Taylor Made + Candy Land - Currents/Safety

[shopguy]

I'm going to Bonaire for the first time in a couple weeks. I've been reading "Reef Smart Guide" and various other information about the dive sites. I've got plans to dive the East Coast with Bas Tol and East Coast Divers. Looking for more info about just how dangerous the west coast sites are, and using Taylor Made and Candyland as examples. The Reef Smart Guide lists both as AOW and max difficulty, current and depth ratings. However, when I watch videos on YouTube showing conditions above and below water and entry/exits, it looks very tame/easy in my opinion. Obviously I plan to go see for myself, but getting excited about the trip and nothing better to do ahead of time, so thought I'd get some opinions here.

My experience for comparison: Monterey Bay, Catalina (Casino Point), La Jolla, PNW (Clallam/Neah Bays, Edmonds, Hoodsport) -- Basically West Coast USA, Mexico to Canada.

I've never experienced anything that felt dangerous (thank god). Have had some physically challenging experiences, most notably would be: La Jolla Cove, first time to Kelp Forest, heading back to shore compass heading was off or more current than I thought, ended up with maybe 200 yard surface swim. Monterey Bay, West side of Lover's Point, maybe 6' surf heading in (was 3'-4' heading out), crawled out -- wouldn't say it was hard or dangerous, just being safe to not get knocked over.

Based on that experience, assuming I go on a calm day, and see normal surface conditions and no signs of rip currents -- do Taylor Made and/or Candyland have unique dangerous that I am not prepared for with my pervious experience? Or are they just at the top of a difficulty rating that is scaled for an easy spot, as in the most difficult dive on West Coast Bonaire is like an average to easy dive off West Coast US?

My biggest fear in shore diving is ending up in a strong and large current like we have in drift diving off Cozumel, where you have no chance to swim against it, and so wide you also can't swim across and out of it -- especially when your target is a tiny island like Bonaire. I've never experienced this from shore though, the closest was off Puerto Rico, but we were over hard rock (not coral) in less than 10' of water and able to get back to our exit point by basically rock climbing along the bottom, and worst case could have easily made it to shore and safety, just not the ideal exit spot. I was also expecting/prepared for that current because I talked to very helpful people at the LDS.

 

[NW Dive Dawg]

The West coast of Bonaire is typically very benign for diving as far as currents and general safety go. There are a couple of sites in the far south (Lighthouse) where currents can be an issue. Navigation is a breeze with basic compass work... The entire island is basically the top of a large reef so depth on most dives is completely optional..... Probably the most dangerous part of diving on Bonaire is twisting an ankle on some of the rocky / rubble shore entries. IF you are used to US diving in CA and WA, then Bonaire will be no problem for you....

 

[gbf]

Its been a few years but the thing I remember about Taylor made Is the one way out/in. If you miss you wind up in the soup. The day we dove it was a little surgey and missing the path would have resulted in crawling in and getting bounced around in shallow rocks/coral.

Nothing hard, just pay attention.

But I'm old and could be confused on which site.

 

[USC8791]

The main concern with the extreme northern sites like Candyland and Tailor Made is their isolated location. In the event of an emergency or issue, you are totally on your own. The chances of someone else being there or happening by in a timely manner is pretty much zero. If you’re not comfortable with this fact you may want to reconsider these sites. The entires/exits can be a bit trickier than most, but nothing that should keep you from diving them. In regards to current, it’s extremely uncommon (but not impossible) to have anything the average diver cannot handle. If however you descend and find that the current is too strong, you should immediately abort the dive and remain in the shallows; or, abort the dive altogether. This of course is the same for any shore dive site on Bonaire. Shore diving Bonaire offers total dive freedom, but you need to be self reliant, self sufficient, self aware and prepared to make good (sometimes tough) decisions regarding every dive. The sites north of BOPEC are awesome and well worth the time, effort and planning involved in diving them. Just be prepared to, without hesitation, call the dive if anything topside or below doesn’t meet with your liking. Enjoy your trip!

 

[bcaderunr]

I have dove those sites multiple times and on different visits. Currents are about the same as the rest of the non-Kralendijk sites. Waves and surge can be issues when the wind speeds and direction are less than favorable. Both sites have serious reef structure (mostly elkhorn) right up to shore (and just below the surface) which has to navigated for 50'-100' before you are in the clear. There are channels through the maze and you have to pay attention to any landmarks once you get into deeper water so that you can locate these pathways on your way back in. Be confident in your navigation skills before attempting either site. I noted a 210 degree heading (on the way out) for Tailor. I also noted that most of the good stuff was near the top of the wall. Bring sandwiches and refreshing beverages for when you're done.

 

[NDL_Diver]

I have dove those sites multiple times and on different visits. Currents are about the same as the rest of the non-Kralendijk sites. Waves and surge can be issues when the wind speeds and direction are less than favorable. Both sites have serious reef structure (mostly elkhorn) right up to shore (and just below the surface) which has to navigated for 50'-100' before you are in the clear. There are channels through the maze and you have to pay attention to any landmarks once you get into deeper water so that you can locate these pathways on your way back in.

Exactly. Best to check site like this. This is zoomed in on Candyland.

Professional weather forecast

50+ weather layers, weather radar and satellite

www.windy.com

Tap on location on map to show windspeed or zoom out. Look for off shore winds, low wind speed at the site. Winds Parallel or onshore at the site with higher wind speed will make entry difficult and also add current.
We use this site to help plan what dive sites have better entry conditions.

 

[shopguy]

Thanks everyone for the replies!

I love the Windy app, use it all the time, sometimes I just look at it for fun, it's so cool seeing the wind all around the world.

 

[arubabob1]

I dive those sights all the time, the 3 months I am there. When you arrive, make sure the waves are not to big. They can roll you around getting in or out. Most of the time, the current is fine. I have been there a few times when its kicking. Just make sure you go into the currant so its easy on the way back. I would suggest thick soled boots and a full wet suite. You have alot of rock and coral getting in and out.
Bas is a great guy and you will love him!

 

[boat sju]

The only experience I've had with "washing machine" surge was at Lovers Point. And the locals' response was "meh". Given you're experience, there's probably nothing on the west side of Bonaire that's going to phase you. You need to be very respectful of the conditions South of Vista Blue though.

 

[NDL_Diver]

. You need to be very respectful of the conditions South of Vista Blue though.

For me on rare days I can dive them (low wind and current), they are fantastic. I am old and entry with walking sticks is a must now.