Bonaire Trip Recommendations Please

[pitdvr]

I was just at Sand Dollar a couple of weeks ago. They have a buffet breakfast also (great husband and wife team run it). Found the resort very convienent and unclutted with easy parking. Office staff was very accomodating with a good sense of humor. Everything was great except the 1 1/2+orientation by Diane from the dive shop. Of credit to Sand Dollar, they even responded to my complaint about the orientation length. The rest of the dive staff were great.

 

[piikki]

We did have one other question which I wasn't able to find on scubaboard. Is a dive flag required? Recommended?

No flag required. I don't think I never saw a flag on my two trips even with classes. Ah the freedom!
On some sites if you feel like it you can blow a bag but generally there is no need. Leave them cumbersome floats and flags home, and just take SMB for safety.

 

[scubadobadoo]

I was just at Sand Dollar a couple of weeks ago. They have a buffet breakfast also (great husband and wife team run it). Found the resort very convienent and unclutted with easy parking. Office staff was very accomodating with a good sense of humor. Everything was great except the 1 1/2+orientation by Diane from the dive shop. Of credit to Sand Dollar, they even responded to my complaint about the orientation length. The rest of the dive staff were great.

Yeah that dive orientation was very lengthy although also specific and detailed in a caring kind of way. It was like spending 10 hours on Bonairetalk.com LOL. I however have already spent my 10 hrs on Bonairetalk.com and don't need to do it again in person.

That said, as of last week when I was in Bonaire, the dive orientation was broken in two groups (return guests/new guests) and therefore was much shorter. Diane does a great job and seems to want the best for everyone's vacation.

I did take Jerry's class and loved it. (I believe we discussed this before in this thread I hope) He is a bit too touchy feely for me on the reef during his dive after the class and while he knows what he is doing and causes no injury or damage whatsoever, I'm not sure that touching stuff so much sends a good message for new divers and the small amount of idiots, especially when the lengthy orientation including a message from Jerry mentioned above does go over the park rules that include not touching things and more. Just my two sense. But again, Jerry is a great guy and his class was excellent! I highly suggest it!! Jerry loves Bonaire and it does show. I'm just not sure about the small discrepancy in message.