Klein Bonaire, is it worth going to for dives?

[DiverAmy]

I liked Klein, and thought it was worth it to get over there once a week or so, while in Bonaire. As to the wetsuits. Have you tried wetting them before getting in the water? You might descend quicker that way. Also, generally there is no rush to descend especially shore diving in Bonaire, so relax and take your time. Try to use your breath to descend. Have fun!

EDIT:
Let me add that I bought a package from Buddy dive that included boat dives and did not even use them all. I am not sure I would bother if I didn't have a package.

 

[Lorenzoid]

I dive a Bare 5/4 full suit sometimes, too, though I've always used my Bare 3/2 in Bonaire. With the 5/4, I typically use 10-12 lbs. of lead, and with the 3/2 I typically use about 8 lbs. I've never done a proper weight check, but I tried using less weight and had difficulty preventing undesired ascent at the safety stop. The goal is to have just enough weight to allow you to hold the safety stop at the end of your dive when your tank is nearly empty.

In addition to remembering to exhale when trying to slip below the surface, remember not to fin. It is easy to unconsciously fin a bit while you're bobbing on the surface. When you are ready to descend, keep your feet still, dump your BC, and exhale.

---------- Post added January 16th, 2014 at 01:54 PM ----------

As far as Klein Bonaire, I have been to Bonaire three times but have yet to do a boat dive. I base that decision on comments I have heard from experienced Bonaire divers to the effect that until one has done pretty much all the shore diving Bonaire has to offer and is getting bored, there's little to be gained out of doing a boat dive. However, I have also heard that if you just plain enjoy boat diving, then Klein Bonaire is the boat dive to do. A couple of the people in the group I go to Bonaire with did Klein Bonaire on one of their early trips, but now a dozen or more trips later they say it was interesting but only worth doing once. Who knows. I guess I'll do a Klein Bonaire dive at some point. Whatever you decide, Bonaire is fantastic diving. Have fun.

 

[diveallthetime]

We have done Klein a couple of times. Decent dives. But I would not pay for the boat dives to do it again. Last time we had a few boat dives in our package we went down to the boat and with all the drama of people forgetting dive gear, taking too long to get on board and get settled we got off the boat before it left and got in the truck and did shore dives and just said forget the boat dives.

Will not do boat dives again unless we do Larry's on the East Side

If you enjoy boat dives do it.
If you have no preference don't waste the money or the time.

 

[jimw]

Do Klein--we usually get a package that includes 6 single tank boat dives. We mostly use'em to go to Klein Bonaire. Many of the sites have a shallow white sand and soft coral/gorgonia garden at the top of the slope--way nice--in my 20 some trips and in my view, the very best of Bonaire leeside diving!

 

[Jersey]

BC's - are you getting all the air out of them? Mine has a tendancy to hold airpockets, even after dumping. If you ever see a diver upright, holding the 'flator hose overhead and doing the twist - that's me.

Klein - some are great, some are good, some are mmmeeehhh. I agree with Jim, I love to spend the last part of the dive in the shallows among the gorgonia. All kinds of cool juvi's, light is good for photos, makes an interesting safety stop. Some favs - Forrest, Knife, Nearest Point, Bonaventure, Southwest Corner if the currents and wind co operate. Others are a deep mooring and a blue water swim to the reef - like Ebo's Reef (mmmeeeeehhhh). Ebo's Special is a rock slide debris field for much of the dive, but checking my log - last dive there 2 different Midnight Blue Parrots, turtles and some squid showed up. Ya just never know...

 

[diverjen]

Bonaventure was the other one we really liked too! Memory ain't what it used to be.... lol

 

[Montana Tom]

Thanks again for great info. I think we have decided to just do the shore dives this time, like many have posted there are so many to choose from. I also prefer going at our own pace and not dealing with the "drama" as diveallthetime said. plus why spend extra $ when you don't need to. Another trip we may do it.

As for Boyancy, Yesterdays dives were great. It must have just been a fluke thing, maybe tensing up for some reason. We just focused on relaxing and taking our time and all went well. So again I say thank you for all of the advice, it's great to have input from fellow divers.

 

[FT]

You may already have had enough input here, but FWIW, we have about 10 of our 30 Bonaire dives on Klein Bonaire. With our age/fitness levels, quite a few of the shore entries felt too challenging, so a boat day is a restful day, and the Klein Bonaire sites are lovely.
Peak Performance Buoyancy PADI course has to have been the single best investment of our scuba career so far.