Where to rent a pickup

[ScubaBunga]

A good operation if you need a baby-sitter

Not sure what that comment means - when I was in curacao 2 years ago, dive bus was awesome. Didn't have to pre-pay package - just picked up tanks, good conversation when there, paid at end of the week. We got tanks and weights from them and that was about it. Easy in, easy out, I would go with them again in a heartbeat. For night dives, just picked up extra tanks during the day, returned next morning for new tanks. We had extra non-diving family as well so ended up with mini-van - when diving just put tanks in the back. Sometimes they came to the sites with us to enjoy the beaches.

 

[JohnN]

Not sure what that comment means - when I was in curacao 2 years ago, dive bus was awesome. Didn't have to pre-pay package - just picked up tanks, good conversation when there, paid at end of the week. We got tanks and weights from them and that was about it. Easy in, easy out, I would go with them again in a heartbeat. For night dives, just picked up extra tanks during the day, returned next morning for new tanks. We had extra non-diving family as well so ended up with mini-van - when diving just put tanks in the back. Sometimes they came to the sites with us to enjoy the beaches.

IIRC, the dive bus doesn't allow solo diving, that plus they determine where you are going to dive, it isn't really your choice. Some people like having their itineraries determined for them, some don't. If you go to Curacao and don't take the Dive Charter Curacao RIB to the East end of the island, you're really missing out on the most spectacular/ least trampled / least loved-to-death reefs (hint you need a car to get to their dock)

A car is really a necessity on Curacao if you want to see the island and as noted earlier, the car rental companies don't seem to care if you use a car to transport your "stuff", so why pay extra?

 

[ScubaBunga]

IIRC, the dive bus doesn't allow solo diving, that plus they determine where you are going to dive, it isn't really your choice. Some people like having their itineraries determined for them, some don't. If you go to Curacao and don't take the Dive Charter Curacao RIB to the East end of the island, you're really missing out on the most spectacular/ least trampled / least loved-to-death reefs (hint you need a car to get to their dock)

A car is really a necessity on Curacao if you want to see the island and as noted earlier, the car rental companies don't seem to care if you use a car to transport your "stuff", so why pay extra?

ah - I was not solo diving that trip (was with my young boys at that time -10 and 12). They put no restriction on where I dove though. No itinerary. Not even a discussion on it. I just picked up tanks in the morning or day before and went diving. Used their tanks/hoses if picking up tanks in the afternoon for the next day - so my gear was washed for the night - easier than hotel shower.

 

[lexvil]

IIRC, the dive bus doesn't allow solo diving, that plus they determine where you are going to dive, it isn't really your choice. Some people like having their itineraries determined for them, some don't. If you go to Curacao and don't take the Dive Charter Curacao RIB to the East end of the island, you're really missing out on the most spectacular/ least trampled / least loved-to-death reefs (hint you need a car to get to their dock)

A car is really a necessity on Curacao if you want to see the island and as noted earlier, the car rental companies don't seem to care if you use a car to transport your "stuff", so why pay extra?

Where to dive unless we ask has never been a conversation with them, the only time you have to do a dive with them is your first dive, unless it’s been less than a year in which case you just pick up your tanks and weights and hit the road. They do offer a van to take people as a group out if someone wants that but it’s not required and solo diving is never discussed, don’t bring it up and no one will care but if you are diving with them as part of their group i don’t see a problem with them asking you to stick close because your actions will have an impact (possibly) on others sharing the van.

 

[JohnN]

Where to dive unless we ask has never been a conversation with them, the only time you have to do a dive with them is your first dive, unless it’s been less than a year in which case you just pick up your tanks and weights and hit the road. They do offer a van to take people as a group out if someone wants that but it’s not required and solo diving is never discussed, don’t bring it up and no one will care but if you are diving with them as part of their group i don’t see a problem with them asking you to stick close because your actions will have an impact (possibly) on others sharing the van.

Ahhh, you're just using them for tanks and weights, not as an alternative to having a car. The thread started with asking about renting a vehicle (truck) to dive in Curacao, I missed the segue. FWIW, I've always stayed in Boca Sami and used the local dive shop for tanks/weights. I have nothing against 'Dive the Bus', I just don't need/want someone to transport me to a dive site

 

[lexvil]

Ahhh, you're just using them for tanks and weights, not as an alternative to having a car. The thread started with asking about renting a vehicle (truck) to dive in Curacao, I missed the segue. FWIW, I've always stayed in Boca Sami and used the local dive shop for tanks/weights. I have nothing against 'Dive the Bus', I just don't need/want someone to transport me to a dive site

That’s my way of diving too, do a vrbo and run our own schedule, dive bus is great for that or for those who want to be in a group.

 

[rhwestfall]

Aside from the bus option, The Dive Bus offers a "on your own" package inclusive of a vehicle, or just tanks and weights (you have your own vehicle)...

Independent Shore Diving

Grab your buddy and head out for some independent shore diving on your own time schedule and shore diving sites of your choice!

www.thedivebus.com

 

[drrich2]

IIRC, the dive bus doesn't allow solo diving

That used to be the case, not so long ago. They seem to've gotten with the times - from their Safety Policy page:

"Solo diving allowed only with a self-reliant or solo diver certification and the specialist equipment including redundant air source (available to rent if you don’t have your own)."

Kuddos to Dive Bus for the change!