Some advice, please!

[UNDR H2O]

Looking at planning a trip for next year. This may be my only opportunity for a dive trip like this.

Would you plan a 7 day trip to Bonaire, or a couple days at each of the ABC islands?

 

[drrich2]

Just one island. Getting to the airport, through that hassle onto the plane, flight time, getting bags, taxi or shuttle to hotel, check in, check out, get papers signed & learn how things are done with the new dive op...that stuff takes time.

And then, you may feel like you just tasted a sampler bite of the islands. The only model for frequent island hopping I know that works decently is a cruise ship, and there you may be treated like a newbie and not taken to the better sites.

If this trip is a rare thing for you, I'd want to cram in as many dives as I could. Especially if I dove solo, that would mean Bonaire. Your mileage may vary.

Anything you want to do on this trip besides dive?

Richard.

 

[UNDR H2O]

Nope just dive! Due to my flights, I'll hit all 3 islands. Just wanted to see if it would be worth trying to dive all 3.

 

[KeithG]

taking your own gear? you will spend more time drying it than diving it.

does Aruba have any decent dive sites or dive operations?

i would also change my flights....

 

[UNDR H2O]

Flying for free through American, so I can't change that!

 

[diversteve]

I'd personally dive Curacao also if you have the opportunity. I think it's better than Bonaire - certainly more interesting diving.
IDK anything about Aruba.

 

[jimw]

There are 2 AA flights a day from Miami. If you are on the late flight--stay on Curacao for a few days. If on the early flight--go on to Bonaire at 3:30 or 5pm via DiviDivi Air. I understand the only worthwhile Aruba diving is on a wreck or 2.

 

[drrich2]

Here are some links to threads about Curacao I keep handy for future reference, in case I ever decide to go. It may be that Curacao would be a good 'only island' option.

Curacao vs. Bonaire - http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/lesser-antilles/473036-curacao-vs-bonaire.html

Curacao 1st Timer Trip Report - Curacao 1st timer Trip report

Place to stay in Curacao - Place to stay in Curacao See Damselfish Post #3.

Curacao Trip with Teenagers in June - Curacao Trip With Teenagers In June

 

[Doctorfish]

I would stay on either Bonaire or Curacao for the entire week. Diving similar and no wasted days travelling or blowing off gas.

 

[Kharon]

I've been told that Curacao has a few more fish than Bonaire (though with the tons I see on Bonaire ...). I go to Bonaire because it's way easier to get around - smaller island, only one main road, dive sites closer together, etc. Aruba is quite a bit more expensive and I'm not sure about the diving as I'm not interested in wrecks.