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. |