Why Do You Keep Returning To Bonaire?

[BHB ScubaTroll]

After reading all these answers, I'm not sure if I really want to return there at the end of June

OK, maybe I should do two weeks!

 

[Mossman]

I've never seen or heard of a rule about no dive knives. In the STINAPA regulations they talk about no chem light sticks and no gloves, but there's nothing about knives that I could find. Plus, in the 2 trips we've taken to Bonaire, we've been stopped by STINAPA folks and they've never said anything about our knives....

Could you point me to the rule in STINAPA's regs?

Sorry, my mistake. I confused Bonaire's "no gloves" policy with Cozumel's "no gloves and no knives" policy or maybe the Cayman Islands' "no gloves and no knives" policy. It's good to see that knives are permitted on Bonaire dives with all those killer lionfish swarming around.

 

[elbee]

diving, diving, diving, relaxing, relaxing, relaxing, Deep Blue View...wish they didn't allow cruise ships!

 

[DiveMaven]

We go to Bonaire in the summer when there are NO cruise ships! Can't imagine the place with those mammoth ships docked. Yuck.

 

[chauncy19]

Cruise ships are not that bad I wouldn't go because of them. However I do wish like others they weren't there.

 

[gypsyjim]

Myself, I'd dive almost anywhere, but Bonaire has such great diving, so easily accessed from shore, that it is by far my girlfriend's and son's and daughter"s favorite dive destination. Nowhere else can I do 21-23 tanks in a week, while my gf does only the dives she wants, and everyone is happy.

We also always meet great new friends on Bonaire, no matter where we have stayed. Never had weather problems, as we have elsewhere in the Caribbean, either.

Never had a bad dive on Bonaire, and can't wait for the end of June to arrive so I can go back!!

 

[Herk_Man]

We go to Bonaire in the summer when there are NO cruise ships! Can't imagine the place with those mammoth ships docked. Yuck.

Have you been to Bonaire during other times of the year. I've heard the summers there can be sweltering hot. And the skeeters are much more prevalent? I've thought about a summer trip there but don't want to be miserable. Perhaps I've been misled by people overstating the negatives of the summer season?

Thanks.

 

[DiverVince]

Have you been to Bonaire during other times of the year. I've heard the summers there can be sweltering hot. And the skeeters are much more prevalent? I've thought about a summer trip there but don't want to be miserable. Perhaps I've been misled by people overstating the negatives of the summer season?

Thanks.

Summer is our favorite time on the island! We are here now, but in summer the ocean is like a sheet of glass. It is maybe 2-3 degrees warmer at most. The only time you feel the heat is if there's a hurricane in the Caribbean basin which sucks all the energy from the normal trade wind pattern. If the tradewinds stop, yes you will feel the heat. But in the absence of any hurricanes we find it very enjoyable. Less crowds, no reservations generally required and no cruise ships.

 

[marine68]

Vince, I hope you guys are enjoying everyday down there. It sounds as though you are buddy. Jim

 

[ScubaSteve]

I saw summer temps mentioned. How warm does it get down there Vince? Are the bugs bad during the summer? I attract every biting insect for miles around so it is always a concern for me because those annoying critter have the ability to ruin a vacation in less than a day for me. Does spray work to keep them away? Is there much difference in the diving Summer vs Winter? Visibility reduced? Tendancy of larger animals to show up while feeding?