Shallow Water Dive sites

[cstreu1026]

Any one have recommendations on some good locations for shallow diving. I am pretty new to diving still and the deep stuff kinda gives me the willys, besides you get more bottom time in shallow water. I remeber reading something about good shallow dives in Curacao, anyone have an opinion or other suggestions.

 

[herman]

Take a look at Bonaire. Super easy shore diving with lots to see. We usually only do 1 or 2 dives greater that 35 ft, all the rest are in the 25 to 40 ft range. The exceptions are usually the Helma Hooker, 100 ft wreck and Angle City, a 80 ft double reef. The vis is usually in the 80 to 100 ft range. There are lots of good dive operations on the island, plenty of good places to eat and the people are a wonderful. The only "down" side is there is limited "nigh life". If you want type of stuff go elsewhere. I go to eat/dive /sleep ....man, I want to go back now.. Check out these sites www.buddydive.com (where we stay) and www.bonairetalk.com

 

[MgicTwnger]

I got re-certified after 20 years away from the sport, and my first dive vacation was to Bonaire. It couldn't have been better: great dives for all levels of experience.
I stayed at the Plaza and dove with their op (Toucan). Both were A-OK.

 

[Natasha]

I have to second herman and Ken here. Bonaire has plenty to see without going deep.
I also will stay at the www.plazaresortbonaire.com and dive with www.toucandiving.com again.
I plan to go there every fall for the rest of my life!

 

[Grajan]

We much prefer shallow diving and Coz is not ideal but Bonaire always seems so much more expensive.

Any tips on lowering the travel costs would be appreciated.

Graham

BTW - We are based in Houston TX.

 

[Natasha]

Yes, the Caribbean is traditionally more expensive then Mexico.
However, from Houston, you can fly Air Jamaica into Bonaire via Montego Bay.
If you go in the fall the air is much less, and so are the resorts.
Hope that helps!

 

[Grajan]

Thanks Natasha,
I have been looking at Bonaire on the net and it looks pretty bleak above water.

We plan to bring my sister and her kids over from the UK for the trip. They love snorkelling but somwhere with more variety might work better.

I was thinking about the Bahamas or Cayman. Are they any good for shore diving and snorkelling?

Any other ideas????

Thanks

Graham

 

[cstreu1026]

Is Bonaire just a sleepy kinda place or is it dead. The trip I am planning will most likely be my honeymoon and I don't mind if the place is void of dance clubs and bars. But are there atleast a few restaraunts to choose form? I would hate to think that we would be confined to our hotel for all activites except diving.

 

[Natasha]

I don't know why Bonaire has this reputation you all think it has. I don't think it's boring at night there at all!
There are casino's in the Plaza Resort and Divi. Even if you don't gamble, it still keeps people 'up and about' through the night.
There are tons of very good restaurants to choose from.
One of my favorites is an Italian place. The owners came to Bonaire from Italy, fell in love with it, and stayed. It has the best Lasagna I have ever had. It's called Capriccio's. ( Herman I'm sure now)
Richards, another popular place to eat, is very romantic, and you can watch the sunset while dinning.
The downtown area has a pier with a bar at the end of it, that is a hang out for tourists and local dive guys.
We have met the manager of the dive shop there with his local friends and had some beers with him.
Really Bonaire is just that kinda place. Easy to mix with the locals, and get the feel of the island.
Not sure what kinda action everyone is looking for. Cancun?

 

[cstreu1026]

Bonaire sounds like the place I want to go. Hopefully my wife-to-be agrees and we can swing the price of the trip.