First Bonaire Trip Planned... Advice and Questions.

[redacted]

A Rav4 may be coverd by your CC vehicle insurance coverage. While a bit more limiting, I would rather an SUV for 2 divers.

 

[diver0008]

While a bit more limiting, I would rather an SUV for 2 divers.

Why?

 

[redacted]

Limiting because you have to be a bit more careful with tanks and you can't load your gear from the side and place it behind the cab. Desirable because my CC insurance coverage would work.

 

[diver0008]

 

[boat sju]

I used to own a RAV. Loved it. But I wouldn't want to use it for diving in Bonaire. A truck bed is just way more convenient to get gear in and out of and who cares how wet everything is. Also, a RAV tailgate opens like a door. I like being able to sit on a tailgate or otherwise use it to gear up.

 

[Reidkon]

If you get a truck make sure the tailgate is not all rusted out. I sat on the rusted out tailgate of our rental truck last trip and ruined a good pair of shorts with rust stains.

 

[Telerin Marcolva Poppy]

So, my wife and I just booked our first ‘independent dive trip’ for this fall. We’ll be doing 1 week in Bonaire and I’d love to hear some feedback from more experienced Bonaire travelers. Please feel free to critique our plans. A quick ‘about us’ just over 25 dives each right now, although by the time this trip rolls around we should be closer to 70 dives, no rental equipment needed, OW certification, early 30’s and it will just be us on this trip, no kids/ friends/ family going with us.

Air Line To/From – This is straight forward… Delta there and back. It’s a Saturday to Saturday trip and we took a VERY long layover in Atlanta. In ALT, we’ll get a hotel room and enjoy a night/ morning out on the town. We just booked this so we’re locked in here.

Lodging – We’re currently booked at ‘Dormio Bonaire Village’. We were not able to find many reviews on our hotel choice. The pictures looked good on-line and the price was right ($545 including tax) so I booked it. It’s a 1BR with a full kitchen, I would imagine we’ll be eating breakfast in, packing a lunch for the road, and eating out for dinner. I know it’s a long shot, but anyone have firsthand experience with this hotel?? We’re also able to get a refund for several months, so please chime in with other thoughts.

Car Rental – I e-mailed Poppy (telerin@bonairelive.com) two days ago, and I’ve yet to hear back from him. I’d like a truck, automatic, and A/c. If he doesn’t get back to me, I’ll shoot him another e-mail in a week or two. If this doesn’t work out, does anyone have another good referral?

Air Rental – I just reached out to VIP Diving. Their rate is $170 for unlimited Air/ Nitrox for 6 days. They also offer tanks in three sizes 63, 80, and 100 cu/ft. I would imagine it shouldn’t be an issue but would you think we could take several tanks each morning and return them as needed? Also, I asked them about filling a stage bottle/ pony bottle should I bring it… these two things will determine if I go with them or not. If they limit me to one tank at a time for both my wife and I then I’ll look elsewhere. Does anyone here use GOOOD DIVE? They seem to be the cheapest on the island, however they seem to limit you to the number of tanks you can take, either 1,2, or 3 depending on what plan you choose.

Guided Dives – According to SB Bas Toll in the man… I was thinking or e-mailing him and setting up several guided dives. This will give my wife a break (she would like to dive a few times a day, while I would like to dive 4-5 times), allow me to have a buddy, and I’ll get to see ‘the other side of the island’. From people who have hired him before, does he have a set schedule, limit to his group size, ect? Any additional information would be great. Any other guided options people here use?

Thanks!

e-mail for Poppy is; marcolva@hotmail.com or telerinbonaire@gmail.com

 

[Telerin Marcolva Poppy]

Poppy is pretty unreliable for initial contact. I'm planning trip number 3 and have never been able to get ahold of her. Though apparently, once you get the 1st contact, she's pretty well on the ball.

email for Poppy is: marcolva@hotmail.com or telerinbonaire@gmail.com

 

[bula2]

So, my wife and I just booked our first ‘independent dive trip’ for this fall. We’ll be doing 1 week in Bonaire and I’d love to hear some feedback from more experienced Bonaire travelers. Please feel free to critique our plans. A quick ‘about us’ just over 25 dives each right now, although by the time this trip rolls around we should be closer to 70 dives, no rental equipment needed, OW certification, early 30’s and it will just be us on this trip, no kids/ friends/ family going with us.

Air Line To/From – This is straight forward… Delta there and back. It’s a Saturday to Saturday trip and we took a VERY long layover in Atlanta. In ALT, we’ll get a hotel room and enjoy a night/ morning out on the town. We just booked this so we’re locked in here.

Lodging – We’re currently booked at ‘Dormio Bonaire Village’. We were not able to find many reviews on our hotel choice. The pictures looked good on-line and the price was right ($545 including tax) so I booked it. It’s a 1BR with a full kitchen, I would imagine we’ll be eating breakfast in, packing a lunch for the road, and eating out for dinner. I know it’s a long shot, but anyone have firsthand experience with this hotel?? We’re also able to get a refund for several months, so please chime in with other thoughts.

Car Rental – I e-mailed Poppy (telerin@bonairelive.com) two days ago, and I’ve yet to hear back from him. I’d like a truck, automatic, and A/c. If he doesn’t get back to me, I’ll shoot him another e-mail in a week or two. If this doesn’t work out, does anyone have another good referral?

Air Rental – I just reached out to VIP Diving. Their rate is $170 for unlimited Air/ Nitrox for 6 days. They also offer tanks in three sizes 63, 80, and 100 cu/ft. I would imagine it shouldn’t be an issue but would you think we could take several tanks each morning and return them as needed? Also, I asked them about filling a stage bottle/ pony bottle should I bring it… these two things will determine if I go with them or not. If they limit me to one tank at a time for both my wife and I then I’ll look elsewhere. Does anyone here use GOOOD DIVE? They seem to be the cheapest on the island, however they seem to limit you to the number of tanks you can take, either 1,2, or 3 depending on what plan you choose.

Guided Dives – According to SB Bas Toll in the man… I was thinking or e-mailing him and setting up several guided dives. This will give my wife a break (she would like to dive a few times a day, while I would like to dive 4-5 times), allow me to have a buddy, and I’ll get to see ‘the other side of the island’. From people who have hired him before, does he have a set schedule, limit to his group size, ect? Any additional information would be great. Any other guided options people here use?

Thanks!

 

[bula2]

You are going to love Bonaire! We have been going for years. first as single divers before we were married, and have continued to return to dive with our kids now 20 and 15! We use Wanna Dive for our tank rentals..they are great and pick up is super easy! We always rent a truck from Budget Bonaire. They are right on the property, and their vehicles are fine. (meaning they have AC and run) We had a problem once with low tire pressure, swung by the airport and they fixed us right up with a new vehicle. Booking in advance you can get good prices. Not familiar with the property you booked, so can offer nothing there, sorry! When are you traveling?