Bonaire by Scott M

Bonaire, 1999
Author: Scott M

Posted by Scott M. on September 13, 1999 at 02:25:16:

Bonaire was my first tropical diving trip and it was fantastic.

The flight: Air Jamaica, got me there and back to Los Angeles and did not lose my luggage. The seats were cramped and uncomfortable but all in all the airlne was fine. After all the ALM horror stories I've read on this board I would definately recommend them.

The lay over in Montego Bay was humorous. I had three hours to waste and decided to walk around. I went outside and the cab drivers swarmed me. I told them I had a three hour lay over, so one asked me if I wanted to take a hour tour of Montego Bay. He said we could smoke some pot, he would show me the drug dealers mansions and then I could buy him a few beers at the pier and be back in time to catch my flight. I declined.

I stayed at Captain Don's. I really enjoyed this place. The staff was friendly and fun. The dive boats were well run and the Dive Masters relly knew the sights. The tank pick up and drop off is easy if you rent an automobile for shore diving around the island. My room was small, clean, with no telephone and a TV, but I had an ocean view. I only used my room for sleeping and showering. Don's is doing some remodeling. They have a new Oaisis section which looks more modern but the rooms do not face the ocean. The food at the Rum Runner's restaurant was average. The crowd was mostly European with a few Americans. It was fun meeting people from many parts of the world. From what people told me Buddy's and Sand Dollar have more Americans.

The diving: The diving was fantastic. Lots of critters. Reef Scientifico (La Machaca), which is right off Don's is a great dive. I dove here many times. Too many critters to name so I will only name a few. We saw tarpon(did not see Charlie.Other divers said they did), an octopus, a hawksbill sea turtle, puffers, soap fish, shrimp, squid, tons of eels(especially on the night dives they were out in force), barracuda, gobies and plenty of other wonderful creatures. Great for macro photographers.

Shore Diving: Pink Beach: Nice dive. the best part about the dive was a pod of dolphin swam over our heads when we were at about forty feet. Will never forget that moment.

Angel City: A very good dive. The soft corals were very healthy and we saw many brittle stars.

Playa Funchi: In the park. Take the short route when driving to it(The park is better than going in to town). Big iguanas. A nice dive but nothing extra special to report. Two young cow fish followed us out and then gretted us when we returned.

Nukove: A little bit tough getting in. Had to navigate the coral to get out and back. Check navigation on this dive. You don't want to miss the exit point on the way back. Also strong current for Bonaire that day. We saw the biggest green moray on this dive. It had to be seven feet long. We also saw a huge tiger grouper. He did not move when we got close or even when I took its picture. A great dive.

Boat Dives: 1000 Steps: A very pretty dive. The dive master found a sea horse and that was a big treat.

Hilma Hooker: An interesting wreck. The dive master told the story about the ship in a humorous way. I don't do much wreck diving so an okay dive for me. Maybe Wrekkies would appreciate it more than I did. The wreck does have quite a bit of sea life that has made the ship its home and that was better for me.

Yellow Man's Reef (Klein Bonaire): One of the most beautiful dives I did. The corals are pristine. There was plenty of sea life. A very picturesque dive.

I did many other dives and the reports would be about the same. I had a great time, the staff and divers I met were friendly and fun, and I would highly recommend Captain Don's. Other places may be more modern or newer but then I went to Bonaire to dive and not worry about the amenities. The diving in Bonaire is great. I found the reefs to be beautiful, full of marine life and the corals are not bleaching. Yet.

Dive safe.