LDS Dive Trip

[Buoyant1]

One other thing to consider is if you dive a lot with the guys from the shop and the people that hang out with the guys from the shop, you would be diving with a bunch of people that you can trust, and are comfortable with in a location that you don't know very well!

I'm sure the LDS is gong to make money, it's a business, that's what they do, and they take all of the guess work and logistics out of the planning! (I always think that it's a PiTA to set up my dive trips when we do on vacations..you don't always get what you want!)

 

[tedtim]

The question that I pose to the OP is what are you expecting from this trip? If you prefer to go on group dives then go with the LDS. If you are looking at the freedom to dive whenever you want that Bonaire is famous for, then reassess. Do you know any/most of the people going on the trip? If so this would be a great chance for a group getaway. If not, then you may make new friends or... OTOH, what do you want to do when you are not diving.

You did not mention if you are travelling with someone you normally dive with. If you are solo, then a group would be a good alternative.

My first dive trip was through the LDS, as was my second. My wife did not dive when we went on the first trip, but was certified during the second trip. Now we choose to go it alone. We have a terrific travel agent that we deal with who has a good understanding of what we are looking for in a vacation. We also enjoy the planning aspects rather than selecting one of the two or three options that the LDS offers. And we can avoid the cattle boat type of diving.

A $600 price differential per person is steep IMO unless it does include the air component.

 

[CrawfishDiver]

I love my LDS!! but $600.00 HHMMNN might call them on it.
I would pay 150 maybe but what can I say I have already spent enough with them that I could drive a very nice new car

 

[kayakguy]

My wife and I are heading to Bonaire in June with our LDS. For us this is unusual in that we usually strike out on our own. However in this instance, we will both be newly certified, and will be more secure diving with some familiar faces for at least a few days.

Now I have priced it seperate and it comes out to about the same, with or without the dive shop. But with the dive shop we get our instructors 47 years of experience for free! You can't beat that.

If this was a vacation that involved touring around a country, I would say no way. Since Bonaire is only like 27 miles long, who cares. If we get tired of the group we dive another site.

Oh' by the way my LDS includes airfare, I bet yours does too.

 

[mike_s]

Though $600 difference seems high, one more thing to consider in individual bookings and booking through the dive shop is taxes and fees.

1.) You have hotel taxes. (typically 10 to 15% of the hotel costs)
2.) You have tax on charter fees sometimes.
3.) Airfills/tanks might be included in the package but not on the individual booking.
4.) Customs departure fees might not be included.
5.) Port tax & security fees might not be included.
6.) yes they pay for their employee to go, but having them there sometimes can be a benefit, especially if you want to work on AOW, etc on the trip. some folks like this, some don't. Individual preference.
7.) most island booked dive packages don't include airfare. Why? because people come from all over and use different airlines.


All this might be included in your LDS trip. However, I think $600 is a bit high. surely theres a big difference such as airfare like others said.

 

[DandyDon]

The Group Leaders are paid from the commissions and freebies.

For $600, it's gotta include the air - which is a nice fare.

But it woud really help if the Original Poster would give us links to the LDS site page with the trip descriptions, and the link to the resort page he saw. We could do an objective comparison.

As it is, we're spreculating and popping off....!

 

[jjach]

Here is the ad that was on the LDS web page. I put XXXX's in place of their name
I don't see anywhere in here that says airfare. You can go to the Buddy Dive Resort website and look under rates and compare. I am planning on going to the LDS next saturday to buy some things so I will ask them more about this trip.
To answer other questions, my wife and are newly certified, only 20 dives so far. We have dove locally with this dive shop but not enough to really know other divers yet. Half of our dives were done in Cozumel this past fall, and we will be back down there this May to do our AOW.



TRIP TO BONAIRE!

XXXXX Scuba is taking a trip to Bonaire this fall. Join us October 13th - 20th for a fun filled scuba diving trip. Diver's and non-divers alike are all welcome join us at the Buddy Beach Resort in Bonaire.

*8 days and 7 nights
*4 people per 2 bedroom condo
*Single and couple paired with other singles and couples
*1 pick-up truck per condo
*Full breakfast included
*Transportation from airport to hotel and back again included
*6 one tank boat dives
*Unlimited tank shore dives

All this for $1399 (diver) or $1282 (non-diver)

Not included is a marine park fee of $25 and a departure tax for $23.

Call or come in to XXXXXX for more information or to reserve your spot today.

 

[DandyDon]

Ok, since they state: "Not included is a marine park fee of $25 and a departure tax for $23," but doesn't list Air Fare in that exclusion, it's just an omission of air provide.

Of course, paying $600 more for them to book the resort but nothing else would be absurd, but I doubt this is true.

Since you do not want to disclose the LDS, call them - ask them if it includes air or not. Very easy.

 

[dvrliz1]

I would check with your LDS...just to be sure he didn't leave out the airfare part inadvertantly....


Liz

 

[Divedoggie]

I'm looking at an ad for Buddy Dive Resort in Sport Diver Mag right now:

7 nights accomodation
7 day vehicle rental
6 days unlimited air
Breakfast buffet
Airport/hotel transfer and taxes.
This doesn't include airfare or 6 one tank boat dives.
$616pp/sext
www.buddydive.com has additional packages.


And even better deals:
www.belmar-bonair.com


Flights from Chicago on those dates are $557 Air Jamaica, and $571 American Airlines

$616 package
$571 flights
$94 11 dive boat package
$1191.00
That is $200 less than LDS, but LDS benefits, as described by people above, could make the LDS price fair, if your LDS package includes airfare.

Also, October is slow season in Bonaire and the Caribbean because its hurricane season, so the resorts usually offer better rates and incentives during those dates.

It will be interesting to hear what you find out!