Why shore diving?

[DustyC]

The person who started this thread makes it sound like assembling and donning gear and wading out into calm, warm, tropical water is hard work. It's not. It's part of the experience.

And had an almost condescending tone about it.

 

[USC8791]

I'll echo much of what has been said. Dive when you want, how you want, with only your dive buddy. No cattle boat with the required following divers; the gear fidgeter, the camera equipment fidgeter, the know it all (one up'er), the loud arrogant ego guy who talks about the fact that he knows he's loud and arrogant, and the buddy team that disagrees about their experience and expectations for the dive. For me there's no better feeling than sitting on the truck tailgate before or after a Bonaire dive. I've been seven times and am in the process of booking my 2018 trip(s). Theft at the dive sites probably occurs, but only when true valuables are left in the truck. I routinely leave my flip flops, sunglasses (hidden), t-shirt, towel and cheap soft sided cooler in the unlocked truck. For money I use a waterproof case that I bought from West Marine. It's very thin but will hold my drivers license, a credit card and a few 20's (in case I go to Maiky Snack for lunch). I've been all over the Caribbean diving, as well as some in the South Pacific, but for me Bonaire is diving paradise because of the true freedom. It sounds like it might not be the place for the OP, but for the rest of you, I look forward to seeing you there. Or not because I'll probably keep driving if I see other people at my desired dive site.

 

[oldschoolto]

My husband and I are going Nov 28th-Dec. 2nd. We had stayed away due to hearing of the crime and "leave your truck windows rolled down" situation. I had the same feeling as well. Why would I want to go somewhere that I have to worry about the crime. Alas, we decided to go anyway. I've heard so much about the awesome diving that I'm willing to give it a shot. I'll follow the precautions everyone has mentioned. The only letdown may be that we do like to see the "big stuff". I'm looking forward to being able to stay down longer, go my own pace, and dive whenever I want to though.

Would the recommendation be to not take a lot of cash and use credit card instead???

Yes on credit card.. Make sure it's a card without fees for using it over seas.. Boat dives or shore dives with BAS on the Eastside of the island is always a good place to see bigger stuff..

Jim..

 

[diver0008]

So no, sunglasses? Hats? What if I'm on the other side of the island and I'm hungry, I have to drive back to resort and get money then go back out?

No one is going to steal your hat. Take cheap sunglasses, and you can even take them with you diving if you want. Likewise with a credit card.

I have been to Bonaire several times and have never been robbed; don't believe the hype.

Have a nice leisurely breakfast, pick up water and snacks at the supermarket, and you're good to go for the day; scuba camping on wheels.

If you want to dive Bonaire, which it seems that you do not anyway, certain adaptations are required, several already mentioned, for what is a unique and very pleasurable experience for the adventurous spirit.

 

[diver0008]

Am I missing something? Is the diving that good?

Yes. The whole experience.

 

[rek_diver]

As far as the actual diving in Bonaire goes, we dived there 2 yrs ago, and found it to be less than stellar, and not worth repeating especially given our high expectations and Bonaire often being referred to as a premiere diving destination.

Lots of dead corals and marine life was rather spares.

My opinion only.

 

[diver0008]

...given our high expectations

That'll do it.

 

[mbs]

Does that pouch stay dry at 60+ ft? It is rated for 15 ft.

I was thinking of getting this:
Trident Dry Box 2000

The one I have is rated to 165ft. See: waterproof wallet (the 'Keymaster') - Waterproof Cases & Bags by Aquapac

 

[rek_diver]

That'll do it.

Yup- we recently dived Cozumel and it was fantastic. Largely because I wasn't expecting it to be the way it was 10 years ago.

 

[USC8791]

Yup- we recently dived Cozumel and it was fantastic. Largely because I wasn't expecting it to be the way it was 10 years ago.

It's all in what you're looking for in a dive. I love Cozumel too and actually might prefer it to Bonaire once underwater; BUT, for me Bonaire is paradise for the total package. In Cozumel I have to wait on the boat to pick me up at their designated time (Living Underwater is awesome BTW) to go to a group decided site for two dives; between which we're forced to sit at some beach club I have zero interest in. All this of course is as long as the harbor master allows boats out that day. In Bonaire I dive when and where I want. I know where to go to see what I want to see. I know that, for me, anything in between The Lake and Andrea I will provide nothing but disappointment. Other divers love that same area and wouldn't dream of going anywhere else. And they don't have to because they're on Bonaire. And I don't have to go anywhere except The Lake and sites further South or Andrea I and sites further North; because I'm on Bonaire. Unless it's like that crazy wind/sea reversal thing we had the beginning of last October...