Where do I stay first time to Bonaire?

[wwguy]

I was actually thinking of making this a thread question. Basically, if you take the shore diving out of Bonaire, is Bonaire still a special dive location?

We've extended our Bonaire visits to 3 weeks for each of the past 4 years. This year we're shooting for 4 weeks. There's no way we could afford 3 or 4 weeks of boat diving and eating in restaurants anywhere in the Caribbean. So we took the boat diving out of Bonaire (and the steak out of Olive Garden) in 2003 and haven't missed it a bit. Shore diving isn't for everyone, but it's the bomb for us. Frankly I'm glad so many people enjoy boat diving on Bonaire. Otherwise the shore dive sites would be even busier than they already are. The great thing is that Bonaire offers Something Special for shore divers and boat divers alike.

Shore diving aside, here are a few special characteristics that I think are unique to Bonaire:

• Protected and proactively managed Bonaire National Marine Park.
• Environmental awareness and behavior extended to visitors through mandatory orientation and buoyancy check dive.
• Free Nitrox upgrade offered by most dive operations.
• Lionfish population actively culled through joint efforts of private and pro divers, supported by BNMP.
• High quality house reef diving/snorkeling/swimming at every waterfront accommodation.
• Most accommodations include full kitchens.
• Predictably favorable weather and diving conditions year-round.
• Prolific and diverse marine life.
• 86 named and managed dive sites, plus many unnamed that are accessible.
• Clean, safe, delicious tap water and Polar beer.
• Comparatively affordable private oceanfront accommodations.

 

[morecowbells]

Since WWguy eloquently summarized Bonaire diving, I thought I would summarize Cozumel's pluses and minuses:

Minuses:

-While I find the flights and lodging more affordable in Cozumel than other Caribbean destinations, the cost of boat dives quickly adds up. Minimal shore diving opportunities.
-The ultra aggressive store hawkers and time share salesman. A huge headache for me which unfortunately starts at the airport. I cannot stand the haggling and just want to be left alone.
-Strong currents. It can get intense and unnerving, makes it difficult to take pics.
-I resigned from taking dive trips during the winter months. I always lose at least 1 to 2 of days of diving due to 'nortes moving through making the water too rough for the dive boats. Can get chilly topside and in the water.
-While I have not incurred any stomach problems, many of my friends have. Need to be more cautious with fruits, veggies and water.

Pluses:

-Easy to get to and from, sometimes in 1/2 a day.
-Despite the obnoxious salesman, the people are very friendly and warm.
-Pristine visibility.
-The marine life! Strict marine park rules are enforced and actively patrolled. Fish are abundant and mature. Even the usual suspects look like they are on steroids. Common sightings of grouper, turtles,rays and the occasional shark.
-Wonderful food. I am not a fan of all-inclusives, especially in Cozumel. Amazing variety and number of restaurants.
-Greater selection of dive ops. Many with 6 person max boats.

 

[prosdog]

After 3 trips to Cozumel in the past 2 years, I'm seriously looking into Bonaire as a change of pace. I love drift diving led by a dive master that can show you the sites, but I'm looking forward to being able to plan and execute my own dives and dive plan and not be limited by others. The idea of diving as much and as often as my computer will let me and not be held to a boat schedule and boat rides to dive sites sounds very appealing. Just have to hope that my 19 year old son, my dive buddy, gets the grades he promised in college that allows me to take him on the trip.

 

[uncfnp]

After 3 trips to Cozumel in the past 2 years, I'm seriously looking into Bonaire as a change of pace. I love drift diving led by a dive master that can show you the sites, but I'm looking forward to being able to plan and execute my own dives and dive plan and not be limited by others. The idea of diving as much and as often as my computer will let me and not be held to a boat schedule and boat rides to dive sites sounds very appealing. Just have to hope that my 19 year old son, my dive buddy, gets the grades he promised in college that allows me to take him on the trip.

Good luck with that. I hope it works out. I think Bonaire may be just the change you are looking for.

 

[AceszHigh]

After 3 trips to Cozumel in the past 2 years, I'm seriously looking into Bonaire as a change of pace. I love drift diving led by a dive master that can show you the sites, but I'm looking forward to being able to plan and execute my own dives and dive plan and not be limited by others. The idea of diving as much and as often as my computer will let me and not be held to a boat schedule and boat rides to dive sites sounds very appealing. Just have to hope that my 19 year old son, my dive buddy, gets the grades he promised in college that allows me to take him on the trip.

We did cozumel the last 2 years and wanted something new this year so we went to bonaire for a week. The 'adventure' aspect of Bonaire and the freedom to dive whereever, whenever, were a large part of the fun.

 

[Just Deb]

I sincerely appreciate everyone's great suggestions! Now I have to get busy and spend some time online studying. I know my trip will be better thanks to you all!

 

[Winterpeg]

thank you doctorfish. almost all of my diving has been from boats, and we're planning our next trip and when i mentioned bonaire, all i heard about was shore diving. i prefer the boat, where i can gear up and literally fall into the water, also where there is crew to help. i'm in my 50's and have rheumatoid arthritis. i'm active and in relatively good shape (drugs are wonderful) but i don't like to push it.

 

[Doctorfish]

One of the beauties of Bonaire is dive freedom. I feel free to get on the boat in the morning.

 

[famouscaptain]

hello. I live on Bonaire, in town, 120 feet from the sea. I have a private room for rent in my home right now , for one or two people $45 per night . After July 15, $25 per night. Has airco, private bath, one pillowtop queen size bed. I know the divers pay hundreds at the resorts because they do not know when they get here that so many things are available for so much less including the local restaurants for half the price than the resorts , better food and twice as much of it . famouscaptain@gmail.com or find me on www.airbnb.com. Look for the least expensive lodging on Bonaire