Shore entries Bonaire

[Maine Diver]

Just 14 more days! When I read "difficult entry", I'm not sure how to take that. I am used to some rocky, steep, slippery, wave entries in New England. The books don't really show pictures of the entry points. Does anyone have some pictures they can share?

Thanks

 

[keithdiver]

The coral is hard! a good pair of thick sole boots will do the trick. If you are using thin sole boots. Best of luck, your feet will kill you by the end of your trip. get yourself a pair of thicksole tilos or similiar.

 

[DeputyDan]

Just 14 more days! When I read "difficult entry", I'm not sure how to take that. I am used to some rocky, steep, slippery, wave entries in New England. The books don't really show pictures of the entry points. Does anyone have some pictures they can share?

Thanks

Even though much of the shore on Bonaire is dead coral/iron shore and little sand the ease of entry is mostly dictated by the size of the waves. Low waves means even difficult entries will not be that difficult - more wave action can make a sandy entry difficult.

You will be fine - but do get the hard sole boots!

 

[diversteve]

This will give you a good idea - pictures, descriptions etc.

Scuba Shore Diving Region: ABC Islands

For me, the hard part wasn't getting to the shore - in most places it was the ironshore shelf just offshore at some sites that caused me to go down at least twice. But I didn't have overly treaded boots or the best balance. At a lot of the southern sites, if you walk a short way up or down the beach from where everybody parks, you'll often find small sandy areas for easier entry.

 

[Maine Diver]

Thanks, I do have the thick soled boots. Just can't wait!

 

[lmorin]

I can pretty much assure you that nothing in Bonaire is going to approach the hardness of Maine granite and the slipperiness of the stuff than grows on it!

 

[Waterskier1]

Look for piles of the rock near where you park. Most places that don't have a naturally defined entry/exit will have rocks piled up where others have found it easiest. You can usually see these piles from the water, looking back to help guide you also.

 

[diverbart]

Hey Waterskier, cool clock! I want one!
Anyway, shore entries are all a matter of paying attention, and then they are easy! I am living proof; I never wear booties at all!

 

[diverbart]

And...................I get to do it every day!

 

[jbunny]

Maine Diver,

I hope you post a detailed trip report upon your return! I too am a New England diver from MA going to Bonaire for the first time in March so I'm very interested in what your opinion is!