vann evans
Contributor
We were in Bonaire from 2/13 until 3/12. We consistently got water temps of 76-78 degrees. We both wore 3mm suits-my wife also had a shorty 1mm on top and I had a 2mm vest also. As noted, after several dives, you can be cold. Much better to have too much than not enough neoprene. It;s almost always windy-take a dry shirt for after the dive. we freeze water in a 2 liter bottle and leave it in the truck during the dive--we have ice water to drink after the dive
We have rented from AB for years-great service and generally the least expensive also. If available, get the lowest level truck(no A/C or radio)-all of the driving is short and you don't need either. Insurance is a personal choice.
Lots of good/great restaurants-but they can be expensive. We usually shop for groceries and cook in our unit-much cheaper. the grocery stores are well stocked generally on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. They can start to run out of things early to mid week until the boats come in again . If you see what you need, buy it-it may not be there when you come back.
As new divers, you may want to try and hook up with some more experienced divers at first. Navigation is not hard there. You could do boat dives and work with a divemaster for the first couple of dives. Then I would suggest that you do a lot of shore dives to get used to the area-boat dives can be expensive, hurried and not on your schedule. Shore diving is easy, lots of sites and diversity. All of the rental agencies provide free maps of the island that also show all of the dive sites. You can buy a great guidebook "Bonaire shore Diving Made Easy"
We have never experienced any theft/crime problems. we have been there 12 times since 1998. However, there are occasional problems. Use common sense, don't leave anything valuable in your truck, leave the windows down and unlocked.
Take as few clothes as possible-nothing fancy is needed. shorts and polo shirts are the most dressed up anybody sees. Most people wear t shirts and shorts unless going out to eat. good shoes are important if you plan to walk around very much.
Take sunscreen and bug repellent. You will need both constantly.
Most of the stores close between 12 and 2 for siesta/lunch. If there is a cruise ship in port, there is an open air craft market at the town plaza. Interesting local crafts/artists selling their wares-worth a visit.
The locals are friendly, the diving is great, the sun is hot--that's Bonaire.
Have a great trip.
Vann Evans
Sand Dollar A4
We have rented from AB for years-great service and generally the least expensive also. If available, get the lowest level truck(no A/C or radio)-all of the driving is short and you don't need either. Insurance is a personal choice.
Lots of good/great restaurants-but they can be expensive. We usually shop for groceries and cook in our unit-much cheaper. the grocery stores are well stocked generally on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. They can start to run out of things early to mid week until the boats come in again . If you see what you need, buy it-it may not be there when you come back.
As new divers, you may want to try and hook up with some more experienced divers at first. Navigation is not hard there. You could do boat dives and work with a divemaster for the first couple of dives. Then I would suggest that you do a lot of shore dives to get used to the area-boat dives can be expensive, hurried and not on your schedule. Shore diving is easy, lots of sites and diversity. All of the rental agencies provide free maps of the island that also show all of the dive sites. You can buy a great guidebook "Bonaire shore Diving Made Easy"
We have never experienced any theft/crime problems. we have been there 12 times since 1998. However, there are occasional problems. Use common sense, don't leave anything valuable in your truck, leave the windows down and unlocked.
Take as few clothes as possible-nothing fancy is needed. shorts and polo shirts are the most dressed up anybody sees. Most people wear t shirts and shorts unless going out to eat. good shoes are important if you plan to walk around very much.
Take sunscreen and bug repellent. You will need both constantly.
Most of the stores close between 12 and 2 for siesta/lunch. If there is a cruise ship in port, there is an open air craft market at the town plaza. Interesting local crafts/artists selling their wares-worth a visit.
The locals are friendly, the diving is great, the sun is hot--that's Bonaire.
Have a great trip.
Vann Evans
Sand Dollar A4
