In years past I've done regular trips to Bonaire with my dive buddy/bride, and more recently Belize Aggressor trips by myself since she retired from diving.
I'm now old (a healthy/active 69) and am looking to do a closer-to-home trip this Oct/Nov. The cost/hassle of international travel has just gotten out of hand for me.
It seems to me that Blue Heron Bridge is exactly what I like to do best - shallow, slow, slower, small things for a long time - my daughter and I many times spent 2 hrs around a couple of mooring blocks on Bonaire.
so, the questions:
Oct or Nov? Or other better time?
- Can I make a week of every-day dives at BHB, given that my schedule is totally flexible and can be twisted to match the tidal charts? Boredom risk? - I don't think so, but one never knows, do one? I'm thinking arrive on Sunday PM and depart on Sat/Sun next.
- Is it practical to dive at both high and low tides to get in 2 long dives each day? I understand about the reduced vis - doesn't bother me, I'll be looking slowly and up close anyway. Or is low tide just not fun?
- Dive Operator? I've read good stuff about Pura Vida and they appear to be close at hand and have the night dive permits.
- My lovely and long-suffering bride wants me to hire a guide, at least to start. Cost? Anybody in particular you recommend?
- Solo diving OK or not recommended? Scuba police gonna get me if I do it?
- Hotel/Condo/Resort? I'll be by myself, and probably not much interest in cooking. Close to dive op would be good. I don't like camping out, Hampton is good.
- I'm not inclined to do any day charters, I just don't always enjoy it, but is there a don't-miss day trip I should do while I'm there?
- I'm kinda thinking I may drive down, mix in stops around Ft White and Marianna on the way just to visit folks. I'll probably bring my stuff, except for tanks and a flag, which I'll plan to rent. Anything special/unique to BHB I need to bring?
- IMPORTANT: given that I stay close to the bridge, are there any outstanding beer halls close by (or not so close) I need to make sure I attend? Or avoid?
Thanks in advance to anyone who plows through this and answers any or all.
Brad
I'm now old (a healthy/active 69) and am looking to do a closer-to-home trip this Oct/Nov. The cost/hassle of international travel has just gotten out of hand for me.
It seems to me that Blue Heron Bridge is exactly what I like to do best - shallow, slow, slower, small things for a long time - my daughter and I many times spent 2 hrs around a couple of mooring blocks on Bonaire.
so, the questions:
Oct or Nov? Or other better time?
- Can I make a week of every-day dives at BHB, given that my schedule is totally flexible and can be twisted to match the tidal charts? Boredom risk? - I don't think so, but one never knows, do one? I'm thinking arrive on Sunday PM and depart on Sat/Sun next.
- Is it practical to dive at both high and low tides to get in 2 long dives each day? I understand about the reduced vis - doesn't bother me, I'll be looking slowly and up close anyway. Or is low tide just not fun?
- Dive Operator? I've read good stuff about Pura Vida and they appear to be close at hand and have the night dive permits.
- My lovely and long-suffering bride wants me to hire a guide, at least to start. Cost? Anybody in particular you recommend?
- Solo diving OK or not recommended? Scuba police gonna get me if I do it?
- Hotel/Condo/Resort? I'll be by myself, and probably not much interest in cooking. Close to dive op would be good. I don't like camping out, Hampton is good.
- I'm not inclined to do any day charters, I just don't always enjoy it, but is there a don't-miss day trip I should do while I'm there?
- I'm kinda thinking I may drive down, mix in stops around Ft White and Marianna on the way just to visit folks. I'll probably bring my stuff, except for tanks and a flag, which I'll plan to rent. Anything special/unique to BHB I need to bring?
- IMPORTANT: given that I stay close to the bridge, are there any outstanding beer halls close by (or not so close) I need to make sure I attend? Or avoid?
Thanks in advance to anyone who plows through this and answers any or all.
Brad