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Frequently Asked Questions

The Hilma Hooker

On Diving:

Q: If I buy a dive package, what day can I start diving?
A: That depends on what time of day your flight arrives. The Bonaire Marine Park regulations require you to participate in an orientation program before you enter the water for your first dive. At Buddy Dive, this orientation is held each day at 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. So if your flight arrives in time for you to participate in either orientation, you can begin diving the day you arrive, and this would count as the first diving day of your diving package. Dive Packages are calculated on consecutive calendar days, and not on "24 hour" clock days. In the vast majority of cases, divers arriving on afternoon flights attend orientation at 9:00 a.m. the following morning.

Q: Do you offer Nitrox?
A: Not only do we offer Nitrox, we make it available to you on our dock, and at our air/nitrox fill station. Plus we offer Nitrox Package Rates and Courses!

Q: What are your boat departure times?
A: The schedule will be adjusted according to demand, with departures generally speaking at 8:30 a.m., 10.30 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. We have a night boat dive on Monday night.

Q: Are weights and weight belts and tanks all included in the unlimited air packages?
A: Yes, they are included free of charge with all diving packages.

Q: Can I take more than one tank for shore diving at a time?
A: Yes, but be sure you take into consideration the affect the hot sun will have on the tanks left for long periods in your vehicle!

Q: What is involved in the "orientation dive", and do I have to participate?
A: Everyone must take it - but we guarantee you will enjoy it! The Bonaire Marine Park requires all divers arriving on Bonaire, regardless of experience level and diving frequency, to participate in an Orientation Program before taking any boat or shore dives off premise. After a brief introduction to diving at Buddy Dive Center at 9:00 a.m. or 2 p.m.; you simply get your gear ready, enter the water, and do your buoyancy check. Our staff on the dock is ready to assist you if you need to make weight or equipment adjustments. Once you're set, off you and your buddy go, for an enjoyable dive on beautiful Buddy Reef.

Q: Do I need to wear a wet suit?
A: This is probably the most frequently asked question, but the most difficult to answer, since everyone reacts to temperature differently. As a rule of thumb, you should expect the water temperature in the winter months to be between 75 - 78f degrees. Most people will find that they are most comfortable in a 3mm wet suit, or perhaps a 2mm for the warm blooded. The summer and fall months can find temperatures approaching 80 - 85f degrees. During this period, most people can wear shorties, 2mm wet suits or dive skins with comfort.

Q: What can my kids do while I am out diving?
A: We can arrange a number of programs, from baby-sitting to a special kids snorkel program or introductory scuba courses! Our New Activity Center located under Lions Den restaurant has all the information you will require.

Q: Will I be able to safely recharge my batteries for my dive light and camera strobe?
A: Yes, but we do not recommend that you use the outlets in your apartment for sensitive plugs-ins, such as laptops or battery charges. You can, however, plug your battery chargers into a power strip in at Front Desk which is protected from fluctuations by a transformer.

General Interest

Q: Where is Bonaire anyway?
A: As you can see by the map to the right, we are located just off the coast of Venezuela in the southern Caribbean outside the hurricane belt.

Q: Where is Buddy Dive located on the island?
A: We are 8 km/5M north of the airport and about 3 km/2M north of the capital town of Kralendijk.

Q: Do you have a beach?
A: Yes we have two areas, but they are raised sand beaches and not at water level, although you can easily access the water via a ladder or steps, that leads to our protected swimming and snorkeling area.

Q: Do I need a car to get around Bonaire?
A: You do not need a car specifically, but if you are interested in shore diving, or seeing the diversity of our beautiful, you will want to have one. Many of our packages include either a double cabin truck or van from our own rental fleet. No public transportation is available on Bonaire.

Q: Are there laundry facilities on the property?
A: There is one washer and dryer available for guest use. The machines operate with tokens that can be purchased at the Front Office.

Q: Is there a grocery store within walking distance?
A: There is a small convenience store within walking distance, and larger grocery stores within a 5-minute drive.

Q: Are there phones in the room?
A: Yes, there are phones in all of the apartments. The phone lines can also be used to access the Internet if you bring along your laptop.

Q: Is there Internet Access available to the guests?
A: Yes, we have an Internet Kiosk available at the Front Office for your use. All you need do is purchase a "time card" and you are on your way!

Q: How about hair dryers?
A: No, but unless you need to style your hair, our constant trade winds will do the job for you in no time flat! But we do have a limited supply available for your use at the Front Desk.

Q: Can an extra bed be brought in to my apartment for my children, or do they need to stay in there own room?
A: One extra bed can be provided per apartment for a charge of $15.00 per night plus tax. Cribs can be made available, with prior notice, for no additional charge.

Q: What will the weather be like?
A: For the most part, you can expect lots of sunshine with occasional clouds, and a beautiful trade wind breeze! In the winter, the average land temperature is 79 F (26 C), rising to an average of 82 F (28 C) in the summer.

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- A PADI 5 Star Gold Palm Resort -
PO Box 231 - Kralendijk
Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles

Toll free in the USA - 1-866-GO-BUDDY
On Bonaire: Ph: +(599) 717 5080, Fax: +(599) 717 8647

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