Bonaire non-guided night dive location suggestions

[WoodyLompoc]

Does anyone have any favorite night dive sites they wouldn't mind sharing?

We are independent types, who would like to hit sites that don't require a guide.

(BTW, "Independent" just means that we move slowly at night and will take whatever time it takes to get a good shot or to observe something interesting.)

Thanks

 

[a878bob]

Where are you staying? Going out the back of the resort is usually the easiest. Buddy's is well lit with good landmarks and I understand that other resorts are just as easy. Windsock is pretty easy. Have seen lots of stuff and eagle rays in the shallows at night. My personal favorite is the Hooker. In at dusk, strobe at the bottom of the bouy, pitch black by the time you hit the wreck , back up to the strobe, play for a little bit in the shallows. Then time for a few Brights !!!!

 

[Bubbletrubble]

The only night dives that require guides are the piers.

Fun, self-guided night dive recommendations:

• Buddy Dive Resort (if you aren't a guest, ask ahead of time to verify that it's OK)
• Windsock.
• Most of the southern dive sites featuring the double reef make good night dives, too.

Have fun!

 

[a878bob]

I've done Bachelor's Beach, Oil Slick, Thousand Steps at night. The ladders, and steps can be a little tough, especially after a long day of diving. But all worth the effort if your feeling up to it. BB is probably the easiest entry and exit.

 

[redacted]

I like to park at the north end of the beach (Playa Lechi I believe - dirt road off traffic circle) just south of Sand Dollar Hotel and enter right at the edge of the beach (easy entry & exit). Then you can turn north and do Bari Reef or south and do front porch. Buddy Reef is probably the easiest site for entry, exit. and navigation.

 

[drrich2]

Hi:

Windsock (which is not the same site as Windsock Resort) is one I like, too. The entry/exit is fairly easy, relative to some other sites, but I like that large wooden pier. If you aren't the greatest at navigation, you can still pop up, look at the pier & if you went in near it, well, you know where to head to for your exit, too.

Now, last time I did this at night mosquitos ate us alive going in & coming out in Oct. 2010, so be ready to move if you need to.

Richard.

 

[WoodyLompoc]

Thanks to all for the quick responses.

To answer the "where are you staying": Happy Holiday Homes. This appeared to have the best comfort per dollar ratio for an odd number, like in our group (family of 3). This will be a change for us, not staying by the water, but this is our 4th dive trip this year, so we had to go a little less expensive.

Brad

 

[billmosel]

Brad, Let me know how HHH is. I looked into it but decided on something else. I would be interested to hear what it is actually like. Maybe a trip report when you get back. When are you going? BTW, Bari Reef is my favorite night dive!! Lots of critters.

 

[WoodyLompoc]

I will report back, will be there Thanksgiving week.

 

[chucksaul]

Woody... Hope to see you around... we will be at Harbor Villages the same time...

Charlie and Donna