First trip to Bonaire next week

[troy_v]

My wife and I are leaving the 22nd for our first trip to Bonaire. We're staying with a friend who has been renting a house since the beginning of Nov. We're looking forward to getting a lot of shore dives in during our week there.

I've been browsing this subforum and have gleaned a lot of useful info for this trip - I just wanted to say thanks.

 

[tracydr]

Have a great trip. We always like to rent a house,too. Ask to make sure there's not a limit on electricity before you run up a bill. It's one thing that can get you, especially with owner rented houses because island electric is crazy expensive.
I found produce is reasonably priced, and eggs/milk, but we didn't eat much meat because it's very expensive. We didn't mind, we eat a lot of veggies, anyway. I took a soft cooler in my suitcase and we had fruits/boiled eggs/bread/cheeses for between dive snacks. We ate lots of great tropical fruits and enjoyed some nice lunches at local hotels, which are reasonably priced and quick. Dinners usually we had at home before a wonderful night dive,then home for an after dinner wine or beer, maybe an ice cream from the ice cream store or more fruit/cheese/crackers.
Oil Slick is a great night dive, quiet and secluded. Make sure you bring a strobe/chem light or something to light the stairs,though so that you can find your exit point.

 

[drrich2]

Quick note; those little chem. stick lights are prohibited on Bonaire, if memory serves. I know not everyone would be concerned, but thought I'd mention it.

Sweet Dreams is a particularly lush southern dive site you might enjoy.

Richard.

 

[diversteve]

What Richard said:

15. The use of chemical light sticks is prohibited in the Bonaire National Marine Park

STINAPA - Bonaire National Marine Park

 

[diver 85]

What Richard said:

STINAPA - Bonaire National Marine Park

only if someone catches you........

 

[texas23]

I'm so jealous! We went in May for our first time. Stayed at Caribbean Club Bonaire. It was wonderful. Shopped at Van Tweels for groceries & cooked in a few nights. Bonaire is diving freedom at its best! If you don't have a copy of Susan Porters Bonaire Shore Diving Made Easy, pick up a copy. I am already planning our return trip.

 

[Bon Diver]

only if someone catches you........

Always nice if people respect the local rules

 

[Kharon]

I was just there for two weeks. It was strange. Sites that are right next to each other were very different in quality. Last time (2011) Tori's & Alice in Wonderland were great. This time not so much - but Invisibles was terrific (all southern sites). Also Cliff (central) & Tolo (northern) were outstanding. Yellow Sub (central) was great. Windsock and Corporal Meiss not so much. Have fun.