Okay! We are back from Bonaire and had a great trip, minus the fact my wife broke her ankle at Salt Pier on the last day! That sucked......but you know what DOESN'T suck? The Ultimate Dive Truck! That's what I'm here to tell you all about. I promised others a better review on the experience before we left, as we had only been through the reservation process, which was fast and easy!
We arrived and met Eric and Stacy at the airport. Check in was easy. We went over the truck and its features, although they send you a video link explaining it all before you arrive. Too easy! I think most people know what the features are by now, or can look it up, so I'd rather spend the words on the experience. It was just me and my wife but there is no problem diving 4 people out of the UDT. There is plenty of room for tanks, etc. The provided totes are awesome. I didn't even pack a mesh dive bag because my dive gear went right from my travel bag to a tote and stayed there the whole trip. Super easy to carry the totes around to rinse your gear at the end of the day, etc.
At the dive site....grab your tote and hook up your gear right on the side of the truck. Unlock the lock box and get your cameras out (if applicable) and ready to dive, etc. Set your fins, mask and everything else going into the water with you on the shelf on top of the lock box. Put on your wetsuit, etc. Lock your wallet and phone in the box. Step into your gear and stand up. Grab your stuff and get in the water. Have an awesome dive! Reverse the process coming back, only make sure you take a shower when you get out of your gear and grab a cold water or juice out of the cooler! The process was awesome. Very easy and convenient.
One feature to note, because it was important to me. The lock boxes are secure. I've been a police officer for over 20 years and have traveled extensively during my life. In fact, I do some international security work in my side business. Point is, I know criminals from a worldwide perspective and know how they act. The boxes are not bomb proof, but they serve their purpose. Petty theft on Bonaire is just that, petty. If you leave it laying around, someone will take it. You can't get into the boxes easily or smash them open with a rock or hammer, which means it works for what you need it for. Never worried once, and we kept stuff in them constantly.
The last, but probably most important thing to mention is what great people Eric and Stacy are! We never met them before our trip, but became fast friends once we did. They are very friendly and accomodating. Just a couple trying to live their dream of living in paradise and serving their customers. These two go above and beyond! From checking in on us to see if we needed anything while we were there to giving dinner suggestions, etc! I mentioned my wife broke her ankle on the last dive day. We were flying out the next afternoon. Eric and Stacy offered (and ended up giving us) their personal vehicle to drive for the last day so my wife could more easily get around and it helped out a ton! Are you kidding me? Who does that?
We can't thank them enough for their hospitality and their trucks are great. Give them a shot. I think you'll be glad you did! But you better hurry! I can't tell you how many times I had people come up to me to ask me about the truck. It's popular!
