Buddy Dive

[BDSC]

now can I skip the orientation when I get their in April?

Actually Scotty, I have found that them to be pretty reasonable in that area. We have been to Bonaire and stayed at Buddy's several times over the past few years. Usually on that first morning, if I can show them where they keep the "secret key" and can show them I have stayed at Buddy's in the past year or two they let us skip the checkout dive and formal orientation.

 

[robint]

Actually Scotty, I have found that them to be pretty reasonable in that area. We have been to Bonaire and stayed at Buddy's several times over the past few years. Usually on that first morning, if I can show them where they keep the "secret key" and can show them I have stayed at Buddy's in the past year or two they let us skip the checkout dive and formal orientation.

The only big issue about the Orientation now, as I understand it, is that they do a "lionfish briefing". True? When we were there in 2007 the buggers hadn't made it there yet. Also, the Orientation is when you get the STINPA tag and pay your $25, right? Or is that in dive shop now? I remember we printed out all the forms online and brought them with us to hand in.

Can't wait for my hug from Mama Lou. She's a sweetie.

robin
tick, tock, tick, tock...

 

[BDSC]

The only big issue about the Orientation now, as I understand it, is that they do a "lionfish briefing". True? When we were there in 2007 the buggers hadn't made it there yet. Also, the Orientation is when you get the STINPA tag and pay your $25, right? Or is that in dive shop now? I remember we printed out all the forms online and brought them with us to hand in.

Can't wait for my hug from Mama Lou. She's a sweetie.

robin
tick, tock, tick, tock...

When I was there last year we skipped the briefing so I'm not sure but I think you're right about them going over the Lionfish items. As far as the $25, we just walked into the dive shop, showed them our c-card, paid the $25, and off we went. I'm not even sure if we did a "checkout dive" there or just grabbed some tanks and headed north. But I don't think the orientation is all that bad really. The one next door at BDA can be really really long.

 

[Jomar Souza]

I have reservations for Buddy Dive Resort from August 20 to August 27/2011. I'm just looking for a buddy to shore dives on that period. Somebody?

Jomar Souza - PADI Divemaster #266111 - DAN Referral Physicial - Salvador/BRAZIL (medsport@yahoo.com)

 

[Scotttyd]

Actually Scotty, I have found that them to be pretty reasonable in that area. We have been to Bonaire and stayed at Buddy's several times over the past few years. Usually on that first morning, if I can show them where they keep the "secret key" and can show them I have stayed at Buddy's in the past year or two they let us skip the checkout dive and formal orientation.

I did the orientation at BDA the last two years (and or course I had been there before so I had the short version). They did add a lionfish briefing last year. Two of my roomates have been to Buddy dive multiple times (herman and wife), so I am assuming they know where the not so secret key is.

 

[herman]

We do and about 1 million other folks do as well.
I think we can "deal" with the orientation.... I have friends there.

 

[robint]

We do and about 1 million other folks do as well.
I think we can "deal" with the orientation.... I have friends there.

Yeah, and rooms aren't usually ready before 9am anyway... so might as well sit through the Orientation, right? We got lucky last trip, only people in our group, and our room was ready... but that is rare. Plus you need to let your breakfast settle, drink lots of liquids, and relax a bit before you jump in the water.

robin
tick, tock, tick, tock...

 

[BDSC]

Yeah, and rooms aren't usually ready before 9am anyway... so might as well sit through the Orientation, right? We got lucky last trip, only people in our group, and our room was ready... but that is rare. Plus you need to let your breakfast settle, drink lots of liquids, and relax a bit before you jump in the water.

robin
tick, tock, tick, tock...

Anyone think Robin is ready for this trip?

 

[herman]

Robin, when is your trip, Scotty and myself are there April 16-23

 

[Scotttyd]

Yeah, and rooms aren't usually ready before 9am anyway... so might as well sit through the Orientation, right? We got lucky last trip, only people in our group, and our room was ready... but that is rare. Plus you need to let your breakfast settle, drink lots of liquids, and relax a bit before you jump in the water.

robin
tick, tock, tick, tock...

I getting in on the Atlanta flight, would love to be able to dive that afternoon, but we won't be at Buddy to catch the afternoon orientation. Any chance we can buy our tags that evening?