ETA BONaire->4 days...first time...what to pack?

[NYBoilermaker]

Some random thoughts for a good experience
take you time gearing up and down and let them take their time -
scout out your entry points...it really easy for a newer diver used to cold terrible viz to find themselves at 80 feet in clear water

Thanks I agree, all good advice...I've asked for everyone to have a computer and know how to use it. We'll discuss dive plans and take it slow. I learned on tables and didn't use computers for decades, so I'm looking forward to seeing their skill level out of their OW. I'm thinking perhaps after a day on the house reef we'll grab a boat dive to get them to experience that before we trek into the truck and hump gear out into the sand. 1st world problems, I know.

 

[tursiops]

Thanks I agree, all good advice...I've asked for everyone to have a computer and know how to use it. We'll discuss dive plans and take it slow. I learned on tables and didn't use computers for decades, so I'm looking forward to seeing their skill level out of their OW. I'm thinking perhaps after a day on the house reef we'll grab a boat dive to get them to experience that before we trek into the truck and hump gear out into the sand. 1st world problems, I know.

Try and get the boat to go over to Klein Bonaire. Different topography and environment than along the main island shore, and a chance to see a shark, especially at Ebo's Special. Carl's Hill is a cool dive too.

 

[tkaelin]

Try to hit BobbiJans for ribs and chicken, only open on weekends. The sample meal is enough for dinner and then lunch the next day. It is on the top of our list when we arrive which is usually on Sat.

Salt Pier as previously mentioned is a great easy site that can be spectacular, especially late afternoon with the sun going down behind the pier and pilings.
Parking, entry and navigation extremely easy.

Ear drops. You can pick them up on the island but may want to pick some up ahead of time. Great preventive and with a group of divers diving all day everyday someone is bound to come down with swimmers ear.

Don't forget sunscreen.

Lightweight long pants. Come in extremely handy dining out in the evening for bug protection.

 

[dmaziuk]

Got it. Was hoping we could pack for the day and spend it eating and hanging around the island all day...instead of returning back and forth to the dive shop/hotel...like a way to lock down a cheap box with food, gear, etc. Understood. Thanks guys.

The distances are not such that it makes any difference really: you can go back and forth twice during SI and still have time to hang around... I think even on the one-way loop side of the island.

 

[RIHappyDiver]

I was there in January with a LDS trip. We had 4 pickups for 18 people, not all wanting to go to the same places. The LDS owner had picked up 4 collapsing coolers so we could all take water and lunches with us. This worked wonderfully, and none of them were stolen, or ever messed with.

I agree with the Klein Bonaire boat trips, also. They were definitely worth it. I also opted for boat trips to 1000 steps, due to older knees, La Donia’s Leap, due to drift dive, and Hilma Hooker, easier to get to it.

Have a great time!

Erik

 

[boat sju]

take one of these: Aqua Tire Inflator

Oh, if you have some shade at your resort, nothing wrong with getting your gear partially assembled there.

 

[Ray and Pam]

Bruce Bowker at Carib Inn has the inflators also, or did about 10 years ago.
Repel Lemon Eucalyptus repellent
...and this
Use the Repel before going out at nite and throw one of these in your go bag just in case.

empty 2 ltr water bottle for warm rinse after remote shore dives
If the surge is rough coming back in, take BCD and fins off and float them in, or chance wallering around in the surge like an upside down turtle(glad noone got pics of that)

 

[gypsyjim]

Definitely hard-soled booties. I'd recommend a dry box rather than try to lock anything in the car.

Do
It
Leave
Anything!
In
The
Truck.


It does not get much more simple than that, yet folks still think this does not apply to them.

Unless you are doing a day in Washington Slagbai Park, there is no reason you need to take anything but the dive gear you will be using, tanks, and water and an possibly an old towel. The island is small, and everything is close by.

 

[gypsyjim]

take one of these: Aqua Tire Inflator

Oh, if you have some shade at your resort, nothing wrong with getting your gear partially assembled there.

Who needs an inflator adaptor?
3200# of pressure will easily overpower the light spring in a tire Schrader valve, and fill a tire. No adaptor needed.

This was my brother, filling a stranger's tire at Karpata with just the tank valve against the tire valve, a few years back.

Note, the 60c.f. tank IS easier to do this with than the 80's.

 

[Ray and Pam]

As long as it's the wifes tank, I need all my 3200psi, and I always gets flats after the last dive and the $5 henway works great with a couple hundred psi left in the tank. And my old bones couldn't take the rough ride back to town due to the fluctating tire pressure from all the extra oxygen in my tire from the nitrox tank. Would have beer spilled from Rincon to Crawlindike.