You'll get a little orientation speech about diving in Bonaire - everything underwater is a Marine Park, so no touching, no gloves, etc. You'll get a little plastic tag to attach to your rig to show that you paid the annual park fee - a great souvenir. You'll also get a little chat about Bonaire, the resort and their dive operation. There's some paperwork (the usual releases) and then it's time to hit the water.
The actual dive is a shore dive done in at least semi-supervised conditions to allow you to make certain that all of your gear is in working order, to allow you to make adjustments to weighting, harnesses, and other gear, and to get acquainted with salt-water. It's a terrific opportunity to work some of the giggles out (WE'RE IN BONAIRE!!!) as well as some of the travel kinks while you're still in shallow water and before you strike out on your own or climb on a boat with a bunch of other divers. It also gives the operator a chance to evaluate your skills a little bit and to provide some coaching, if needed.
It's not a test - you won't fail. It's an opportunity to make certain that your gear, your skills and your head are ready for diving. If you want a DM to assist, by all means ask. That's what they are there for. Relax, have fun. There is no place better on earth for new divers than Bonaire and you're going to love it.
Steven
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