Question Guided diving in Bonaire on a cruise stop

[Wants2divemore]

I'm going to be in Bonaire next June 2025 on a cruise ship stop from 8a-5p and looking for some recommendations for a dive op to use for shore diving. I'll need an op that will rent me tanks and weights (I'll have all my own gear) plus drive me and the guide (plus other divers) to the sites, then back to the shop. It's a plus if the shop is close to the cruise pier but I'm willing to take a taxi if necessary.

I've read good things about Dive Friends and VIP Diving. I'm not considering AB Dive Bonaire because they will only guide if you already have a group of 4 divers. I'm fine diving with other people (not looking for a private tour) but don't want to try and find 3 other people myself.

 

[ROUS]

VIP has a great program for cruise divers. I recommend.

My dives there with VIP are here:

Salt Pier

Margate Bay

 

[TNEngineer]

We literally just did this from a Princess cruise ship in August. Walk five minutes from the port to Buddy Dive's downtown location and a divemaster will drive you to two spots with a surface interval in between. Couldn't be easier or more convenient.

Nitrox is no extra charge if you have the cert.

Call or email to schedule ahead. I wouldn't waste time with anyone else. Ask for Quinten as your DM if he's available... he nearly grew up on Bonaire and was amazing.

 

[Wants2divemore]

We literally just did this from a Princess cruise ship in August. Walk five minutes from the port to Buddy Dive's downtown location and a divemaster will drive you to two spots with a surface interval in between. Couldn't be easier or more convenient.

Nitrox is no extra charge if you have the cert.

Call or email to schedule ahead. I wouldn't waste time with anyone else. Ask for Quinten as your DM if he's available... he nearly grew up on Bonaire and was amazing.

Thanks for the info, but unfortunately my ship arrives too late for their 8.15a meeting time. I decided to book Bonaire Scuba based on a number of other good reviews.

 

[TNEngineer]

That's interesting. They were super accommodating for us and I think our arrival at their shop was ~8:30a. We were done and back on the ship, rinsing gear, by 1p.

In any case, have a great time and report back!

 

[jmay1214]

I'm going to be in Bonaire next June 2025 on a cruise ship stop from 8a-5p and looking for some recommendations for a dive op to use for shore diving. I'll need an op that will rent me tanks and weights (I'll have all my own gear) plus drive me and the guide (plus other divers) to the sites, then back to the shop. It's a plus if the shop is close to the cruise pier but I'm willing to take a taxi if necessary.

I've read good things about Dive Friends and VIP Diving. I'm not considering AB Dive Bonaire because they will only guide if you already have a group of 4 divers. I'm fine diving with other people (not looking for a private tour) but don't want to try and find 3 other people myself.

When in June?
Have you found a company to dive with yet? Looking to set up a dive for my husband and we are cruising in June as well. He is PADI Certified ( I do not dive)

 

[jmay1214]

Thanks for the info, but unfortunately my ship arrives too late for their 8.15a meeting time. I decided to book Bonaire Scuba based on a number of other good reviews.

I just saw this update... DO you have information on this company?
May I ask when and what ship you are cruising?

 

[Wants2divemore]

I just saw this update... DO you have information on this company?
May I ask when and what ship you are cruising?

Royal Caribbean Rhapsody of the Seas
June 15-22, 2025

I'm using Bonaire Scuba on June 19th
www.bonairescuba.com
info@bonairescuba.com
+599 777 3483

 

[JT145]

I'm going to be in Bonaire next June 2025 on a cruise ship stop from 8a-5p and looking for some recommendations for a dive op to use for shore diving. I'll need an op that will rent me tanks and weights (I'll have all my own gear) plus drive me and the guide (plus other divers) to the sites, then back to the shop. It's a plus if the shop is close to the cruise pier but I'm willing to take a taxi if necessary.

I've read good things about Dive Friends and VIP Diving. I'm not considering AB Dive Bonaire because they will only guide if you already have a group of 4 divers. I'm fine diving with other people (not looking for a private tour) but don't want to try and find 3 other people myself.

VIP divers are great. Will pick you up outside gate and return you. All are shore dives. Great shop.

 

[TNEngineer]

VIP Divers has one of our favorite divemasters. Quentin is on the younger side but spent much of his youth living and diving on Bonaire. He used to work for Buddy Dive but moved to VIP. Seriously, ask specifically for him. Tell him Richard and Mary referred you.