Ah! Bonaire. The place to be!
Group Trip
Date: September 14th to the 21st 2002
Place: Plaza Resort Bonaire
Dive Op: Toucan Diving
Includes
7 nights laguna view room
6 1 tank boat rides
24 hour unlimited shore diving
Beach Bar B Q welcome dinner
Group Dive T shirt
Hotel taxes, and transfers
Farewell party
700.00 per person based on share. Air not included
Natasha
February 25th, 2002, 10:42 PM
I blocked 15 rooms for this trip.
Here's the list of who has already sent in their deposits.
Becky and Sue and Renee
Neil Stewart
Raphael (GreenMoray)
Bob and Beth ( Bob)
David and Jerri ( Inspector)
Beverly
Anita (Afox)
DivingGal
Walter
Sunshinefish
Kevin and Kim
Mark (DuckDive)
Larry (Scubalnks)
DivingGal
February 25th, 2002, 10:46 PM
As I told you, I'm searching for the air fare deal.... as long as it comes close to my "limit"... I'll let you know ASAP
Any deals for "extending" a visit?
Natasha
February 25th, 2002, 10:57 PM
Divinggal:
A bit early on both of those, still. Right now we are taking the deposits (100.00 US) to secure the resort space. As time goes on, and after Easter I'll look at the air more closely. I had a contract with Air Jamaica for the last trip. If I have enough people I can get it again. We had 22 last trip.
The resort is telling me a pricey amount to stay on over a week. But we can work on them. Right now they say 182.00 for an extra night there, so it's clear we are getting a great weekly rate.
Thanks for asking!
Walter
February 25th, 2002, 11:27 PM
I don't have a BCD, can I bring a BC instead?
DSSW,
WWW™
Natasha
February 25th, 2002, 11:32 PM
Sure bring a reel too! Heheheh
DivingGal
February 26th, 2002, 12:09 AM
Any other "special" kit we need?
On the other hand, maybe I shouldn't ask. I might not want to know the answer!
Walter
March 3rd, 2002, 11:28 PM
I have to cancel. Some very dear friends have scheduled their wedding for September 20. I was really looking forward to this trip, but some things are more important.
Natasha
March 4th, 2002, 01:42 PM
Walter:
Bonaire is Sept 14th to the 21st. If you want, you can come down for 5 nights. Or 6. It will be less $$. Let me know.
DivingGal
March 4th, 2002, 01:49 PM
Originally posted by Natasha
Walter:
Bonaire is Sept 14th to the 21st. If you want, you can come down for 5 nights. Or 6. It will be less $$. Let me know.
Would be great if you could make it - have a feeling it won't be the same without you:(
Walter
March 4th, 2002, 04:26 PM
I'm hanging on to my vacation time. When I have more details on the wedding, I'll let you know what I can do.
SunshineFish
March 19th, 2002, 02:43 PM
Natasha-
Still trying to fit this trip into my schedule. When do I need to let you know by?
Sandy
DivingGal
March 19th, 2002, 03:51 PM
Originally posted by SunshineFish
Natasha-
Still trying to fit this trip into my schedule. When do I need to let you know by?
Sandy
Go for it girl --- sounds like it should be a hoot and a half!
Natasha
March 20th, 2002, 10:53 AM
Sandy:
I'll be filling the rooms for Bonaire up until July 1st. I have 6 rooms left as of today. There have been several people inquiring about them. If they go before the July 1st date, then the trip will be sold out.
I think June might want a room mate, right? Maybe you two could room again..
We'd love to have you, and you will love Bonaire!
PS Lots of women on this trip.
So far ..there are 8 women with deposits down. We're out numbering the men 2 to 1, since there are only 4 men that have sent in money.
dvleemin
March 25th, 2002, 06:59 PM
WEll,
I'm already going to be there from Sep 14-29 for my honeymoon. Maybe we'll hook up with you all for a dive. . .
Darryl
Natasha
March 26th, 2002, 02:02 PM
Darryl
I'm sure we can hook up for a shore dive. The reef right behind our resort is one of the easiest shore dives on the island.
We're at the Plaza Resort. You can call us and let us know what day will be good for you.
DivingGal
April 6th, 2002, 09:54 PM
Natasha
I went up to the Plaza's web site Plaza Resort Bonaire (http://www.plazaresortbonaire.com) to see where they were located and so I could start reading about the island. I'm confused as to where they are located.
Are they located near the Calabas Reef? If not approximately where on the island.
Natasha
April 6th, 2002, 10:59 PM
The Plaza Resort will spoil everyone. It's by far the nicest resort on Bonaire. Nothing else even comes close.
It's 1 mile from downtown, and 5 minutes south of the airport. I believe the reef behind the resort is called the 5th palm, but I have to check in my log book. If I'm wrong I'll repost.
Have fun!
Oh still 6 more rooms to fill. Who else wants to go?
SunshineFish
April 6th, 2002, 11:39 PM
Me! I just have to work up the nerve to ask the boss tomorrow. See what she says.
Natasha
April 6th, 2002, 11:45 PM
Wow! Really? And Belize too? But wait I asked June to be my roomie first ...I think...
Oh no I did say you two could room up ..Hm I may be out a roomie on this deal. ;)
DivingGal
April 7th, 2002, 09:06 AM
Hey either of you would be welcomed as roomies --- unless of course I find a merman, and he comes along - then all bets are off hehehehe.
Not likely, but you NEVER know..:D
Natasha
April 8th, 2002, 01:22 PM
You know we could all three room together :stooges:
And I stand corrected. The reef outside the doors of the Plaza Resort is called the 18th Palm, not the 5th Palm. I checked my dive book last night.
DivingGal
April 8th, 2002, 01:34 PM
Originally posted by Natasha
You know we could all three room together :stooges:
And I stand corrected. The reef outside the doors of the Plaza Resort is called the 18th Palm, not the 5th Palm. I checked my dive book last night.
Hey we could have a pj party! hehehe
OK I know where the 18th Palm is located .... thanks Natasha, you've been a great help to me getting this trip all organized. Guess I owe you one Mom....
One other thing.... (you figured I'd have one more didn't you?) I was reading in the dive book I have that the Marine park required you receive an "orientation" (or something like that) before being permitted to dive in the Marine Park, and to dive in the part it also had a minimal cover fee (good for a year). So my question is: Are we diving the park -- and if we are does this orientation & fee still apply?
SunshineFish
April 8th, 2002, 01:45 PM
Okay, I am 99% going on this trip. I just need to work out a couple of details with my flight and speak to Natasha about payment. This is the first time I am using miles and it's more complicated that I had thought it would be.
Add one more female to the trip!
Natasha
April 8th, 2002, 01:59 PM
All wonderful questions. The Bonairemaniacs would probably love to jump on these questions.
Ha! And I just might need Herman ...
First off, all of Bonaire is a Marine Park. The dive shop will give the orientation 'talk'. Basically what they will say is ..no gloves are allowed while you are diving ..but on the Hilma Hooker ..and be nice to the coral or we will kill you.
The dive shop will collect the fee down there and give you this cute little disc to wear on your Bc in return. The part I can't recall was, how much it was. I know it's under 20.00 or I would remember. I'll find out, if Herman doesn't see this first.
:gorgeous:
dvleemin
April 8th, 2002, 02:00 PM
The marine park fee is $10 I believe, and is good for 1 year.
Darryl
DivingGal
April 8th, 2002, 03:17 PM
Originally posted by dvleemin
The marine park fee is $10 I believe, and is good for 1 year.
Darryl
That's what the book said --- but since I can't remember when it was published -- I thought I'd ask.
As for you roomie --- hot dang!.. PJ party with Mom....:D
Natasha
April 8th, 2002, 04:34 PM
Vampy Mom never wears PJs to bed ....hehehehe
:jessica:
socaldiver
April 8th, 2002, 05:52 PM
Don't you think you females that are going to have a PJ party will need a male chaperone to keep you in line? I will volunteer my services :D
Another question: (geez, I'm getting to sound like DG)
Are we planning on diving the Hilma Hooker as a group? Or are we more or less on our own for this dive? Just curious if it is necessary to pack my gloves.
149
DivingGal
April 8th, 2002, 06:11 PM
Originally posted by socaldiver
Don't you think you females that are going to have a PJ party will need a male chaperone to keep you in line? I will volunteer my services :D
Another question: (geez, I'm getting to sound like DG)
Are we planning on diving the Hilma Hooker as a group? Or are we more or less on our own for this dive? Just curious if it is necessary to pack my gloves.
149
. . . and be proud you do sound like me (I'm well respected in my circle) What is 149?????
as for you Mom... I'm not making any comments on my bedtime attire.....
socaldiver
April 8th, 2002, 06:13 PM
DG,
If my math is correct, that is the #of days til we invade this tropical paradise called Bonaire.
Natasha
April 8th, 2002, 07:31 PM
Yes, we will dive the Hilma Hooker as a group, and as one of the boat dives instead of a shore dive.
I wore gloves. Looking back at my log book, I have it at 96 feet .. I think that's pretty much to the sand.
DivingGal
April 8th, 2002, 08:21 PM
Originally posted by socaldiver
DG,
If my math is correct, that is the #of days til we invade this tropical paradise called Bonaire.
Now that is a very good number!
DivingGal
April 10th, 2002, 09:09 AM
From the dive book I have:
Eighteen Palms
Acess: by boat or shore
Conditions: mild currents
Average depth: 20m (65 ft)
Max depth: 30m (100ft)
Viz: 30m (100ft)
Named after the 18 palms in the front garden of the Lt-Governor's house, this is an ideal site for novices and snorkellers. Southern and eagle rays are often seen on the sandy bottom.
Hilma Hooker
Acess: by boat or shore
Conditions: strong currents
Average depth: 25m (80 ft)
Max depth: 30m (100ft)
Viz: 20m (65 ft)
The 72m (235ft) Korean freighter was docked at the Town Pier for repairs, but Customs officers found marijuana hidden on board so the ship was confiscated and the drug burnt. As she was slowly sinking, On Sep 12, 1984 Bonaire's dive operators towed her out to the sand between the double-reef system and deliberately sunk her.
unfortunately the anti-fouling wasn't removed so marine organisms have been slow to establish themselves on the structure. However, it is now being colonized by sponges and is shelter to tiger and black groupers, black margates, mahogany snappers and yellowtail snappers. large horse-eye jacks cruise the open water beyond the wreck and midnight parrotfish can be seen grazing on the hull. Except where there are large open compartments in the central section, penetration of the wreck is not advised. The ship rests on here starboard side at the bottom of the reef slope - the highest point of the vessel is at 18m (60ft)
DivingGal
May 7th, 2002, 08:34 AM
Just ran across this, here's some pics taken by some who visited Bonaire. Pictures (http://www.scubadiving.com/photo/gallery/vitter.shtml)
Scubarescuepd
May 16th, 2002, 12:28 PM
just wondering is this trip full already ? any opennings ??
I could be considering going... anyone know a good airlines from connecticut to bonaire ? gonna start looking into this trip... :)
Natasha
May 16th, 2002, 04:22 PM
Yes, there are still rooms left. Please email me directly at Natasha708@aol.com so we can 'talk'.
Thanks !
bridgenet
May 24th, 2002, 12:49 PM
My wife and I were headed for Bonaire, Plaza Resort the first week of July but got cancelled due to work. Good news is we will get to meet everyone since we rescheduled to join the group in September :updown:
Wish we could make Wreckmania too but maybe next time!
Thanks again, Natasha :)
Natasha
May 24th, 2002, 12:54 PM
Kevin:
Great to have you join the group!
Everyone please welcome Kevin and Kim, to our September group.
And the good news is, we still have room, with 4 rooms left!
DivingGal
May 24th, 2002, 01:13 PM
Sorry that you lost out going in July, but sure glad you can join us in September.
Scubalnks
May 27th, 2002, 12:41 AM
Welcome Aboard Kevin and Kim.
I look forward to this trip greatly. Everyone I have spoken to has had nothing but good things to say about the diving.
Bob
May 28th, 2002, 08:54 AM
Welcome to the trip to Bonaire. Beth and I can hardly wait to get started. I'm sure we'll have a great trip and dive ourselves silly in the process. Look forward to meeting and diving with you both :tree: Bob
bridgenet
May 28th, 2002, 11:18 AM
Thank you everyone for the warm welcome, definitely looking forward to the diving and some new friends!!!
BTW Natasha, skydiving was awesome! Just have to work that into our diving.
:updown:
herman
May 28th, 2002, 01:11 PM
I have not been keeping up with this thread, sorry about the slow responce.
The marine park consists of ALL of the waters around Bonaire, from the shore to a depth of 200 ft (think the depth is correct)
The fee is $10 per year-Jan to Dec with some overlap if you buy the Dec tag as it will be for the next year.
Yes, you will have to take the orientation which also includes you doing a dive off the house reef for the purposes of getting your bouyancy correct and "tuning" up your skills.
The Helma Hooker is easy to do from shore with the port side of the ship at about 60 ft and the sand at just under 100ft. If you want to get to 100 ft, go to the bow of the ship where you will find a washed out hole and mash your gauge into the sand....caught my wife digging out the hole last year to get that last few inches.HEHEHE
There is really no need for gloves even on the Hooker unless you can't do free accents/decents. If that's the case, gloves migh not be a bad idea as the bouy line has some fire coral on it.
Natasha, did you know the exit tax has gone up to $20pp ?
I will be glad to personally investigate any other questions real soon....ON ISLAND IN 11 DAYS !!!
Natasha
May 29th, 2002, 12:40 PM
Herman:
Thanks for the good info. Yes, I did know the exit tag was 20.00. We did pay that in 01 when we were there. Thanks for the heads up on that too. To everyone else.. that has to be paid at the airport when leaving Bonaire to get off the island. But who wants to leave? So it's paid with must resistance. Hehehe
Kevin.. skydiving sounds like a blast. I loved parasailing so I'd probably like skydiving too.
