Dive shop recommendations (other than DFB)

[TonyRomano4099]

I had a bad experience with DFB on my first trip to Bonaire (which was my first week ever diving). It was nothing against the staff, but I had a few o-ring issues (not blown) and other minor things - which I thought were normal, but have since learned after diving elsewhere, they are not.

What are other shop that offer frequent, ideally smaller boat dives? Wannadive a good option? Do they just go to Klein or do they go to some of the sites in the north as well? Any other options (other than the resorts - which I am not staying at).

 

[arew+4]

VIP, seems well liked, but I have no experience with them. I have used Buddy's for tanks and a Klein trip or two while staying in a VRBO. I have also have used DFB several times with no complaints, other than customers who put their used tanks in the full tank area, and even go so far as to put the cap back on.

 

[Diver-6873]

VIP Diving for the win. They have been our lds for more than 8 years.

 

[divezonescuba]

Sorry to hear about your bad experience with DFB.

I am not associated with DFB, but have used them, Buddy Dive, VIP diving, and a couple of others in the past.

On one trip with DFB, I had to replace four orings the first day. They gave me back the four orings without question when I asked for four replacements. I have encountered poorly maintained orings at almost all the caribbean destinations that I have visited, so I don't consider that particularly different. Keeping one of those small oring kits can be handy anywhere.

I do think that DFB offers the best overall operation for the money, primarily since they have the most tank depot locations all over the island, which is important to us. Since they are a bulk operation, I don't expect the same level of service as say VIP in particular.

If you are looking for boat diving, I don't think that VIP operates their own boats, but partner with other boat operators.

 

[NothingClever]

…other than customers who put their used tanks in the full tank area, and even go so far as to put the cap back on.

Just lovely.