More Questions From A Newbie

[joel.boswell]

Again thank you to everyone who replied to the post I had looking for beginner information.

Now if someone has traveled on Insel-Air recently can they please tell me about the exit fees? I am flying from MIA-CUR-BON flight. I see some places where it states the exit fees are included and other places that state they are not included in the flight. From what I have read at minimum I will pay a $2 one for the transfer from CUR-BON. Also on their website it says that you are allowed an extra bag with scuba gear only. Is this free of charge?

Also I may have some dependency on my cell phone and wonders what people do with their phone while in the water. I am staying at the Divehut and when I emailed them they stated they do not have safes in the rooms. If people use cases and take them with them diving which cases work the best. I have seen quite a few threads on here about peoples items being burglarized both vehicle and hotel. I just assume it is no different/worse that anywhere else in the world but just looking for the safest thing to do with a laptop and cell phone. I do not want to put it in some super secret squirrel g-14 classified nato approved hiding spot in a vehicle.

With regards to wetsuits/skins, i know it is all personal preference but it seems as if most people wear something in one form or another. The wetsuit I have is about 10 years and 50lbs ago and no way I am squeezing into it. Does anyone have any recommendations for rental for them?


Thanks again in advance

Boswell

 

[chauncy19]

Joel,
only have a wetsuit recommendation. i have used and love my
Hyperflex Polyolefin Long Sleeve Full Suit

I am thinking about getting a second one for my trip this summer to Bonaire. I was there this winter and I only used this. it was borderline this winter as water temps were 77-79f. most of time water is warmer. i like front zip and few are. i have some restriction from my shoulder but its getting better. still like front zip. this is better (warmer) than a dive skin but not as warm as a wetsuit. anyway my 2cents.

 

[diversteve]

looking for the safest thing to do with a laptop and cell phone

I have one of these. http://www.kensington.com/kensington/us/us/s/1479/laptop-locks.aspx Loop it around a waterpipe or something permanent. Not that a good pair of lock-cutters won't go through it but at least it will take some work. But I didn't feel the need to use it on Bonaire since we had a night watchman on property also - not at Divehut.

For your phone this might be an option - Witz Smart Phone Locker



I've used their smaller case for keys/cards/cash etc. for about 10 yrs. now with no leaks.

A small Otter Box is another option. They're rated to 100'. Otter Water Tight Box # 1000 Series



WannaDive - DiveHut's operator - rents wetsuits. http://www.wannadive.com/wannapress/index.php/tested-subpage/rentals/ Personally I just dove in a t-shirt/boardshorts - in early June. The water will be mid-80's, the air warmer and we did 4dives/day most days w/o feeling chilled. But I never am. My buddy - who is on the thin side - wore a 3mil/no hood. He sometimes puts a lycra skin under it also at night.

 

[chauncy19]

Joel,
I have a smaller otter box. wouldn't personally trust it or maybe its me--whatever you don't want the cell phone to get wet! My otter box has had a few episodes where it got wet. didn't matter to me as I only wanted to have the item, really didn't care if it got wet.