"Welcome" Bonaire dive sites; refresh my memory

[lttleldydver]

Can anyone give me a list of which dive sites welcome anyone and which ask you to be diving with their establishment? Also, can we expand the list? Which sites do you need a guide for or they are off limits?

I've poked around, but seems there is conflicting info out there. I'd love to get everything in one place. We are headed back to Bonaire in May...Help!

 

[gbf]

last visit Aug/Sept 2011

Black Durgon - must be a guest
Bonaire Dive & Adventure - Don't use their pier unless you're diving with them - Don't really need it - get in just south of Den Laman.
Capt Don's, Plaza - Fee for using facilities

That's all I know about.

Town Pier - closed
Salt Pier - Depends on who you ask. We dove it alone, as did lots of other people. Shops say you need a guide. Stop there and ask whoever is diving. One way or another, do the dive.

 

[diversteve]

Buddy's - free - check in at the diveshop.
Cliff dive site - either pay Capt Don's or get in just north of there - there's a road that leads to the water.

Need a guide for the Windjammer and (I believe) Bopec permission to be on their property. Also it's 175' deep so a tech cert and doubles seems like a good idea.

I think Salt Pier is controlled by the harbormaster so legally your guide needs to get permission. At least that's the way it was a few years after 9/11.
Also there's no diving if a ship is loading.

I'm fairly certain BelMar's dock is for their guests use only. The other Buddy Dive shop is on-site. I think the site is Corporal Meiss.

 

[lttleldydver]

Just the info I was looking for, even if I did put it in the wrong place. Ooops. Thanks for taking the time to post this! Mods, please feel free to scoot this over to the ABC forum.

---------- Post added April 17th, 2012 at 07:33 PM ----------

Quick question, what about Bari Reef?

 

[gbf]

At the traffic circle by Den Laman take the west exit. It is a dirt road with an ominous looking mud puddle. It's not, just drive on thru. Park by Den Laman, then walk down the path to the water. A little ways right, almost directly in front of DL is the entry. Walk in and enjoy.

 

[lttleldydver]

gbf, you rock! Thank you for responding!

 

[midas6t6]

Plaza - if you just want to dive there (good dive, entry not bad) just tell someone at activity center by water, or security. No fee.

---------- Post added April 19th, 2012 at 08:16 AM ----------

Bari Reef - there was (or at least was last Sept) a sheet of plywood spray painted with "Bari Reef" to direct you as well. Very easy sand channel entry in front of the "No fishing" sign.

 

[gbf]

You're welcome.

I have about 8 pages of notes and thoughts from many trips to bonaire. they're purely my opinions, but you're welcome to them if you want. PM me an email and I'll send them to you.