Question about current water temps and buddy dive orientation.

[Craig66]

Does anybody have any recent water temp? I will be heading to Bonaire on the 18th and need to decide on a wetsuit. Generally for 80 and above I am okay in a full 3mm and for 79-76 use a 5 mm and below 76 I am a wuss and pushing a 7mm. I am leaning towards the 5mm unless it is clearly in the 80's

Secondly, i am having a dive buddy meet me for a dive after I am finished dive orientation at buddy dive. This is a first time orientation for me so if it starts at 9am what time will I realistically be finished the orientation and checkout dive

Thanks

Craig

 

[wwguy]

Check out this recent thread on Bonaire Talk.

 

[darook]

The orientation is maybe 45 minutes plus your dive. I would just have your buddy join for the orientation dive. Buddy's reef is a very nice dive and there is no need to rush it.

 

[DeputyDan]

I agree with darook!

 

[Craig66]

Thanks all.

 

[rydog]

See you on island! We get in on the 19th. This is our second trip and I would agree. Have your buddy dive the orientation dive. Its usually pretty laid back about who is there and once they have given you the speech, you are free to dive at the house reef.

 

[herbdb]

The orientation dive is done on your own on the house reef.. After the briefing and purchasing your park pass, just get your weights and dive the house reef when you are ready. Attendance is recorded for the briefing which takes less than 30 minutes. There is no recording or checking done for the dive.

 

[BDSC]

Even though I haven't set through the briefing in the last several trips, I don't remember it taking all that long. Maybe 30 to 45 minutes likes others have suggested. As far as doing your checkout dive, if you know what weights you need and don't need to figure that out, I'd skip the checkout dive at the house reef, grab some tanks, and go find a less crowded spot. You will have plenty of chances to do the house reef at Buddys when it's less crowded and folks aren't stirring up things.

 

[Craig66]

Are we still in the 80's this week water temp wise? Thx

 

[chauncy19]

Craig I don't know for sure but why would the water temp fall this time of year? would be very surprising if its under 80. will be there this summer and was there this winter. winter was surprisingly cold for bonaire at around 78f. as i said can't imagine why it would be under 80 now though.