Bonaire - water entrance problem.

[00scuba]

Is it not possible that they deliberately have left some difficulty in to lessen the risk to their reefs from the noobs?

Do you think that because you spend too much time hiding from the black helicopters?

 

[robertarak]

Some divers like to dive the sites less dived. Rocky entry = less dived. I am sure the are MANY places for easy dives. It seems you want the world to change to suit you. Perhaps there are those who don't want to always take the easy way, and the tougher entries suit them. Don't disturb nature to satisfy yourself. Most of us dive to enjoy the natural surroundings. Let's not talk of destrying it.

 

[spectrum]

Those who do not care to shore dive should not.

As shorelines go Bonaire is pretty tame for the most part.

There are plenty of dive destinations best enjoyed from boats.

 

[Tennessee Slim]

Do you think that because you spend too much time hiding from the black helicopters?

I don't think it's that improbable. Apparently the OP doesn't care for the challenge that some of Bonaire's entries present. This is not intended to reflect on the OP's experience level or diving skills but I think that the perception of difficulty (or danger) will have some divers -- probably including many of those with little experience in such conditions -- searching out easier dive sites. And I think the dive sites are better off for it.

If Bonaire's beaches looked like Daytona's, you'd have boogie boarders mowing down divers and guys floating in the surf on inner tubes with coolers full of beer, giving their "dead soldiers" a burial at sea. And even more rookie divers floundering among the corals.

 

[00scuba]

I don't think it's that improbable. Apparently the OP doesn't care for the challenge that some of Bonaire's entries present. This is not intended to reflect on the OP's experience level or diving skills but I think that the perception of difficulty (or danger) will have some divers -- probably including many of those with little experience in such conditions -- searching out easier dive sites. And I think the dive sites are better off for it.

If Bonaire's beaches looked like Daytona's, you'd have boogie boarders mowing down divers and guys floating in the surf on inner tubes with coolers full of beer, giving their "dead soldiers" a burial at sea. And even more rookie divers floundering among the corals.

I have experienced Bonaire a few times and believe its beauty is elegant, untouched...perfect as is it.

I guess if I need to explain my humor and poking fun in jest, it isn't funny. I laughed, but I was on the inside of that joke.

 

[Bosun]

didn't go down to well on BT either

Bonaire Talk: Problem with entering water

 

[Walter]

I agree, leave the shore as it is. I love diving Bonaire, there's no need to change the sites to cater to those who can't climb over the rocks.

 

[sasscuba]

Why Bonaire government can not make water entrance a little bit easier. I saw elderly woman flat on her back exiting Sweet Dreams or one of the other south sites (we dove south site mostly). Since reefs start about 50 – 60 yards from the shore line I don’t think that cleaning up shore line from large stones would affect eco system of the reefs. On another hand it would create a really easy diving for a lot of people. Especially when facing a little wind / swell. I’m 39 years old, healthy male, but getting in and out in full gear (fins in hands) some time presented a challenge.
I don’t think it would take a lot of resources also, in country like Bonaire I bet you could get labor for $3/ hr easy. So, even if each site would take $1000 on average it’s not too dramatic. They collect enough money just by “exit tax” to cover that expense.
Even North sites entrances could be improved as well. Ladders into the water would help a lot.
I do understand that current condition creates Bonanza for scuba shops, because people are buying their boat trips rather than go pure shore diving. I know couple that would not go to Bonaire just for this very reason, they don’t want to risk injury getting in and out of the water, injury that can render the whole vacation nightmarish. Bonaire government has to remember that tourist dollars, not salt production, keeps the island going.
Better beaches and water entrance would enable families with no-diver spouse to choose Bonaire as their vacation spot. Right now, for example, I would not go to Bonaire with my whole family, since my wife and daughter don’t dive and getting into the water in rubber slippers does not appeal to them. When we plan family vacation we choose Mexico or Grand Cayman where you can find not only great diving my nice beaches as well. While I’m diving my wife and daughter enjoy themselves as well spending time on the beach.
Just wanted to share some thoughts about Bonaire. Don’t get me wrong, I love it there, I will go back again but with my scuba buddies only. Bonaire would have my family as guests there every year if it wasn’t for water entrance.

 

[highlandfarmwv]

well, I'm sure there are plenty of careful divers who do have trouble getting over the rocks. My friend also wound up on her back, I fell every time I made a shore dive, but I didn't touch reef--only shore rocks. I would appreciate a little strip of concrete, say just as wide as a path, at the sites.

 

[BHB ScubaTroll]

Maybe 1000 steps should only be 94... That will ease the entry there :grin:

No one said Bonaire is the easiest diving... only one of the best dive destinations in the world... I would have loved to have time to dive the windward side.