Bonaire East Side Diving

[Doctorfish]

To each his own.

 

[drrich2]

The way Bas did the shore dive at Cai with me by day, we didn't have bad currents and rough water. He knows the site well and can consider weather, conditions and patterns. I wouldn't try a night dive there without him!!!

Richard.

 

[BradMM]

Got that from their website

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.

 

[uncfnp]

Got that from their website

Not disputing the dive op's requirement. Only stating that diving the east coast has no special hazards that would necessitate a computer that's not true of any other boat dive. You will have to ask them why they have made it a requirement for their boat.

If you find out, post it. I would be interested in what they have to say.

 

[boat sju]

I imagine they're doing multi-level dives and you're going to exceed NDL's if you try to dive tables.

 

[deedeediver]

After Larry sold his operation to Bonaire East Coast Diving, I went on a maiden voyage. It was awesome!!,,, I recommend it to everyone who doesnt mind a little bit of turbulence getting out into the blue. I have not dove with the new owners of Bonaire East Coast Diving yet, but will probably do it this week or next. Stay tuned ctopus:

 

[Doctorfish]

I've been out with them a few times and I think they run a quality operation, comparable to Larry.

 

[BradMM]

Yep, that's why I posted it. I don't know why either but I may not find out until next year...

Not disputing the dive op's requirement. Only stating that diving the east coast has no special hazards that would necessitate a computer that's not true of any other boat dive. You will have to ask them why they have made it a requirement for their boat.

If you find out, post it. I would be interested in what they have to say.

 

[mddyver]

Thanks everyone for the information.

Our group had two great days (4 dives) with Hans, Fred and Andy with East Coast Diving in Bonaire.

The guys run a safe, efficient and fun operation. Dive briefings were very thorough. Nothing was left unanswered. The boat can handle 10 divers. The guys make efficient use of every square inch of deck space so each diver has enough room to don gear comfortably.

You meet and assemble gear at the dock. Motor over the bay during the dive briefing. Gear up, then shoot the cut into open water. Backward roll on command. We did 60 minute dives at 60 ft. Did a blue water ascent to hold a safety stop, then surfaced together. Overall intermediate to advanced diving. Divers need to be able to handle mild surf and surge and hold a safety stop with no visual reference. Surface swell was roughly 6-10 feet. Full scuba gear entry via ladder in place of removable pontoon. 100% live boat drift diving.

The diving is top notch. In particular, White Hole and Turtle City are some of the best diving in the Caribbean IMHO. On our last dive we spotted more than 40 sea turtles, 6-7 spotted eagle rays, 2 free swimming moray eels, 12 tarpon, conch, Southern sting rays and a nurse shark. At one point on our last dive I counted 12 sea turtles and 2 eagle rays at one time. The only time I’ve seen so many turtles on a single dive was on Sipadan Island many years ago.

I came across this guy taking a rest on our last day.

 

[Byte Me]

We've gone out with Bonaire East Coast Diving each of the last three years we were there and have always loved it. As mddyver said, great marine life sightings, walls are lush and beautiful, briefings are excellent and they easily accommodated our mixed CCR / OC group. I gladly give up an AM+ of west side diving to go out with them every time I'm there. It's outstanding!

After reading this I'd love to try Bas some time as well!!