shore/boat diving in bonaire

[frenzy]

HI has anyone got together with anouther couple and used two trucks to dive with, one at the entry point an one at the exit point when the current is strong and what are the most commen curents east-west,away from shore,downward,? We are spending 4 weeks on bonaire part of nov & dec. I hear the diving good all over but the far south & far north intrest me , as well as the eastside it seems that the current is stronger in these parts I know the east side is a boat dive ,and is there a dive shop that makes trips to the far north in to the park . thanks frenzy

 

[redacted]

Welcome Frenzy

The usual shore dive sites really don't have enough current to necessitate a drift dive. If we can determine the current direction (may require a close study of some of the long soft plumes) we usually go for 1500 psi into the current at 40 +/- ft and then back to a marker at 25 +/- ft. Many sights have a marker buoy which is the best marker - just set the compass heading from the entry to the marker. The biggest challenge is usually finding an easy entry/exit point. Some sight buoy markers are MIA so it is a good idea to bring something with you as a reference at depth (unless you are good at recognizing a particular sponge.

We have found the more northerly (tolo & karpata) and southerly sights (Margate Bay through Red Slave) to be healthier than the more central sights with more fish on the southerly sights and corals on the northerly sights. We did not give it a shot but Buddy Dive does a 3 tank boat trip to the sights in the park for $130 PP including lunch. The drive into the park is long and rough so that might be worth it. Plus, those extreme northerly sights often have enough current that it can become a serious dive plan consideration.