Bonaire dive operator recommendations

oldguydiving · 11th December 2007, 22:43

Folks,

I'm new to the east coast and heard Bonaire is the place to go. I'm wondering if anyone has leads to good dive operators. I prefer simple places and small operators because I can't see mob diving as a sport. Someone who does 1-12 folks is about right for me. Drager friendly a real plus.

Appreciate any info you might have.

PS I know this isn't a report but I couldn't find an alternative that seem right.

Bill

njdivr · 11th December 2007, 23:06

If you're looking at Bonaire, you needn't worry about group size too much. Bonaire is pretty much the shore diving capital of the world. I've dove with Divi Divers, Toucan Divers and Captain Don's over the years and I've never been on a boat with more than 12 divers. My personal preference is for Divi Divers based at the Divi Flamingo hotel. While the Divi doesn't support rebreathers themselves, they are very friendly towards those who wish to dive them. Toucan Divers based at the Plaza Resort and Captain Don's Habitat both support some rebreathers in-house. I know Toucan directly supprted Draeger's last year when I was down. I rented my bottles (for an Evo) and purchased my supplies from Walt Stark (Rec Tek Scuba). Mr. Stark works directly with Captain Don's, but you can arrange with him to work with any operator.

The reason I choose the Divi is it's proximity to town. It's an easy walk; making it super convenient if you want more than a few drinks with dinner. I also find the Divi's staff (hotel, dive and service) to be the friendliest on the island.

If you're looking for something a little more challenging while you're there, check out Larry Baillie's "Larry's Wild Side Diving". He's the only operator diving the east side of the island. He's got some really pristine sites over there.

**jepuskar** · 11th December 2007, 23:06

Hi Bill and welcome to the board!!

As far as places to stay that are small...I would look into Carib Inn.

Bruce Bowker's Carib Inn, Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles - Scuba Diving and Accommodations - Home Page

From the home page "The Carib Inn has only ten units with no plans for expansion. Bruce has said that bigger is not always better. Its current size is easily managed and easily maintained. This creates a unique niche in the resort business on Bonaire for the vacationer who wants a small dedicated resort. The Carib Inn's guest list is made up of people who desire exactly what the Carib Inn offers. "
----

Bruce has been on the island since the early 80's I believe and is an extremely helpful individual. I have never stayed there, but I was sent to him to have a BC repaired and he took care of it at no charge. The place looks like something you would like based on what you dont like.

As far as Drager friendly...not sure if they are or not..but the island is small enough so if they arent Rebreather friendly...try contacting Walt at Rec Tek Scuba Bonaire - We do it silent. We do it deep. Techincal diving.

Hope this helps and if you have any other questions about the island let me know. I've been there 9 times.

Jason

Ryan · 12th December 2007, 02:08

I dove Marie Bohn with Walt Stark today. It is safe to say he is the only game in town for full rebreather support...

dnscarboro · 20th December 2007, 00:21

I dove with Captain Don's, Walt Stark is based on site. All gas fills to 3000psi
Has boost pump.Take ExtendAir Cartridges-- does not stock them yet. He is very knowledgeable of the area dive sites. He has bail out cylinders also 30 or 40's. He is listed in the Library on Rebreather World.

Ryan · 20th December 2007, 14:22

Last week he mentioned to me that his ExtendAir Cartridges were on island, but I'd still email to make sure.

Dave O · 20th December 2007, 16:01

As mentioned, shore diving is the norm. With a rebreather you can hit several of the reef sites in one dive. There are no SCUBA police, so you can make your dive group as small as you like.

Walt set me up with tanks and lime. Dropped the gear off right at the resort. Just contact him in advance to let him know when you arrive, and what you'll need.

Rec Tek Scuba Bonaire - We do it silent. We do it deep. Techincal diving.

11th December 2007, 22:43	#1 (permalink)
oldguydiving New Member Current Rebreather/s: Dolphin Other Rebreather/s: Dolphin Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Arlington Virginia USA Posts: 5	Bonaire dive operator recommendations Folks, I'm new to the east coast and heard Bonaire is the place to go. I'm wondering if anyone has leads to good dive operators. I prefer simple places and small operators because I can't see mob diving as a sport. Someone who does 1-12 folks is about right for me. Drager friendly a real plus. Appreciate any info you might have. PS I know this isn't a report but I couldn't find an alternative that seem right. Bill __________________ "if to do were as easy as to know what were good to do, chapels had been churches and poor men's cottages prince's palaces"
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11th December 2007, 23:06	#2 (permalink)
njdivr New Member Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Vision Other Rebreather/s: Evolution Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: New Jersey, USA Posts: 13	Re: Bonaire dive operator recommendations If you're looking at Bonaire, you needn't worry about group size too much. Bonaire is pretty much the shore diving capital of the world. I've dove with Divi Divers, Toucan Divers and Captain Don's over the years and I've never been on a boat with more than 12 divers. My personal preference is for Divi Divers based at the Divi Flamingo hotel. While the Divi doesn't support rebreathers themselves, they are very friendly towards those who wish to dive them. Toucan Divers based at the Plaza Resort and Captain Don's Habitat both support some rebreathers in-house. I know Toucan directly supprted Draeger's last year when I was down. I rented my bottles (for an Evo) and purchased my supplies from Walt Stark (Rec Tek Scuba). Mr. Stark works directly with Captain Don's, but you can arrange with him to work with any operator. The reason I choose the Divi is it's proximity to town. It's an easy walk; making it super convenient if you want more than a few drinks with dinner. I also find the Divi's staff (hotel, dive and service) to be the friendliest on the island. If you're looking for something a little more challenging while you're there, check out Larry Baillie's "Larry's Wild Side Diving". He's the only operator diving the east side of the island. He's got some really pristine sites over there. __________________ Take care, -Charlie. Still breathing...
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11th December 2007, 23:06	#3 (permalink)
jepuskar NA Current Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 389	Re: Bonaire dive operator recommendations Hi Bill and welcome to the board!! As far as places to stay that are small...I would look into Carib Inn. Bruce Bowker's Carib Inn, Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles - Scuba Diving and Accommodations - Home Page From the home page "The Carib Inn has only ten units with no plans for expansion. Bruce has said that bigger is not always better. Its current size is easily managed and easily maintained. This creates a unique niche in the resort business on Bonaire for the vacationer who wants a small dedicated resort. The Carib Inn's guest list is made up of people who desire exactly what the Carib Inn offers. " ---- Bruce has been on the island since the early 80's I believe and is an extremely helpful individual. I have never stayed there, but I was sent to him to have a BC repaired and he took care of it at no charge. The place looks like something you would like based on what you dont like. As far as Drager friendly...not sure if they are or not..but the island is small enough so if they arent Rebreather friendly...try contacting Walt at Rec Tek Scuba Bonaire - We do it silent. We do it deep. Techincal diving. Hope this helps and if you have any other questions about the island let me know. I've been there 9 times. Jason __________________ Donate to the Barack Obama campaign: https://donate.barackobama.com/match
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12th December 2007, 02:08	#4 (permalink)
Ryan New Member Current Rebreather/s: rEvo Pelagian Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Inspiration Classic Sport Kiss Classic Kiss rEvo Pelagian Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: On the edge of the gulf stream! Posts: 71	Re: Bonaire dive operator recommendations I dove Marie Bohn with Walt Stark today. It is safe to say he is the only game in town for full rebreather support... __________________ www.ReefPhoto.com 877-453-8927 954-537-0644
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20th December 2007, 00:21	#5 (permalink)
dnscarboro New Member Current Rebreather/s: Optima Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: May 2007 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 28	Re: Bonaire dive operator recommendations I dove with Captain Don's, Walt Stark is based on site. All gas fills to 3000psi Has boost pump.Take ExtendAir Cartridges-- does not stock them yet. He is very knowledgeable of the area dive sites. He has bail out cylinders also 30 or 40's. He is listed in the Library on Rebreather World.
(Offline)

20th December 2007, 14:22	#6 (permalink)
Ryan New Member Current Rebreather/s: rEvo Pelagian Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Inspiration Classic Sport Kiss Classic Kiss rEvo Pelagian Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: On the edge of the gulf stream! Posts: 71	Re: Bonaire dive operator recommendations Last week he mentioned to me that his ExtendAir Cartridges were on island, but I'd still email to make sure. __________________ www.ReefPhoto.com 877-453-8927 954-537-0644
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20th December 2007, 16:01	#7 (permalink)
Dave O Wreck Diver Current Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: NJ Posts: 101	Re: Bonaire dive operator recommendations As mentioned, shore diving is the norm. With a rebreather you can hit several of the reef sites in one dive. There are no SCUBA police, so you can make your dive group as small as you like. Walt set me up with tanks and lime. Dropped the gear off right at the resort. Just contact him in advance to let him know when you arrive, and what you'll need. Rec Tek Scuba Bonaire - We do it silent. We do it deep. Techincal diving. __________________ Only people who bat for the wrong team wash their undersuits......... I wanna smell piss when I go diving, not ferkin' fabric softener! <decodiver> Schizophrenics never dive solo. My Blog
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