Summary:
When in Bonaire. . .
If you want more adventures in diving, Bonaire will provide a variety of dive sites. World class divers give Bonaire a rate of 10 out of 10. The place has more than a 100 dive sites. Each of these with strict diving levels - novice, intermediate, and advanced. But even if you are ready to jump into the water, hours after you get off your plane, you are prohibited by law to do so.
You must first attend a refresher class on scuba diving at the d...
When in Bonaire. . .
If you want more adventures in diving, Bonaire will provide a variety of dive sites. World class divers give Bonaire a rate of 10 out of 10. The place has more than a 100 dive sites. Each of these with strict diving levels - novice, intermediate, and advanced. But even if you are ready to jump into the water, hours after you get off your plane, you are prohibited by law to do so.
You must first attend a refresher class on scuba diving at the dive shop. Part of the enforced one-hour review is to familiarize tourists on the Bonaire Marine Park rules; this is followed by a collection of $10 per head. But this inconvenience is soon eclipsed by the pleasures waiting in the blue yonder.
The Bonaire Attractions
Aside from the great diving, Bonaire has much to offer on land. In Gotomeer, flamingos converge to feast on the shrimps in the brackish waters, and nest on the salt flats. Interesting bits and pieces of the islands history are preserved - the 1837 lighthouse, and 1838 obelisks built to aid mariners find anchor.
After a day of diving and hiking the trails, you can go kayaking, windsurfing, bird watching, mountain biking, horse-back riding, and deep sea fishing. There is no end to the wonderful and interesting possibilities in this Antilles Island. Family members will enjoy the stress-free environment, and children can learn from the environmental efforts to protect the island's natural resources.
Come On, The Diving's Great
Scuba diving enthusiasts are directed to the appropriate sites for diving. Bonaire officials are strict about this. Novice and intermediate divers are prohibited from sites with strong currents, and only those with solid years of certified scuba diving experience are allowed to dive here. Happily, there are several drop sites where all levels can take the plunge.
For the diving, the Town Pier is a popular dive site for diving. Bonaire diving aficionados of all levels - novice to advanced - enjoy the depths of 20-40 feet. Again, there are restrictions. Divers must present the permission of the harbormaster and they must be accompanied by a dive guide from the locality.
Calabas Reef is another site for all-levels diving. Bonaire also takes pride in the Angel City, a site teeming with angelfish, and in Alice in Wonderland, where divers can see schools of parrot fish and French Angels.
Bonaire diving operators give diving assistance for the handicapped, and provide lessons for technical diving. Courses from Advanced Nitrox, decompression procedures, or courses for solo diver and diving instructor levels, are just some of the courses offered.
Going to Bonaire?
If you are planning on that diving excursion to Bonaire, book a flight and reserve a room months before the big day. You can check sites for Bonaire hotels online. Communicate with diving operators for diving tours and get their confirmation about special arrangements. If you are planning to take a break in Bonaire, bring along your valid passport, and return ticket. Pack up your wet suit and scuba diving gear, Bonaire is waiting.