I totally agree that you should find someone with some experience. Several suggestions have already been given. The post just above this one suggests its the easiest diving in the world. Another post this evening in another Bonaire thread, suggests the entries can be very tricky and it's pretty easy to get battered around or ripped up by coral. Both are true so find someone, hire someone or at least read some good reports on entry procedures for each particular dive site. Hopefully you'll enjoy the boat dives as well as the shore diving. Have fun.
Bonaire first time
- Thread starter Blackbeard 69
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If it's any help, the water temp this week is 79....or at least it was a couple of hours ago.
It should be close to that or a little warmer in March.I will post a list of the easiest sites I found this week when I get home, I have been scouting easy sites for my next trip.
I'll be there starting Mar 6, but I think I'll just miss you. If not, let me know. I'll be with a group that often has several new divers. Be happy to have you join us.
DiveMaven
Contributor
Gee, and the last two years the water's only been 80 degrees during the first two weeks in July when we've been there! :cool2: I think you're having a bit of wishful thinking here.... :blinking:
bfisher
Contributor
Maybe, maybe not. I was just there in Sept-Oct with another couple and all our computers were giving temps from 84 to 88 degrees F. Must be that global-warmiing thing. I'll be going in three weeks for my 8th trip there in four years and I'll be wearing my usual Microprene. I also take along a 3mm hoded vest for those times I get a little uncomfortable. Our dives tend to get a little long, too, averaging 1:20 per tank.
Here's a couple sites for easy entry just to get your feet wet (PUN). Bachelor Beach, Something Special, Buddy's, Windsock, Bari (wonderful reef).
Jersey
Contributor
NCchuck - exactly! I said the 'diving was easy' not necessarily the entry/exit! I'd like to think my buddy and I have developed 'skills' over time. We are both fairly short - 5'6" - not too far to fall! In shape,good balance,strong legs-backs-arms. That all helps. Some things we find works for us - but your mileage may vary: Scope out entry before gearing up. Gear up suits in truck, put booties on then step out (trying to keep the sand out of everything). Assemble/don/test gear on back of truck and walk in holding fins, better clip them on a ring so your hands are free. Rough entries/exit - keep reg in mouth the entire way! Use the buddy system - side by side w/ forearms locked together can assist in balance. Time the water action and move with it don't fight, you will lose. One option is allow the weaker buddy to walk in gear-less and have the stronger buddy carry their gear out and assist w/ inwater donning. Course that means the stronger buddy does 2 entries and exits. Gear adjustments can be made once you are at a point of floating. Practice in water gear adjustments so when you need to do it, you can. We also do a final in water gear check before descending - just in case something got mushed in a fall. Lots of strategies, just take it slow, don't rush. Don't panic or thrash about if you fall, KEEP YOUR REG in. Don't set the gear down on the sand - it sticks and you don't want that in a reg or 'flator hose - carry immediately to the truck.
Even taking all the precautions in the world we still end up eating sand or washed against a rock or sliding or falling. It happens. The bruises, cuts and scars make great dinner conversation!
Even taking all the precautions in the world we still end up eating sand or washed against a rock or sliding or falling. It happens. The bruises, cuts and scars make great dinner conversation!
Papa_Bear
Contributor
Remember Gloves are allowed on shore entries and look for the piles of dead coral on shore, they mark the easiest entry point! Look for a sand channel or path!
Really? I thought the only time gloves were allowed was for holding on to a bouy line.
Blackbeard69: My wife and I will be flying out of Houston on the eve. of Feb.26 and staying until March 6th. We have spent alot of time on the island exploring and diving. We will be staying at Deep Blue View again with Menno and Esther.
I'm a active Padi Divemaster for Adventuresportskansas.com . If you have any questions feel free to contact me.
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keithdiver
Contributor
Always wear thick sole boots, tilos platinum boots work very well!!!!!!!!!!!!entries can be tough on the body &feet, espically the face!!
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