Many of the dive sites have access by boat or shore. But there is no shortage of great dives that are easy to access for divers of all skill. Yearround, but lower rates are available during the summer months. Rocky entries with sea urchins lead to many of bonaire s best shore dives. It is the best guide book that i have come across so far for the island. Prices per person, private valet service and delivery included. Be sure to have the following items, especially if youre diving without a guide. From the shore, dive sites are marked with names on yellow stones. Ive written pages about bonaire scuba diving so take a look at my other articles for lots more detailed information. The majority of the best dive sites are available from shore or boats.
All thats required to take advantage of it is a rental car and tanks. Ive only made 5 trips but planning my 6th in january and still working with the 5th edition of bonaire shore diving made easy. Surrounded by a dense covered coral reef and with easy access from the shore just walkin there are about 100 dive sites for you to explore in this part of the dutch caribbean. 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 ban on spear fishing. To make the most of each dive, its a good idea to ask a divemaster when to head to the sites on your list. 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. If you have something to add to the list, please let us know. Over the years, we have learnt about the very best shore diving destinations available. Bonaire has a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere in which you can enjoy the very best snorkelling and diving. Located directly opposite the outflow from the salt works, the shore entry is fairly easy through a. Bonaire receives 11 scuba diving magazine readers choice. I have spent all of my life on or close to the ocean and learned about conservation at an early age.
Dive boots reccomended for shore dives archive bonairetalk. Sep 24, 2010 without going into the essence of the value of this little booklet i was not impressed neither with the information nor with accuracy i would like fellow scubaboard readers to know that while author charges 20. What is reccomended for a type of dive boot sole while shore diveing with open foot fins in bonaire. This is an unmarked site on bonaire and doesnt have a yellow rock in front of it but instead, its landmark is the dive shop of the same name. You might get a little light chop at some of the sites on kline bonaire, but even that would be very light most of the entries are rocky, or broken coral, or ironstone, so you will probably want booties and openheel fins, but other than that, the entries should be very easy. But what makes bonaires shore diving a favorite among scuba divers. Bsdme is a small book describing 75 dive sites in bonaire. 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.
The american army built the flamingo airport as an air force base. This guide is an excellent tool for those who want to enjoy the freedom bonaires shore diving offers. Treasure quest magazine for underwater explorers, whether serious scuba divers of just holiday snorkelers, a primo destination is bonaire. These features combine to offer what is undoubtedly the best easy shore diving in the caribbean. Scuba diving on bonaire diving freedom dive friends bonaire. With close to 60 marked sites, and any number of easily accessible unmarked entry points to choose from, divers will run out of vacation time long before they run out of. Having said all that the diving in bonaire is mostly very easy. This is also included with most boat dive packages. There are over 80 dive sites on bonaire and klein bonaire, 51 are shore diving sites. Visitors to bonaire can choose between boat and shore diving. The next book which we found indispensable is bonaire shore diving made easy by susan porter. Because the islands dive sites are protected from any currents, this is one of the best places in the world to gain a new certification. It was here that i became obsessed with snorkeling, shore diving and a. The dive site buoys offer great navigational points above or below the water.
Oct 08, 2012 scuba made easy llc quality scuba training at affordable pricing. Unlimited shore dive package an unlimited tanks and airfills package for shore diving. Mar 29, 2020 even my malfunctioning15 year old dive computer got a quickfix by larrya regular at df sanddollar. Located within the confines of washingtonslagbaai national park, wayaka offers divers a new site wh. The diving several factors combine to offer bonaire visitors shore diving opportunities unlike any found elsewhere in the caribbean.
We invite and welcome any participants who want to combine. Boasting a large number of fish species, bari reef is an easy shore dive that is usually very calm with no current. Gear tips for bonaire shore diving bonaire travel news. We started working on this one a little over a year ago, may 2018, locating the opening between two i. But there is no shortage of great dives that are easy to access for divers of all skill levels. Tricky shore entries parking or hard to spot dive sites. 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. This 240 foot former cargo ship makes for a spectacular wreck that attracts a large amount of marine life as an artificial reef. Bonaire offers more than 60 marked dive sites, accessible from the shore. A popular night dive, with friendly tarpons darting back and forth in front of your light beam. I recently bought frankos guide map of bonaire on amazon that i think will pair well with bonaire shore diving made easy. This package includes 6 days unlimited shore diving, free nitrox, car rental and 6 boat dives.
When sport diver asked me to choose 10 of my personal favorites, i had to throw in one bonus site. Almost all dive sites are on the leeward side of the island, so there are little to no waves. Talk to the dive shop and they can give you good advice. Bonaire is an island in the leeward antilles in the caribbean sea. Front porch, sunset beach sn truly an easy dive, with light to moderate currents, front porch is located at the sunset beach resort. Jul 01, 2008 view of the salt piles and beautiful water of bonaire south of main town kralendijk. Map of bonaire showing the main dive sites and marine reserves. Following accepted safe diving practices, you can grab a tank and go. Here are some tips we have that could make your bonaire shore diving trips a bit easier. 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 bonaire s airport or downloadable for free here. You might also get the book shore diving made easy, it is for sale on bonaire and also through the website andy. 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.
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 is a unique dive and snorkel destination, and there isnt another destination in the caribbean which has so many unrestricted shore diving sites. Famed as one of the best caribbean dive destinations, bonaire hosts amazing coral reefs and long forgotten shipwrecks. I am dedicated to posting information relating to all things shore diving. Several factors combine to offer bonaire visitors shore diving opportunities unlike any found elsewhere in the caribbean. Bonaire shore diving made easy, bsdme, author susan porter. Combine this with reliable dive operators, great topside attractions, and a wonderfully relaxed vibeyouve got. Yes you read that right, absolutely no extra charges. Do you recommend the bonaire shore diving made easy guide.
Scuba made easy llc deep shipwreck diving on windjammer bonaire. Jan 10, 2010 i recently bought frankos guide map of bonaire on amazon that i think will pair well with bonaire shore diving made easy. With our eight locations and four retail stores, youre just a doorstep away to your ultimate bonaire diving adventure. Practical guide to shore dive and snorkel sites of bonaire fifth 5th edition. Practical guide to shore dive and snorkel sites of bonaire fifth 5th edition susan porter on. Shallow reefs and calm waters make it ideal for beginners, while there are plenty adventurous sites for the more advanced divers. Instead of having to follow a dive leader, you can swim at your leisure and marvel in. Best shore dives in bonaire easy unlimited shore diving.
I have been using the bonaire shore diving made easy book for several years. Shore diving is a must at captain dons habitat and around the island of bonaire rated as the top shore diving destination in the world. As of 1 january 2019, the islands population totaled 20,104 permanent residents 10, an increase of about 1,200 since 2015. Bonaire shore diving made easy, 7th edition by susan porter. Shore diving from bonaire, including clips of a female lobster aerating her eggs, cow fish performing a mesmorising mating dance, shoals of scribbled filefish, lovely video clips of squid as well. Diving bonaire overview one of the three dutchowned caribbean islands off the coast of south america, to many visitors, bonaire s 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. 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. This easy shore or boat dive, with light currents and a depth of 20100 feet, offers novice divers a chance to see mountainous star coral with abundant fish life. Plus 10 bonaire shore dive tips and 10 dive site recommendations to get the best out of your trip. 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. Bonaire shore diving made easy, 7th edition by susan porter, is. Her unique geography has created miles of leeward coastline with easy shore access and almost perfect scuba diving conditions. Along with its neighboring dutch islands of aruba and curacao, it forms the abc islands, though it is much quieter.
Apr 05, 2018 the newest edition of the popular diving guide, bonaire shore diving made easy, by susan porter, is now available for purchase. There are two really good ones, bonaire shore diving made easy and bonaire dive guide. 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. Diving bonaire is profusely illustrated throughout with over 95 color photographs. Also, fish like to hang out under the boats of the marine park moorings. Beautiful bonaire, in the southern caribbean sea, provides an ecological paradise for nature lovers above and below the water. The newest edition of the popular diving guide, bonaire shore diving made easy, by susan porter, is now available for purchase. The freedom of unhindered shore diving was a refreshing change not having to keep pace with others and only having to check on my own buddy made my dive so relaxed. Map of bonaire dive sites marked with experience levels, shore dives and boat diving locations, all with links to detailed descriptions. Dive resorts make tanks available 24 hours a day for shore diving among the islands 60plus dive sites. For example, shorediving sites such as karpata on bonaires northwest coast should be done as early as possible.
In the traditional distillery of cadushy you can see how the worlds only liqueur made from cactus is created right on the. But, bonaire rules in the diving department, particularly in its easily accessible shore diving. Bonaire is one of the most respected diving destinations in the world. Bonaire is a small island in the southern caribbeans dutchowned abc chain that includes aruba, bonaire and curacao. 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. New york daily news this deluxe guide written by marine biologists is the most comprehensive book on bonaire.
Our range of dive resorts in bonaire is as wonderfully diverse as the underwater experiences in the region each of them offering easy access to some of the worlds most incredible dive sites. 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. There are two printed guides available for what you describe. However, the boot sole is thin enough that i can roll it up around my finger. In particular, it shares the easiest entry and exit points. Im going back to bonaire in a few weeks to complete my padi divemaster training.
Bonaire is a caribbean island just north of venezuela, politically part of the netherlands. We had a great time scuba diving in bonaire and, of course, we did lots of shore diving. With a decidedly rugged character, this charming dutch island in the. Imagine being able to dive whenever you want to, on nobodys schedule but your own.
Bonaire shore diving made easy, 7th edition by susan. A lush fringing reef, calm crystalclear water and abundant sea life come together to create a relaxed and rewarding experience for scuba divers at every skill level. Bonaire shore diving made easy, 6th edition scubaboard. Bonaire is a popular snorkeling and scuba diving destination because of its multiple shore diving sites and easy access to the islands fringing reefs. Although bonaire is well known for its easy shore dives, dive. You may see tarpon swim by, and can find seahorses and octopi, on the colorful reef. To maintain personal character and special attention for every diver we only take out small groups we offer many guided dives all over bonaire to sites that you normally wouldnt find or try by yourself. From photographers to critter spotters, i couldnt think of a type of diver that bonaire s shore diving wouldnt suit.
This site is a favorite of underwater photographers. Its neighbors have superior beaches, shopping and casinos. The reef drops off gradually to another sandy plain at about 140 feet. The best dive sites in bonaire still offer visitors that feeling. Angelfish, rock beauties, and butterfly fish make their homes in the rocky reefs. Susan porters bonaire shore diving made easy is a perennially popular guide written by a local diver and updated fairly frequently. If you dont like what you see go to the next one, you will find one that you like. Macro photographers like me are content spending hours in the shallows hunting for miniscule creatures. It also notched three topfive finishes, for underwater photography, overall diving and overall best destination. Once youre in the water and safely out of any breaking waves, put on your fins, adjust your mask and get ready to dive. Bonaire has been rated the worlds top shore dive location 22 times consecutively, is home to 340 species of reef fish and boasts 86 dive sites. One is the sheer number of shore dive sites available. Along with all my gear, one thing ill be taking is the book bonaire shore diving made easy bsdme. Youll dive from shore to a maximum depth of 100 feet30 meters.
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 voted best shore diving destination of the world. It is a mostly flat, riverless coral island renowned for diving, windsurfing, and bird watching particularly flamingos. More than 60 dive sites with shorediving access surround bonaire, where divers will find more than 300 species of marine life and thriving coral reefs. An easy entrance just off of the dock doing a giant stride or walking.
Bonaire is the best place for beginners to learn scuba diving and for advanced divers to add even more dream dives to their list. The secrets to successful shore diving on bonaire shore diving is what put the quiet dutch caribbean island of bonaire on the map. Shore diving a truly hassle free diving experience. You will be able to find free maps on the island that may suit your needs just fine.
I have spent all of my life on or close to the ocean. The exceptionally easy ocean conditions make bonaire a perfect place for anyone who wants to enjoy the ocean. Scuba diving bonaire, netherlands antilles april 17, 2008 bon bini. Bonaire national marine park management plan parks caribbean. Enjoy the caribbeans finest shore diving in bonaire, plunge into balis deep blue waters or delight in wakatobis wonderful house reef. Bonaire s many accessible coral reefs cement its place as the shore diving capital of the world, and wreck diving doesnt get much better than beneath. For starters, there are a lot of options when it comes to shore diving in bonaire. Bonaire shore diving made easy, nikiboko, netherlands antilles. Typically, bonaire s small beaches continue under the water in sandy plains dotted with a few corals that slope down to 30 feet. Go as a buddypair and dive the shore dive sites around this netherlands antilles island. I have read incredible stories of how awesome bonaire is, but the wife is a bit concerned about shore diving alone. No visit to bonaire is complete without a dive on the famous wreck of the hilma hooker. Almost every one of bonaire s major dive sites, including the hilma hooker, angel city, 1,000 steps and the deep reefs at washingtonslagbaai national park, can be dived.
Practical guide to shore dive and snorkel sites of bonaire fifth 5th edition porter, susan on. I was certified to dive in 1970 and thirty one years later bonaire became my home. Scuba diving on the windjammer in bonaire is technical diving tech diving which offers. With over 50 marked sites, and any number of easily accessible unmarked entry points to choose from, divers will run out of vacation time long before. Magnificent bonaire stands firmly on a pinnacle, reigning supreme over all other shore diving destinations in the world.
Once you experience a taste of diving freedom, you wont want to go anywhere else. Jul 27, 2015 thus far, all our diving has been with a dive master or guide along with us. You can reference susan porters very useful book, bonaire shore diving made easy. The best sites combine interesting dive sites close to shore with easy accessibility for divers. You can purchase this guide online in advance of your trip or locally once youre on the island. Officially, there are 63 dive sites in bonaire not counting klein, so the book more than adequately covers most diving spots. Consistent nitrox mixes, full tanks, working orings, professional and hardworking staff, and easy access to one of the most beautiful reefs in the worlddive friends bonaire will definitely be seeing us again soon. We have like a 3 mill mares dive boat with like a 316 inch thick rubber sole. You might consider getting a copy of bonaire shore diving made easy by susan porter for lots of entryexit info. Bonaire is famous for scuba diving for several reasons. You can do a surface swim or start your dive close to shore your choice.
319 1046 1597 146 1453 769 724 564 767 566 611 1003 830 1542 1292 236 1467 528 1307 395 1038 517 637 325 503 101 884 1471 67 90