I am responding from Bonaire, thinking about which sites to dive today. This is the first visit for my wife and me, and we’ve had a great trip.
Bonaire Pros:
-Shore dives are indeed as easy as billed. A few slightly dicey entry/exits, but no real issues for our mid-50 yo bodies.
-Minimal current or surface waves.
-Can dive on your own schedule.
-The island caters to divers. Great dive shops abound. We used VIP Diving who are likely the best dive shop we’ve used anywhere.
-Great variety of coral and reef fish.
Cons:
-Less large pelagics than I was hoping to see.
-A few snoozer dive sites (Hilma Hooker esp.)
-Without a guide I’m sure we are missing some interesting critters.
A few suggestions:
-Come with a buddy, both for diving but also for time you’re not diving. Not much else to do here.
-Many dive shops in the US plan group trips here; perhaps there is one you could join and sign up with.
-Purchase the Reef SmartGuide for Bonaire; great site descriptions and maps with suggested routes.
Regardless we’ve enjoyed our time here. Take a look at Bamboo Bonaire Hotel; they have a package that includes a truck and unlimited tanks that are right on the property.
Bonaire Pros:
-Shore dives are indeed as easy as billed. A few slightly dicey entry/exits, but no real issues for our mid-50 yo bodies.
-Minimal current or surface waves.
-Can dive on your own schedule.
-The island caters to divers. Great dive shops abound. We used VIP Diving who are likely the best dive shop we’ve used anywhere.
-Great variety of coral and reef fish.
Cons:
-Less large pelagics than I was hoping to see.
-A few snoozer dive sites (Hilma Hooker esp.)
-Without a guide I’m sure we are missing some interesting critters.
A few suggestions:
-Come with a buddy, both for diving but also for time you’re not diving. Not much else to do here.
-Many dive shops in the US plan group trips here; perhaps there is one you could join and sign up with.
-Purchase the Reef SmartGuide for Bonaire; great site descriptions and maps with suggested routes.
Regardless we’ve enjoyed our time here. Take a look at Bamboo Bonaire Hotel; they have a package that includes a truck and unlimited tanks that are right on the property.
