South Caribbean Cruise w/ Bonaire

[diverkristi]

I'm sure Wannadive is covering this with you, but in general, there are a few logistical idiosyncrasies going on your own off a ship in Bonaire. The most significant of which is the marine park permit. Generally, the "rules" of obtaining that is you need to go out with a guide the first dive (to ensure proper buoyancy control). Not sure if you'd just be able to rent a car, grab tanks, pay your fee and go. That said, I'd jump through whatever hoops I had to in order to arrange diving on my own, even if I had to hire a private DM. The extended bottom times you can get and the other advantages here far outweigh the convenience of going with the cruise line.

Addressing the other ports... You mention you're going down two days early. If you want to dive, you'll want to stay outside San Juan. Best diving is not near there.

St. Thomas I'd do on your own. Recommend Chris Sawyer or Blue Island Divers.

St. Kitts and Aruba I don't have personal knowledge of, but I know there are some recommendations for Aruba dive ops which are cruiser friendly over on www.cruisecritic.com in their Ports of Call board.

In Grenada, I've not had good luck in setting up independent dives as of yet. There are some wonderful operators there, but seems the logistics haven't worked yet. If you experience the same difficulty, go with the ship's excursion and have a wonderful time. Gorgeous island. Make sure to get lots of spices. You won't believe how wonderful this island smells. But also don't be surprised at the level of devastation still apparent from Ivan in 2004.

Great info. Thank you!

We are getting out of San Juan. That's the plan for sure. Going to some other village for a wall dive I think, then to see the bioluminescence (if I spelled it right).

St. Thomas I was told is really crowded, but there is a ferry to St John, and Trunk Bay for snorkeling (and I'm wondering diving).

Grenada. Was wondering about the spice farms. And with getting stuff back in the US. So it isn't a problem? Did you do this as a tour? Or does it make more sense to grab a cab and tell them to take you?

St Kitts I understand is a dangerous place (as in like Jamaica). This was said about Grenada too. One thing the cruise agent I use said to do was take a cab to the place on the beach with wild monkeys.

I'll check out the link you suggested. I was unaware of that site. As for Aruba, I may get off the boat and not spend my tourist $$ there b/c of the corruption in the gov't. Part of me wants to do that............

Anyway, many thanks for the info.

 

[diverkristi]

Bart and crew at Wannadive are really customer oriented and just plain nice people, I can't say enough good about them. I am confident whatever they promise you, they will do their best to deliver. I have never been to any of the other islands so I can't be of any help there.
When are you going to be on Bonaire- dates?

Wed Nov 15th we'll be on Bonaire.

 

[BurBunny]

Great info. Thank you!

We are getting out of San Juan. That's the plan for sure. Going to some other village for a wall dive I think, then to see the bioluminescence (if I spelled it right).

St. Thomas I was told is really crowded, but there is a ferry to St John, and Trunk Bay for snorkeling (and I'm wondering diving).

Grenada. Was wondering about the spice farms. And with getting stuff back in the US. So it isn't a problem? Did you do this as a tour? Or does it make more sense to grab a cab and tell them to take you?

St Kitts I understand is a dangerous place (as in like Jamaica). This was said about Grenada too. One thing the cruise agent I use said to do was take a cab to the place on the beach with wild monkeys.

I'll check out the link you suggested. I was unaware of that site. As for Aruba, I may get off the boat and not spend my tourist $$ there b/c of the corruption in the gov't. Part of me wants to do that............

Anyway, many thanks for the info.

The bioluminescence is a kick. Have fun with it!

There are only a couple small dive operators on St. John, and by the time you get over there, you're too late for their boats. However, you can dive similar areas by going out with Chris Sawyer. His shop is near the Red Hook ferry (which goes to St. John) and often does sites nearby. Trunk Bay is good for snorkeling, but I prefer the next beach over - not so crowded with tours. Or, if you just want to have a blast and snorkel, consider going on the Captain Nautica excursion. A ton of fun getting there as well as snorkeling.

Grenada - not a bad idea to do a tour still as the infrastructure rebuilds. But no problem bringing home spices.