Seeking Potential Buddies for Bonaire Night Dives, July 1-8

[Ironborn]

I will be on Bonaire the week of July 1-8. I have other plans for the daytime but would be interested in finding potential buddies for night dives. I will be staying at Den Laman, so I was thinking of the conveniently located Bari Reef, which I hear is a good night dive anyway.

I am AOWD and Nitrox certified, with 55 dives, 6 of which were night dives. My air consumption is moderate. This trip will be my first visit to Bonaire.

On a related note, I understand that dive shops on Bonaire may have "buddy boards;" how do they work?

Also, are there any other online resources that you would recommend for finding buddies in advance, before I reach the island?

 

[dmaziuk]

When we were there DFB ran night dives at Salt Pier by boat. They've a shop on Sand Dollar side of that pier.

 

[Ironborn]

When we were there DFB ran night dives at Salt Pier by boat. They've a shop on Sand Dollar side of that pier.

Did they do that every night? I understand that the Salt Pier is a popular site for night dives...but why go to the same place every night? Aren't there other popular sites for night dives too?

Also, why would they do it by boat? Isn't the Salt Pier accessible from...well, the Salt Pier itself? Or is a boat ride just an easier way to transport everyone down there?

 

[dmaziuk]

No, once a week. It's accessible but if you're looking for a group/buddy, and you can have the boat drive you there and back right from your pier (wasn't the case when we stayed there), that sounds like a win-win. As I recall we didn't go because it was on Saturday and we were there Sat-Sun so on the first Sat we haven't yet checked in and the 2nd one was our no-fly 24 hours.

 

[Diver-6873]

You are a week early, although we are currently on island. The best night dives are with the Ostracod - 2-3 days after the full moon. Like diving in Avatar. Hope your dives have been great.