East side shore diving - how to find the sites??

[hroark2112]

We have a small group going to Bonaire in May. There may be a few days where we have just me & my instructor diving together and I want to hit the east side this trip. He's definitely up for some fun sites, we did Nukove last trip and loved it.

How do we find the shore diving sites on the east side? I need a challenge!!

 

[diversteve]

On your own or with someone? I can't help with specific directions but the latter is:

BAS Diving or
https://www.vipdiving.com/eastcoastdiving.htm - they also do some other "special" dives as listed.

 

[uncfnp]

Here is a thread on one of the east side dives we did. It was a guided dive, not sure we would do it own our own though...

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/bonaire/455505-boca-spelonk.html

 

[drrich2]

The one I did was called Cai; here's a thread discussing it.

Did it unguided with a seasoned buddy. I'll tell you, it was rather hairy getting out and back, and I've got mixed feelings about having done that dive.

Richard.

 

[rmorgan]

My two cents: First, read Richard's thread. It is one of the most honest and compelling--and chilling--discussions you'll find of how fast east can turn south. (Thanks, Richard. I think of it often.) Second, read the new signs placed by STINAPA at Playa Chikitu (they're very persuasive in person!). Third, go with Bonaire East Coast Divers, at least the first time(s). They have a tailored boat. they are exceptionally professional. They know the territory. It ain't your momma's two tanks, and it's a blast. If you have any question about the stakes involved in shore diving the east side, take your pickup from the kite surfers to Lac Bay and admire the sea state. Or go up through the national park, the long way, and look at the sea state. Even with BECD you'll be climbing aboard in significant swells and finning a few hundred yards on the surface. But you won't be drowning, as an experienced Bonaire diver did north of Lac Bay last month. Just sayin.

 

[vann evans]

I have been diving in Bonaire since 1999-almost 500 dives there. the east coast dives are NOT dives to take lightly or undertake on your own. As mentioned above, you should ONLY attempt these with a competent, experienced local guide or company. I've been on 4 east coast dives(2 guided and 2 with East Coast Dives)-they are amazing, thrilling, unbelievable, beautiful and can be extremely tricky and dangerous. Don't fool around and get in trouble. I definitely recommend that you do the dives, but do them safely with competent assistance and guidance.

Vann Evans
A4 Sand Dollar
Kralendijk Vacation Rental - VRBO 277614 - 0 BR Bonaire Condo, Ocean-Front, Bari Reef Studio (A4) with Gorgeous View

 

[drrich2]

Since Playa Chikitu got mentioned, here's a link to a thread on an abortive attempt to dive it.

Playa Chikitu is not a dive site, though it is on the east coast. You'll likely see it driving through the park up north. It looks like a nice sandy beached 'mini-harbor' inset into the coast line, that would be a nice place. Despite the fact we had no business doing so, a friend & I tried it.

And that's about enough of that.

Richard.