Trip Report Bonaire January’25

[tkaelin]

He's sticking around, then? -- I think it's the biggest I've seen on Bonaire: a good Roatan-sized. Unlike the Roatan ones, he's shy and wouldn't come close for a good shot

 

[arew+4]

Have you used All-In car rental before? I haven't seen them used in the numerous trip reports, so it would be good to get some feedback on another option.

Ya, kinda taking a flyer on this one, generally good reviews on line, not much here. Good prices no additional anything. It's a an older Mitsubishi, I always feel bad if I dirty up a newer truck, and worry they are going to stick you with minor not your fault dings and scratches from parking etc.

 

[tkaelin]

Post script heading back in May. JetBlue nonstop r/t fares starting at $270. Can’t pass it up.

 

[dmaziuk]

They'd fly me there from Milwaukee in May for $600, but... return flights are not available.

 

[arew+4]

They'd fly me there from Milwaukee in May for $600, but... return flights are not available.

I'll put you in my suitcase you can grab a bus from JFK

 

[wunderhorn]

Just finished a wonderful week diving on Bonaire. JetBlue nonstop from JFK. Avis Pickup. Capt Dons Deluxe OceanFront Jr. Suit. Breakfasts and most lunches in.

19 dives, 5 of which were boat (La Dania's Leap, Country Garden, Small Wall, South Bay and Angel City), 5 solo and 2 night. With the truck we dove Salt Pier and Bari's twice. Surf and swells were up when we arrived but settled down during the course of the week and the vis improved as well. Dove Capt Dons House Reef and Cliff multiple times every day.

We enjoyed the diving with lots of the usual suspects but only one turtle and no seahores or frogfish. They were out there but we just didn't find them. Highlights were a 4-5' green moray swimming at La Dania's, marble size juve trunkfish, Longsnout Butterfly in the orange phase, a very large grouper, and schools of very friendly Palometas and shy Ballyhoos or Baloas (silver needlefish) by the Capt Don dock.

New this year for us were: Dining at Chefs. We thoroughly enjoyed the food and experience. The evening lasted 3.5 hours and cost was about $300; Isidel Park, the new park at Bari’s. The new ramp into the water makes the access super easy. The water side restaurant, krioyo fusion, is run by an award winning Bonaire’s chef, and worth checking out.

This was our sixth trip with detailed trip reports posted in the past. Please let me know if I can answer any questions.

Will post some u/w pics and short videos when I have some more time

Hi! I've not been to Bonaire in quite some time. I'm taking 2 divers, one who needs to boat dive due to an injury. Can you tell me which operators have the best boats? I looked and Buddy dives boats seem to be nice. Also, we could shore dive if this diver had someone to help with lifting the tanks - do you know a place to search for a divemaster that might assist? Thank you in advance.

 

[dmaziuk]

DFB's Tiki Diver is the biggest dive boat on the island (or was when I was told that) and it's a pretty wide and stable platform... but they do need to put more people on to pay for the gas. If wide and stable is what you're asking for.

 

[scubadada]

DFB's Tiki Diver is the biggest dive boat on the island (or was when I was told that) and it's a pretty wide and stable platform... but they do need to put more people on to pay for the gas. If wide and stable is what you're asking for.

Very stable catamaran with lot's of room.

They pick up at the Sand Dollar/Den Laman pier. If you stay at Sand Dollar or Den Laman, you can also use the pier for very easy access and egress from Bari Reef. We had a diver with us in 2022 who had a shoulder injury. I helped him on with his gear on the stairs and took his gear off at the end of the dive. Not your typical shore entry and a very good dive site, day or night.

I have never stayed at Buddy Dive. Their boats and house reef may serve you as well. @tursiops knows a lot about Buddy

 

[tkaelin]

Hi! I've not been to Bonaire in quite some time. I'm taking 2 divers, one who needs to boat dive due to an injury. Can you tell me which operators have the best boats? I looked and Buddy dives boats seem to be nice. Also, we could shore dive if this diver had someone to help with lifting the tanks - do you know a place to search for a divemaster that might assist? Thank you in advance.

Don’t know who has the best dive boats. All my boat diving has been on Capt Don boats.

The new shore diving access at bari reef is a handicap accessible ramp with railing.

On looking for a divemaster I would start with the resort and dive op you are looking at.

And can the diver lift smaller tanks, 63s or 50s?

 

[scubadada]

Yes, Isidel Beach Park has a nice entry. The walk from the parking lot is pretty long is you cannot drop off your gear

https://scubaboard.com/community/threads/isidel-beach-park-october-2024.653205/post-10435094\\