Bonaire in Sept.

[1_T_Submariner]

I just booked our (me and my wife) first trip to Bonaire. Staying at Buddy Dive the last week. Any hints, tips, favorite Dive sites etc.. would be great. I've read a lot of threads already.

 

[Cecil]

You'll like Buddy Dive, nice resort. The only issue with September is it will be hot and the water temp will be quite warm. A 3mm shorty will be enough. The other thing to watch for is a wind reversal. Bonaire has very consistant trade winds from the east, sometimes in the fall it can die or reverse. This can make the island very hot and can blow out the dive sites on the west side. That's the bad news, the good news it means the east side becomes divable which is very cool. If this happens make sure you get a dive guide as the east side is very trickey.

By the way I am a fellow bubble head, USS Daniel Boone 1972-1978.

Also go to www.bonairetalk.com for all your questions on Bonaire.

 

[sasscuba]

Watch for box jellies at night in Sept. That is when I got hit!

 

[diversteve]

My top six dives in no particular order:

Rappel(boat only)
Angel City
Vista Blue
Salt Pier
Bari Reef
Forest(Klein)

Pay your departure tax at the airport b4 standing in line to check-in. It's the window north of the airline counters. I think it's $32pp now.

As you've likely read leave nothing in your open truck that you don't want to lose. Although it never happened to us and most of our afternoon dives we were the only ones in the area. Especially in the north where sites are a short walk from the parking area.

No one brings a check for dinner unless asked for it. It's considered rude as you're their guest for as long as you want to stay. Most places close for a siesta early afternoon. Eat at Casablanca at least once. I also liked It Rains Fishes for the food and the view. But it's pricier than most other places.

 

[1_T_Submariner]

Thanks for all of your tips. I imagine the water will really be warm. I have a shorty, and a 3mm jumpsuit.

 

[Bosun]

You may catch the coral spawning which starts on the 29th Sept.

Box Jellys are rare. I have only seen one which was the very rare Bonaire Banded Box Jelly last September and I have done around 400 dives in Bonaire.

 

[DeputyDan]

You don't need to take alot of cash.

The ATM which is within walking distance of Buddy Dive gives US dollare or Guilders!

 

[sasscuba]

You may catch the coral spawning which starts on the 29th Sept.

Box Jellys are rare. I have only seen one which was the very rare Bonaire Banded Box Jelly last September and I have done around 400 dives in Bonaire.

They might be rare but it only takes one to get hit....my pain and scars lasted for months after.....just be carefully especially at night in Sept/Aug.

 

[1_T_Submariner]

This may sound like a funny question but is there a sub sandwich shop on Bonaire (Like subway)?

 

[Bosun]

Yes there is a subway in town. Its across from the cinema