Thursday, March 10, 2011

Dive Friends Bonaire Announces Next Instructor Development Course (IDC)

Dive Friends Bonaire is pleased to announce their next Instructor Development Course (IDC) will begin on May 5th and continue through May 13th, 2011. The Instructor Exam conducted by PADI will immediately follow on May 14th and 15th.

Dive Friends will be once again offering the new E-Learning option for this IDC, which allows candidates to save time and travel expenses by taking advantage of home-study methods. E-learners can start the IDC on the third day for completion of the program with Dive Friend’s course director. E-Learning is easy; just visit www.padi.com to get started. PADI’s cost for E-Learning is $320.00 per candidate. 

In order to ensure that all candidates are prepared in all ways, Dive Friends Bonaire is offering a free, two-day IDC Preparation Course. These two days will be used to refresh the candidates’ theoretical knowledge and improve their in-water skills.

Concurrent with the IDC course, Dive Friends Bonaire will also offer Emergency First Response (EFR) Instructor, Master Scuba Diver Trainer, Staff Instructor, and an option for Staff Instructor with an internship at the dive facility. Costs for these courses are: 

• IDC Prep Course, FREE
• Full IDC (no E-Learning), $1,200
• E-Learning IDC, $1,079.00
• Emergency First Response Instructor, $270.00
• Staff Instructor, $647.00
• Master Scuba Diver Trainer, $647.00 (five specialties)

* All rates are in U.S. Dollars; books and PADI fees are additional.

All candidates are also eligible for two days of free unlimited air for shore diving after the IDC.

Together with their accommodation partners, Dive Friends Bonaire also can offer the full IDC plus ten days of accommodation for $1,765, or the full IDC plus twelve days of accommodation for $1,878 (materials and PADI fees excluded).

Dive Friends Bonaire can assist with on-island arrangements, including special IDC rates for other accommodations and/or vehicle rentals. Those interested in participating in the IDC may visit www.dive-friends-bonaire.com/idc.html for additional information, or contact Dive Friends Bonaire directly by email at info@dive-friends-bonaire.com.  (Source:  Dive Friends Bonaire)

Friday, March 04, 2011

Good Return Offers New Taxi Service to Klein Bonaire

Effective immediately Good Return Bonaire is operating a daily taxi service to Klein Bonaire. 

Good Return will depart from Town Pier at 9:30 AM and 1:00 PM and return at 1:30 PM and 5:00 PM. Passengers will be able to get off the boat via ladder into the shallow water around Klein Bonaire, for a short walk to No Name Beach.

Good Return holds up to 50 passengers and ice cold beer, wine and soft drinks are available for purchase during the trip to Klein Bonaire. The boat has a large deck, restroom and shower available.

The cost of the taxi service is $15 per person and children under 12 cost only $7.50. Bonaire residents receive a 50% discount.

Good Return Bonaire also offers cruises around Bonaire and Klein Bonaire and customized excursions may also be arranged. (Source: Good Return Bonaire)

Wednesday, March 02, 2011

Go Green Announces Membership Program

Go Green Natural and Organic Shop has announced the formation of the Gogreen Community which features a 10% discount to members on all products, including groceries, organic produce, natural juices and fresh fruit smoothies. Those who visit Bonaire frequently can also enjoy the benefits and become part of the local community by joining the Gogreen Community.

The goal of the Gogreen Community is to provide unrefined, organic foods and natural nutritional supplements, grown in a sustainable manner to promote a healthier, natural lifestyle, while attempting to offer locally grown fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, many products are purchased in bulk, benefiting members in the form of lower prices.

Organic food is produced without the use of synthetic fertilizers. pesticides, or genetic modification and is also free of chemical additives including antibiotics or hormones.

Those who are interested in learning about the benefits of healthier shopping and enjoying tasty, fresh local produce should visit Go Green or call 717-2222. (Source: Go Green Natural & Organic Shop)

Tuesday, March 01, 2011

It’s Karnival Time on Bonaire!

This past weekend ushered in the final exciting moments of the 2011 Karnival Season, as Saturday and Sunday saw the children of Bonaire enjoying their own Karnival Parade in the streets of Rincon and Kralendijk.  View images of this weekend’s Children’s Karnival by clicking here.

This coming weekend, it will be the adults’ turn to play, as the Grand Karnival Parade tours Rincon on Saturday afternoon and Kralendijk on Sunday afternoon.  Any visitors on Bonaire should be sure to join in on the fun!  Remember, Karnival Monday (March 7th) is a legal holiday. (Source:  Bonaire Insider Reporter, images courtesy of Elly Albers)