When sport diver asked me to choose 10 of my personal favorites, i had to throw in one bonus site. The 10 best bonaire diving resorts 2020 with updated. See actions taken by the people who manage and post content. The stunning salt beds of pekelmeer are also home to one of the hemispheres great populations of flamingoes. Were able to navigate, but we have never made it a basic practice as were usually just tagging along the group while diving in cozumel.
This package includes 6 days unlimited shore diving, free nitrox, car rental and 6 boat dives. Here are five great december dive destinations that shine this time of year. Having said all that the diving in bonaire is mostly very easy. It was 8 bucks and shows the location of the dive sites as well as the common fish found in bonaire and the street names for kralenjik. The large collections of elephant ear sponges also stand out here. Top 10 best dive sites bonaire abdive diving bonaire. Unfortunately, while bonaire may well have some of the best underwater activities in the caribbean, it doesnt compare to the indopacific region for snorkeling or diving. But this book will make the learning process much easier. From the shore, dive sites are marked with names on yellow stones.
Susan porters bonaire shore diving made easy is a perennially popular guide written by a local diver and updated fairly frequently. These huts still stand in the area around rincon and along the saltpans of south bonaire. There is one man who is seen as being the father of bonaires tourism and scuba diving industry. It was here that i became obsessed with snorkeling, shore diving and a. The area is not typically known for its large marine creatures, but there are plenty of vibrant critters to capture through your wide angle lens. The definitive guide to scuba diving and snorkeling in bonaire for fans of lonely. We would literally pull up to the site, open the book and read exactly how to enter the water as we were staring at the exact spot. Bonaire shore diving made easy, 7th edition by susan porter, is. But there is no shortage of great dives that are easy to access for divers of all skill levels. Town pier xal the most well known dive sight on bonaire. On 21 st of may in 1962, a heavily storm damaged 69 foot twin mast schooner the valery queen made land fall in bonaire. Facebook is showing information to help you better understand the purpose of a page.
A lush fringing reef, calm crystalclear water and abundant sea life come together to create a relaxed and rewarding experience for scuba divers at. Along the entire west coast you can walk into the gradually deepening water. Unlike many caribbean destinations, which require an early departure and a long boat ride to access the reefs, the corals of bonaire come almost to your doorstep. Diving bonaire is profusely illustrated throughout with over 95 color photographs. Healthy reefs, excellent macro marine life, world renowned shore diving and remarkably calm sea all contribute to make bonaire a fantastic divine location. Cruise ship dive package vip diving is one of the very few dive operators on bonaire working independently with cruise passengers. Bonaire marines park offers a total of 86 dive sites, it is home to over 57 species of soft and stony coral and more than 350 recorded fish species. Bonaire island, called simply bonaire, is located in the caribbean sea about 50 miles north of the venezuelan coast. Submit a free request for information with one of these 8 scuba dive centers in bonaire who offer scuba lessons, fun dives and scuba dive packages with accommodation in bonaire or contact us directly.
They run an excellent boat dive operation on the east coast, where you normally wont come with shore diving. Next, windsurfers and kiteboarders discovered that bonaires charms also provided perfect conditions for their sports, and so, then bonaire became a mecca for those who. Great place, diving was easy simple and affordable, the staff was extremely knowledgeable and very helpful, and the diving was the best. The two books are bonaire shore diving made easy by susan porter and a free pamphlet called bonaire dive guide available free where you pick up your luggage at bonaires airport or downloadable for free here. About bonaire dive friends bonaire know before you go. Its describes all of the dive sites on bonaire and how to get to them as well as rateing them for difficulty, a must have. Great adventures bonaire is a professional association of diving instructors facility serving up dive instruction, certification classes, a gift shop and equipment rentals. It has been voted the best shore dive destination 22 consecutive times by the readers of scuba diving magazine the majority of the tourist that come to the island do some for scuba diving. For a more comprehensive list and description of sites, be sure to pick up susan porters bonaire shore diving made easy. Probably the best equipped rental we have ever stayed in. Apr 05, 2018 the newest edition of the popular diving guide, bonaire shore diving made easy, by susan porter, is now available for purchase. Macro photographers like me are content spending hours in the shallows hunting for miniscule creatures. Jul 27, 2015 i have read incredible stories of how awesome bonaire is, but the wife is a bit concerned about shore diving alone. Many of the dive sites have access by boat or shore.
Once in the water it is easy to put your fins on by making sure you have some air in your bc. The diving is excellent, the windsurfing is great and there are some really good restaurants, but the main reason we enjoy bonaire so much is because of our great friends at coral paradise. Having a map of the dive sites with descriptions and recommendations for every experience level really helps you to make the most of your bonaire diving vacation especially if it is your first trip here. Bonaire, a predominantly flat island is part of a vast reef chain, when diving you can often see coral skeletons around the island. Diving bonaire overview one of the three dutchowned caribbean islands off the coast of south america, to many visitors, bonaires attraction is shore diving, not only in front of their hotels but also via rental car to one of a score of marked sites but keep nothing in those cars and never lock them as many get broken into while you are underwater. Since we had experienced cozumel and drift diving in 2006, we decided that the legendary shore diving off of caribbean bonaire was next in line for our scuba adventures. For decades, bonaire has been known as the divers paradise which put the island on the world tourism map. The next book which we found indispensable is bonaire shore diving made easy by susan porter. Because in bonaire, you have unlimited access to some of the most beautiful coral reefs and dive sites in the world and the diving is all on your schedule.
Best shore dives in bonaire easy unlimited shore diving. I recommend stocking the kitchen with basics like water, coffee, snacks etc. The dive sites are easy to locate as they are all cleverly marked with a large yellow rock with the name of the site painted on it. And i concur with the helpfulness of the book shore diving made easy. Bonaire shore diving made easy, bsdme, author susan porter. Diving in bonaire gives you the ultimate feeling of freedom. I really like jim peterss suggestion for entering with your buddy. Along with all my gear, one thing ill be taking is the book bonaire shore.
Easy pier with very wide, well maintained metal stairs with solid handrails on both sides into marina area with no coralrocks. Diving bonaire bonaire, together with its little neighbor, klein bonaire, is the southern caribbeans prime diving destination. However, if great diving is your prime interest, bonaire is the place to. Entry is made off the mouth of lac bay and depth ranges from 30100 feet. Aruba, bonaire and curacao are the three islands that make up the leeward. Prices per person, private valet service and delivery included. The following was prepared by bonaire pros and provides informative help and tips about shore diving on bonaire. As stated above, booties are essential to navigate broken coral or ironstone on the shoreline. When sport diver asked me to choose 10 of my personal favorites, i. This simply makes diving at buddys easy and enjoyable. Bonaire shore diving made easy, nikiboko, netherlands antilles. All levels of divers will experience little current and depths from 2040 feet. The newest edition of the popular diving guide, bonaire shore diving made easy, by susan porter, is now available for purchase. Even if it has received the number one spot in the aspect of shore diving destination in the caribbeanatlantic in scuba diving magazines annual readers choice awards.
I also recommend getting bonaire shore diving made easy. Be sure to grab a dive site map from your car rental or dive shop. I have spent all of my life on or close to the ocean. One particular area for which it is known is its thriving art scene, which is reason enough to visit this caribbean destination. Bonaire shore diving made easy, 7th edition by susan. Map of bonaire dive sites marked with experience levels, shore dives and boat diving locations, all with links to detailed descriptions. Bsdme is a small book describing 75 dive sites in bonaire. Most resorts and dive shops can arrange tours to bonaire national marine park. Im going back to bonaire in a few weeks to complete my padi divemaster training.
New york daily news this deluxe guide written by marine biologists is the most comprehensive book on bonaire. Shore diving a truly hassle free diving experience. We appreciated having the shore diving made easy and the humanndeloach id books available. With over 63 marked dive sites, some stunning unmarked spots, and a water temperature that makes diving yearround pleasant, bonaire has been voted best shore diving destination for 25 consecutive years. With as many as 60 listed dive sites on the main island of bonaire and 20 on the nearby klein bonaire, it really is easy to find a dive site to suit everyone. I highly recommend the booklet bonaire shorediving made easy by susan porter. The bonaire shore diving made easy book was good for locating the dive site and getting in the water. Bonaire offers excellent lodging, dining, and diving, plus unusual island touring and even casino gambling excitement. My personal recommendation is the dutch book duikgids bonaire and for the english speaking divers the bonaire shore diving made easy mentioned above. The 10 best diving resorts in bonaire of 2020 with prices.
Dive captain dons habitat oceanfront hotel in bonaire. The attraction is the same today calm, clear water with a colorful fringing reef exploding with marine life. Oh yea, there is a book avalible at most of the dive shops called something like bonaire diving made easy figures my copy is not on my desk. Diving in bonaire shore dive capital of the world april 20, 2019. Captain dons habitat dive operation is a padi resort and a sdi 5 star professional development center. The worlds best shore diving bonaire national marine park. You can purchase this guide online in advance of your trip or locally once youre on the island. Scuba diving bonaire, netherlands antilles april 17, 2008 bon bini. I was certified to dive in 1970 and thirty one years later bonaire became my home. When on bonaire, stop in at these dive facilities which stock and sell the guide.
One can join our experienced, friendly dive staff on our morning and afternoon boat dives. Couldnt imagine shore diving in bonaire without this book. Depending on the dive site, the shelves vary in width, being narrower to the. Bonaire has suffered serious damage from hurricanes in recent years, with the windrows of elkhorn and staghorn coral fragments piled on the iron shore few beaches. Bonaire is a small island located in the southern caribbean and it is truly unique in the world, from virtually any place on the leeward coastline, you can enter the beautiful caribbean sea and scuba dive and snorkel. Officially, there are 63 dive sites in bonaire not counting klein, so the book more than adequately covers most diving spots. For scuba divers, bonaire is a superb destination in the caribbean and elsewhere.
Magnificent bonaire stands firmly on a pinnacle, reigning supreme over all other shore diving destinations in the world. You will be able to find free maps on the island that may suit your needs just fine. Easy to do night dives there easy to do night dives there cliff. When few were thinking of underwater conversation in the 1960s, captain don stewart decided this reef was something special, so he and others lobbied for a. With an ideal climate and a fringe of living coral, you can expect warm, clear water that is calm enough to be dived nearly every day of the year. In addition, neighboring excellent shore diving and snorkeling sites, are historical landmarks to bonaires repressive past. As a shore dive, you must have permission of the harbor master and be accompanied by a local dive guide. You might consider getting a copy of bonaire shore diving made easy by susan porter for lots of entryexit info.
It is centrally located within the resort complex for easy access from all rooms. The reef drops off gradually to another sandy plain at about 140 feet. Jan 04, 2020 bonaire is a dive destination beyond compare. Diving is easy and the best reef on the island right out front. Go as a buddypair and dive the shore dive sites around this netherlands antilles island.
Scuba diving in a divers paradise, bonaire, one of the netherlands abc islands, sister to aruba and curacao in the caribbean. In addition to great diving, the western side of bonaire yields amazing snorkeling opportunities. I am dedicated to posting information relating to all things shore diving. Bonaire shore diving made easy, 7th edition by susan porter. Bonaire villa testimonials lighthouse beach resort. The reef starts at just 16 feet 5m, making diving on bonaire extremely suitable for beginners. If youre the kind of diver who only gets wet on organized boat charters, youre missing out. If i had to pick one, i would get the reef smart guide. However, you cant be certain it will be available when you arrive, so you might want to buy one before you leave just to be safe. Bonaire is the best place for beginners to learn scuba diving and for advanced divers to add even more dream dives to their list. Every day of the year our custom dive boats go out to explore the many dive sites on the nearby island of klein bonaire, a short 10minute boat ride away, or to other spectacular dive sites not. Bonaire scuba diving quickly became famous after the first dive lodge opened on the island in 1962.
Do you recommend the bonaire shore diving made easy guide. Weve enjoyed meals at eddys and bits and bites and the number of restaurants within walking distance. Practical information about how to get there, where to enter and exit the water and how to plan the dive gets the best out of your trip. With our eight locations and four retail stores, youre just a doorstep away to your ultimate bonaire diving adventure. Bonaires sister islands, aruba and curacao, feature beautiful beaches, unique shopping, worldclass windsurfing, and more. Shore diving allows you to dive on your own schedule and explore a variety of unique sites, but it also requires careful planning and preparation for maximum safety and enjoyment. Made on bonaire bonaire may be small in size, but it is home to both people and products that have gained the island worldwide fame. Five great december dive destinations scuba diver life. Apr 28, 2017 the courtyard restaurant at marriott launches new menu. Bonaire is most famous for its shore diving easy, safe, predictable, and not too deep perfect conditions for beginners and great for practising skills like underwater photography. The home of bonaire dive guide the beauty of bonaire and the. I have spent all of my life on or close to the ocean and learned about conservation at an early age. The island is entirely fringed by a healthy reef system, and is widely recognized as the fish capital of the caribbean because it offers the highest diversity of fish species in the region.
Bonaire is one of the most respected diving destinations in the world. We chose the unlimted shore diving at capt dons next store but they also offer on site air and nitrox as well as a very nicely appointed diving. Because of the visibility, which often tops 80 feet 25m, and plentiful fish species, snorkeling is a popular activity. The majority of the best dive sites are available from shore or boats. The entire coastline is protected as the bonaire marine park up to depths of 200 feet, encompassing reef systems that provide excellent snorkeling and shore diving locations. The 10 best bonaire diving resorts may 2020 with prices. I recently bought frankos guide map of bonaire on amazon that i think will pair well with bonaire shore diving made easy. No matter if you are an experienced certified diver or someone who is keen to explore the underwater world for the first time, your personal vip dive butler will show you the best sites of the island, underwater and.
Ive written pages about bonaire scuba diving so take a look at my other articles for lots more detailed information. Named for the windsock that flies from a pole on the runway, this dive site is. Dive over the hilly reef full of ridges and canals and let it all come to you. Along with all my gear, one thing ill be taking is the book bonaire shore diving made easy bsdme. Buy a detailed guide with all the dive sites listed. Bonaire offers a large variation of stunning reefs and dive sites for all experience levels. Bonaire freediving school scuba service is designed for the discriminating individual who wants a no hassle, no stress, care free, justcomeandenjoy the ultimate scuba diving dream vacation on an island paradise. Buddys reef and oil slick are about as easy as it gets. When i was in bonaire in december my first dive trip, my buddy and i relied upon it extensively to select relatively easy entries. Its easy and predictable, and not too deep less than 70ft. Beautiful bonaire, in the southern caribbean sea, provides an ecological paradise for nature lovers above and below the water.
The reef is beautifully covered with large fields of healthy coral, including yellow finger coral and black coral. The marine life is truly impressive sporting more than 470 species of fish, commonly exhibiting angel fish, parrot fish, groupers grunts and blue tangs but dont be surprised to see frog fish, sea turtles or. Bonaire is a unique dive and snorkel destination, and there isnt another destination in the caribbean which has so many unrestricted shore diving sites. There are two really good ones, bonaire shore diving made easy and bonaire dive guide. We absolutely cant say enough good things about this. This is truly a dive for strong swimmers with lots of experience. This guide is an excellent tool for those who want to enjoy the freedom bonaires shore diving offers.
The shelf has elkhorn, staghorn and fire coral and gorgonians. The worlds best shore diving is from bonaire where you can buy unlimited scuba diving packages the best way to enjoy the shore diving in bonaire is as an experienced and certified scuba diver. Practical guide to shore dive and snorkel sites of bonaire fifth 5th edition susan porter on. The best dive sites in bonaire still offer visitors that feeling. There was a well stocked kitchen, plenty of towels, rinse buckets and hangers for dive gear, ample games, movies, and books not that that we had time for them this trip. See more ideas about dive mask, diving and scuba diving. There are not a lot of currents, nothing big in the water to bite you, and the dive sites are well marked. Bonaire offers scuba diving 247, 365 days a year and in a pristine underwater environment with access to many locations for shore and boat diving, it is an award winning diving destination that accommodates every skill level, from beginner to advanced diver. Bonaire is the b in the abc island chain, along with aruba and curacao, which is located north of venezuela in the caribbean sea.
As a padi 5 star padi idc dive center, we cater to divers of every skill level, from bubblemakers to instructors and everything in between. In particular, it shares the easiest entry and exit points. Yes you read that right, absolutely no extra charges. Tailor made for lovers of scuba, the resort boasts a watersports center onsite, steps from the beach. One excursion i do highly recommend is a trip with east coast diving. With the continuous efforts, bonaire has been successful in carrying activities to make tourism sustainable. There are two printed guides available for what you describe. Quick peek of the week in bonaire, seahorses, turtles, eagle rays, and much more it was a great trip. Shore diving is the norm, though most resorts offer boat dives and some sites are easier to dive from a boat than from the shore.
Typically, bonaires small beaches continue under the water in sandy plains dotted with a few corals that slope down to 30 feet. There are two ways to get your very own copy of this new bonaire diving guide. Shore diving is what put the quiet dutch caribbean island of bonaire on the map. How to purchase the new edition of bonaire shore diving made easy. Diving as easy as rolling out of bed in bonaire, divers can linger over a late breakfast and still enjoy a morning dive.
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