Bonaire Trip Report 3-6-10 - 3-13-10 (Pic heavy)

[tardmaster]

Jerry, We live in Suwanee and are staying with Tropical Divers in K-town. We got a package that includes an apartment, rental vehicle with tank racks, unlimited air/nitrox, etc. We were just planning to go and explore the island on our own and dive our butts off. We are on the 9:40am Delta flight on the 12th; we will be easy to spot because we will both be wearing $hit-eating grins. My son just got his passport in the mail and this will be his first trip out of the country. He and I have been diving together a couple of times in the Keys, but we are really stoked about this trip.

I did a trip to AKR in Roatan last year and had a blast, so I'm really excited to take my son with me this time to Bonaire.

Tell me about NTA - I presume you aren't referring to a No-Take Area, which is how Bonaire's marine park is designated.

It will be a pleasure to meet you.

Very excited for your son. He's going to love it. I hayte to break it to ya though, there will be PLENTY of people with those grins on thier faces. "The NTA Club" is an exclusive dive club that me and my wife happen to be members, thats all.

You packed yet?

Tardmaster

 

[Steve P]

Regarding Bonaire Dive and Adventure at Den Laman. BDA has restricted hours IMO, not opening the gear room until 8:30am and locking up nitrox tanks at 4:30. The easy way around this is to simply take your gear up to your room before they lock it up at 9pm, and keep tanks in your truck or one of the outside lockers. We've stayed at Den Laman the past 2 years (and return this summer!) and we've found this to be the best way around the weird hours. Plus since the condos are on the 2nd and 3rd floors, you can safely leave your stuff on your balcony if you want.

People rave about Buddy's drive up tank station, but frankly I don't see how that's easier than simply backing your truck up to the door at BDA to load tanks and/or rinse gear. 6 of one, half dozen of the other IMO.

Steve, if you're a photographer don't hesitate to pop into Fish Eye Photo and meet Tim, the owner. If you're at all interested in a photo course, I'd strongly recommend doing it with Tim, he's an excellent teacher and you'll see instant improvement (unless you're already a good photographer) in your photos. His courses start at 1/2 day and go up to 3 days, and he'll modify and tailor the content to what you need, so he doesn't do a "canned" course for everyone.

Thanks, Dive Maven. The Nitrox isn't a problem since the rest of the family isn't NOX certified. Actually, our two, 18 year old "kids" aren't even OW certified until they complete their referral check out dives this weekend with BDA. After that, we will keep depths shallow while they build their skills.

However, I do like to get going early & plan on at least one or 2 night dives, so the dive locker hours are important and looks likw we'll be lugging some gear.

As far as photos go, I'm an old Nikonos guy that hasn't made the switch to digital yet (talk about old school ). I am planning on renting a camera from Fish Eye for a day or two, so a half day course wouldn't be a bad idea. One of the last shots I took is my current avatar (with the Nikonos!). You can tell from the back scatter I still need some help with lighting.

Counting the hours . . .

 

[DiveMaven]

You'll love digital, and I believe Tim includes equipment as part of his course fee, so you'd have at least part of one day paid for!

We did the 3 day photography specialty with him 2 years ago and it made an incredible difference in my husband's photography and my editing. So much so that my husband is planning to spend another 1/2 or full day with Tim during our trip this summer as a refresher/update.