Bonaire

[DavidHickey]

Just curious, we are going on a trip to Bonaire July 30th. I heard that EVERYONE has to do a Shore check out dive regardless of your experience or how many times you've been there before. Anyone know what they are talking about? Are you just checking out your equipment or do they have the Scuba police standing by to make sure your skills are adequate enough to not damage their reefs? Not too worried about it but I think the wife would be a little nervous if we had to do tests to even dive there.
Thanks
David

PS. While I have a post out anyone know of any secret places or things to do while there?

 

[sasscuba]

If you do a search you will find this topic has been discussed before. Basically they want you to do a dive on their house reef to check your buoyancy and such. There is no written test and they do not dive with you.

 

[Charlie59]

You have heard correctly, everyone goes on a check-out dive that is used to ensure that your bouyancy is adequate to keep you off the reef. There is no written quiz, although you will watch a video. The dive itself is usually nothing but a nice shore dive to start a wonderful week of diving.

It is certainly nothing to worry about. Enjoy one of many great dives!

 

[downdeep]

It's a bouyancy check. They go over the Marine Park rules and then say, "Go get in the water" so you can sort things out at the house reef before they turn you loose on the world.

Secret places? Like the nude beach? Watch out for the Dutch. They'll get naked at the drop of a hat!

 

[Charlie59]

If I had known that I would have dropped my hat more often!

 

[downdeep]

That wouldn't happen to be a 10 gallon hat now would it, Tex?

 

[victor]

Who are you diving with?
At sanddollar it was a 15 minute chat about the reef's, expected currents, dive sites etc.
Then the take only memories, leave only bubbles speach.
Then pay your reef conservation fee and get your badge.
Then gear up and into the water for bouyancy and gear check, off the dock it's about 10ft deep with a sand bottom.
Once thats ok, swim the 30 or so yards to the drop off at about 15ft and you are away.

The house reef at sanddollar is fantastic, definitly recommend it for a night dive, or 3.

Envy Envy, I am green with Envy.

 

[DavidHickey]

Victor.
I believe we are staying at the Divi Flamingo. Don't really have a clue as to what its like we booked with our LDS for their Summer trip and they handled all the details. I'm sure we will have alot of fun!!
Thanks
David

 

[downdeep]

I have also stayed at Sanddollar. Bari Reef, the house reef, is a great dive. On our first night dive there we were surrounded by about 6 large tarpon. They were fishing by our dive lights. Jerry Liggon was the resident fish ID expert when we were there. If it's underwater, he knows where to find it. He taught a fish ID course. If you get a chance to dive with him you'll have a great time!
Larry Bear has designed a zodiac that he uses to dive the windward side of the island. A bit more challenging, but fun!
If you're a carnivore, you'll love the Argentinian beef. Delicious.

 

[Diver Dennis]

If you do a search you will find this topic has been discussed before. Basically they want you to do a dive on their house reef to check your buoyancy and such. There is no written test and they do not dive with you.

How can they tell if you have good buoyancy if they are not in the water with you?