Bonaire / Fish-ID Cert Course

[jl_va_21]

I've been interested in learning more about the various types of fish and being better able to identify them when I see them. I'm also heading down to Bonaire on Saturday (yeah!) and this seems like it would be a great place to take this course. Have any of your taken it? Was it a worthwhile course? Any tips?

Also - do you know what book is used. I have the DM crew-pak but not sure if this course has its own extra text.

 

[gsk3]

I asked a similar question and it was recommended that I take Jerry Ligon's class:
Bonaire Dive and Adventure

 

[herman]

Never taken it personally but others in my group have taken the course with Jerry, they gave it high marks.

 

[keithdiver]

I've been interested in learning more about the various types of fish and being better able to identify them when I see them. I'm also heading down to Bonaire on Saturday (yeah!) and this seems like it would be a great place to take this course. Have any of your taken it? Was it a worthwhile course? Any tips?

Also - do you know what book is used. I have the DM crew-pak but not sure if this course has its own extra text.

I have taken the course, and it is extremely useful. Jerry is going to teach you to slow down and what to look for. He will do a slide presentation of the life which you will see.To my best memory, there are 139 different species on the one reef:shocked2:He will then take you on a dive which you will be shown a majority of the critters. Once you have finished your tank and surface, you will have a smile from ear to ear.I know a few people who spend hours just diving the shallows of The reef taking endless shots of the life. Enjoy, it is a class that you will not regret spending the $ on. The price should be a lot more, considering whatyou are getting out of it.

 

[vann evans]

I agree with keithdiver. My wife and I took the course with Jerry Ligon last November. We learned an incredible amount about fish identification and fish behavior. we look at fish in a whole new light. Our new knowledge has put diving into a completely different perspective. Bonaire Dive and Adventure is lucky to have Jerry and Bari reef. Both are truly wonderful.

 

[DiveMaven]

We did the Fish ID course with Jerry, it took 2 afternoons and 2 dives. If you don't want to spend that much time and save a bit of cash, just do Jerry's 1/2 day "Dive with the Naturalist" course. You don't get a c-card out of it, but you do get a huge amount of information and a dive with him. Well worth your time IMO.

I'd also suggest that you go to Bonaire Dive and Adventure to reserve a spot as soon as you arrive on island (first or second day you're there). Jerry doesn't teach the class everyday, and I believe only teaches it on demand, so you'll want to make sure you get him reserved.

 

[DeputyDan]

I have also done Jerry's 1/2 day course and it is worth every cent.

Don't tell anyone or the price may go up !!!!!

 

[DiveMaven]

I just noticed you asked what text was used for the course. Jerry didn't use any text per-se when we took the class, just the Human Deloach CD on fish behavior and ID for his presentation and instruction. For the class, we also had a little practical test where he quizzed us on what creatures we were looking at, I got one wrong....he's a very good instructor! For the regular 1/2 day "Dive with the Naturalist", there's no test and no c-card.

 

[Pembina]

I ditto all the comments about Jerry's class. Best money spent while on Bonaire. Not only do you learn fish identification but also fish behavior. You will find yourself on subsequent dives saying "that was just like in the video?", "did you see that cleaning station?", "did you see the raiding party?"
When we got home I bought the books by the same autors (Humann/Deloach) as the video. They are "REEF FISH IDENTICATION", REEF CREATURE INDENTIFICATION" and "REEF CORAL IDENTIFICATION". All are great books. I wish I had bought them sooner.
Enjoy Bonaire!!!!