Equipment in Bonaire

[breno]

Hello everyone,

I am going to spend some time (3 months I hope) in Bonaire and would like to get some information from all of you that been there.

How is the equipment prices compared with the US?

I know this all depends on a series of variables but in general.. just an idea...

Is there something that is better get in the US before going there? Because of price or availability?

Thanks a lot and have a great day!

 

[ejg62]

Prices to buy are cheaper in US. However there is the option of buy vs rent. This depends on how frequently do you dive outside Bonaire? How much do you plan to dive in Bonaire? If you plan on certification in Bonaire - rent in Bonaire first to make sure you like it. Then buy if is something you want to continue and dive frequently.

 

[breno]

Hello ejg62,

I am actually staying 3 months there doing an internship, that is why I am asking for advice.

I never wanted to buy equipment because it is hard to carry it to some places, but now the situation is different.

I heard that they have good prices in Bonaire, and I would rather try out the equipment there and then decide which one to buy, but as just wondering about the price difference.

Thanks for the help!

 

[vladimir]

You are in the Underwater Photography forum. Are you asking about camera equipment or dive equipment?

 

[breno]

You are in the Underwater Photography forum. Are you asking about camera equipment or dive equipment?

Photography equipment... but if you have some tips to give about diving equipment that will help also.

Thanks!

 

[vladimir]

I would expect equipment of all types to be cheaper in the States, and I'd expect your selection of equipment, particularly photo equipment, to be seriously limited in Bonaire. Even though a lot of divers pass through there, most of them show up fully equipped, so I'd be surprised if they sell (or stock, consequently) a large assortment of gear. My only first-hand insight is, on one of my 4 trips there I left my girlfriend's wetsuit at home. We searched a few of the local shops and weren't able to find what she wanted, which took all of 15 minute at LeisurePro in NY. Hopefully somebody who knows more will chime in.

I have dealt with and can recommend these dealers:

http://www.adorama.com/

http://www.camerasbelow.com/

http://www.backscatter.com/

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/

 

[AndyT]

Add this to the list of highly recommended dealers

Reef Photo & Video!, The Underwater Photo Pros

 

[breno]

vladimir,

I imagine that, but was thinking about trying some strobes and gear over there before buying it, and that is the reason for the question. That was also the suggestion of few divers on other posts that I saw it here.

Just afraid of paying much more for that.

Thanks for the links. I didn´t know Backscatter : Underwater Camera, Underwater Video Housing, Underwater Photography, Waterproof Camera.

Good dives to you!

 

[dbh]

It would also be possible to rent photo gear in Bonaire (I know there is a place at Buddy's), decide what you want, then order on-line from the US and get shipped to you.


Dave

 

[helimvee]

I think that you will find the selection of rental photo gear on Bonaire rather limited. For example, Fish Eye Photo rents Sea & Sea gear. (I am not saying there is anything wrong with Sea & Sea).

Unless you are looking at something high-end, like a DSLR or multiple lenses, small point and shoot setups with a strobe are not that expensive or difficult to pack in a carry-on bag.