Hawaii or Bonaire...HELP PLEASE.

[yodelhawk]

Wanna keep the GF???

 

[tracydr]

I've never been to Bonaire, mostly because Hawaii keeps surprising me in the pelagics department. What has yet to be mentioned is the abundant shore diving offshore of Kona. You could spend 3-4 days diving from a boat with your friends, then give them their couple time and split off to go shore diving on your own. I can recommend the following dives: 3 tank long range with Kona Diving Company (I swear they have a nose for whale sharks), blackwater, and of course the manta dive.

I prefer shore diving the big island, too. Although, some of the boat dives are awesome. The manta dive, some of the lava tubes, I've always wanted to try the Pelagic Magic dive.
I snorkeled with an Oceanic Whitetip and some dolphins, and when we were coming back from a boat dive a baby whale nursing it's momma just about tipped the boat! That was an amazing sight!

 

[Lead_carrier]

DiveMaven - thanks for the pictures of Bonaire. We are scheduled to go November 24 for a week. We are traveling with a group from one of our LDS. We are so looking forward to it and your pictures really whetted the appetite.

It is an all inclusive with boat dives. We may do a couple, just depends. I am a new diver, my husband has more experience. I will be taking some time for photography of the island. Looks like I can get some great photos!

Cindy, don't skip the boat dives. Buddy's gives you 6 with the trip and they will get you to places that you can't get to from shore. If you're wanting to do some underwater photography, do the quick course with John at Buddys, it's inexpensive but very informative and helpful. They even rent cameras there so you should be able to get some excellent photos.

Not sure who is leading your group but don't let them try to baffle you with bull. More than likely they are as rookie about Bonaire as you are. (I"m in Stallings so I know the shop you're going with) I'm heading down with a group shortly. I'll warn them that you all are coming.