Question about Bonaire...

[JackSpearo]

I'll be in Bonaire from June 24-July 8th and we are trying to arrange tank rentals. We rented our villa through Sun Rentals (which claims to be the only official Bonaire rental agency) and they offered for $139 dollars for 6 days they would bring as many tanks to us as needed.

Buddy Dive offered 6 days for $145.95 and they have the drive through tank rental and 24 hour tank room.

Does anyone prefer one over the other?

I think I like the idea of using Buddy Dive more because we wouldn't have to store 20 tanks at the villa (which is what the guy suggested at SR)

also, if I arrive the 24th, it would be safe to dive the 25th right?

thanks!

Jack

 

[icestac]

First off -- Dive the 24th -- no need to wait AFTER flying (after you watch the video and pay your park fee of course)

As far as the tanks, I've used Buddy Dive twice and been very pleased. The drive through is great for air and rental returns.

If you'll be doing nitrox, you'll need to drive a little further down to the dive shop (another 100ft) and analyze your tanks and bring them up. If you're diving air, this does not apply.

Have a great trip!
~Jeff

 

[JackSpearo]

thanks! we get in the 24th like at almost 9pm...

would love to do a dive, but will probably be too tired. I haven't ever done a night dive before, although I really want to do one, but it's something I'll gradually do (get comfortable with the surroundings and water first)

I'll wake up bright and early on the 25th though !!!

thanks!

 

[reefdiva]

I'll be in Bonaire from June 24-July 8th and we are trying to arrange tank rentals. We rented our villa through Sun Rentals (which claims to be the only official Bonaire rental agency) and they offered for $139 dollars for 6 days they would bring as many tanks to us as needed.

Buddy Dive offered 6 days for $145.95 and they have the drive through tank rental and 24 hour tank room.

Does anyone prefer one over the other?

I think I like the idea of using Buddy Dive more because we wouldn't have to store 20 tanks at the villa (which is what the guy suggested at SR)

also, if I arrive the 24th, it would be safe to dive the 25th right?

thanks!

Jack

Jack, you did not say which dive shop Sun Rentals would be using to arrange tank rentals but remember, even if tanks are delivered you will need to go to the dive shop for your orientation and to purchase your Marine Park tag. Do you know if your rental has a place to rinse your gear? I would consider all of those in the decision as well. Buddy's drive through for tanks is very easy and convenient and their rinse tanks are right there as well.

 

[Mike_Mayfield]

While you technically can dive after flying, there is a school of thought that advises against it. Your nitrogen and O2 levels are not an issue, but flying often dehydrates you and that is a risk factor for DCS. Any time you plan to dive shortly after a long flight you need to take special care to stay well hydrated on the flight.

You won't be able to dive your first night anyway because you need to do the checkout dive and pay your Marine Park fee before you can dive. You can typically only do these in the morning, depending on the dive op you go through. You might want to research this before you arrive so you can get started fairly early the next morning.

If you haven't done a night dive before, don't miss it. You are arriving shortly after the full moon and ought to have some great diving. I strongly suggest diving with a dive master your first time and diving the same location in the daylight earlier in the day. It makes for a really stress-free dive and you can enjoy the experience.

 

[icestac]

While you technically can dive after flying, there is a school of thought that advises against it. Your nitrogen and O2 levels are not an issue, but flying often dehydrates you and that is a risk factor for DCS. Any time you plan to dive shortly after a long flight you need to take special care to stay well hydrated on the flight.

You won't be able to dive your first night anyway because you need to do the checkout dive and pay your Marine Park fee before you can dive. You can typically only do these in the morning, depending on the dive op you go through. You might want to research this before you arrive so you can get started fairly early the next morning.

If you haven't done a night dive before, don't miss it. You are arriving shortly after the full moon and ought to have some great diving. I strongly suggest diving with a dive master your first time and diving the same location in the daylight earlier in the day. It makes for a really stress-free dive and you can enjoy the experience.

Very well put. I second that

~Jeff

 

[flatwood]

I'll second using Buddys, I've stayed there four times in the last two years and love it. At the drive thru you can get your tanks, air and nitrox and they have a wash basin for your gear and a seperate one for cameras and regs. Enjoy Bonaire and maybe I'll run in to you. We're going to be back on the island june 28 thru july 12.

 

[Warmwater Wank]

You don't mention where the villa is but it would make some sense to be renting tanks near your villa. Buddy's is fine but so is Bonaire Dive & Adventure (next to Sand Dollar & Den Lamen) and Wannadive (wannadive.com) is great--and a great price. (Just ck'd and WannaD is 6 days unlimited air for $115. US.) If you are well to the north of town, Buddy's could make sense but if you are further south, Wannadive is in town and plus just north near the traffic circle at Eden Beach (they also serve Golden Reef Inn w/ a tank exchange but you didn't mention you are staying there.).

You're renting a truck, right? So you drive up, grab 6 tanks (if "we" means 2 folks) and go off and be happy. Swap them out the next day or later that day if you really are packing in the dives. What could be easier? An advantage of using a dive operator is local knowledge and updates on changing conditions, critter sightings etc. Besides, you don't want a bunch of tanks clanking around your villa anyway. No sweat, by the end of the first day you'll feel right at home--it's a wonderfully casual atmosphere on the island. // ww

 

[JackSpearo]

hey, my villa is Beaurang

it's in Kralkdjalsfkdja;skjdfkljdyke...

so wanna dive might be closer?

do they have 24 hour rentals too?

 

[reefdiva]

hey, my villa is Beaurang

it's in Kralkdjalsfkdja;skjdfkljdyke...

so wanna dive might be closer?

do they have 24 hour rentals too?

Nothing is really very far on Bonaire. Based on other trip reports I believe that your rental is between Carib Inn and Divi so you might wan to check with them. You are also not far from Dive Friends at Port Bonaire. If you use Dive Friends you can get tanks at any of their locations which include north of town, in town and south of town. They lock their tank areas between 4 and 5pm but if you plan ahead you can have enough tanks for a night dive.