Packing and Diving Tips for the Bonaire Invasion

[tracydr]

I like to take a lightweight, soft cooler bag. We buy fruit and lunch items from the store and pack a lunch each day. That way, we can drive to either end of the island with a full load of tanks and make a day of diving. We come back late afternoon, take a short nap, eat dinner and then go for a night dive closer to home, usually at Oil Slick.
We usually stay at a condo. The last time we found a condo by owner and it worked out really well. It was right behind the Golden Reef. A nice location, easy to get to and a very nice house with two bedrooms, living room and a kitchen.
You can either flatten the cooler and pack it in your checked luggage. It's lightweight and doesn't take much space. Or, use it to carry something on, especially something delicate that needs some protection from the cooler's padded sides, like a can light.

 

[James R]

Those cooler bags are also great for a camera...your own private rinse tank.

 

[ROXANNE]

Those cooler bags are also great for a camera...your own private rinse tank.

I agree! Light weight cooler bags are a must for my list. We use them for the cameras too. They're great protection, easy to pack and wash out.

 

[ROXANNE]

I ordered a new skin from Dive Goddess and was sadded to learn that they were going out of business.

If anyone else wanted one for the trip, there are still some available.

On another note, for those of you planning on partiscipating in the Photo Contests or planning on sharing photos with other, don't forget a thumb drive. They come in real handy! IJS

 

[Moonie]

On another note, for those of you planning on partiscipating in the Photo Contests or planning on sharing photos with others, don't forget a thumb drive. They come in real handy! IJS

You know you'll all want pics of me of course. So plan accordingly!

Later,
Moonie [url=http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php]

[/url]

 

[Sw1tchbl4de]

Can anyone recommend some hard-soled dive boots if I don't own my own fins? Are there ones that are sort of "standardized"? Thanks!

 

[ROXANNE]

Can anyone recommend some hard-soled dive boots if I don't own my own fins? Are there ones that are sort of "standardized"? Thanks!

There are many diferant manufactures. You may want to look locally so you can try them on. Look for boots that fit well and seem comfortable to you. Then later when you buy fins, you can make sure your boots fit the foot pocket. I also like to wear thin socks with my boots to keep my wet feet from rubbing to much.

 

[RJP]

Some Woolite or those all-in-one washer sheets if you plan on washing the funk off your clothes or dive wear in the sink/tub. Especially great when your staying longer than a week. Don't forget some close pins too. They help when hanging items up for drying.

FYI - Woolite is terrible for most man made fibers and especially anything with spandex, elastic, or built in odor-protecting fabric. Ironically, something that's great for natural fibers and delicates... is pretty harsh on stuff that's not delicate.

 

[ROXANNE]

FYI - Woolite is terrible for most man made fibers and especially anything with spandex, elastic, or built in odor-protecting fabric. Ironically, something that's great for natural fibers and delicates... is pretty harsh on stuff that's not delicate.

Feel free to use whatever kind of detergent you like. I've never had a problem with woolite myself, but to each their own. It does come in handy to have whatever kind you like anyway, even baby sampoo can be used to wash items.
On another note, RJP, why aren't you joining us? It's going to be a blast.

 

[RJP]

On another note, RJP, why aren't you joining us? It's going to be a blast.

Dates didn't work, plus have been to Bonaire not too long ago. Trying to figure something different thsi year.