Taking new divers to Bonaire

[Doctorfish]

Amen tkaelin. Well said; and I could not agree more.

 

[KeithG]

I'm getting my mom and sister certified and will be taking them somewhere in April on their first diving trip. I've previously been to Roatan but not Bonaire, which is at the top of the list.

Is Bonaire a good place for them to finish up their OW (they'll have their eLearning and pool dives done) and then get their feet wet?

Or would it be better to take them somewhere like Roatan where we will have a DM, etc?

Both places will be fine to get their OW. Benign conditions, good visibility, very little to no current. And lots of fish to look at.

If you are worried about having a DM to nanny them after certification, then you can get a DM in both places.

In Roatan I do not think you get a choice, you WILL have a DM and you WILL have to group dive from a boat.

In Bonaire you have full choice. You can shore dive or boat dive or do both. If you shore dive, you will have to hire a DM. The easiest shore dives are off the dock of one of the waterfront resorts. If you boat dive then a DM comes with the boat. In Bonaire you will not have to follow the DM on a boat dive.

So Bonaire is more flexible. (Food is way better as well...)

 

[CajunDiva]

So, since you got such great advice about where to take them diving, tell us...what are some of your other interests? Are you looking for nightlife? Looking for great restaurants? Prefer peace and quiet? All of those things can also make or break your trip and help you determine where you would prefer to vacation.

 

[wgw04024]

New divers in Bonaire is a SLAM DUNK. I brought my son there for his first dives after OW (my other son, me, and wife were all experienced), and after that week he felt great. It was nice easy diving too. Can't go wrong.