to go night diving over that side. Rough, currents, no body else around.
The night diving on the west side is terrific.

My next east coast dive will be a night dive with Bas.