Scuba Diving

News about diving

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Bonaire Briefs--Island News and a Look at What’s Happening

Bonaire offers something for everyone--divers, snorkelers, adventurers, families and even single sun-seekers.  Helping to make vacationing in Bonaire easy, relaxing and fun, here is some of the latest news from the island.

All Around the Island:

Bonaire Atelier Club is for artists who need set-up supplies and a place to paint.  A shaded, open-air garden atelier is available at the JanArt Gallery, located at Kaya Gloria 7.  Paint supplies are also available at the Club for a small fee for travelers who choose to leave their painting equipment at home. Easels, tables and accessories are free of charge.  Iguanas and birds sometimes model for free.  Local artist Janice Huckaby is on sight to assist in art coaching and tips upon request.  Participants may also take part in Jan’s Art Workshops designed just for the Bonaire traveler, which can be arranged for “on location” paintings, as well as at the outdoor atelier at her gallery.  These workshops range from two to three hours and a complete painting can be finished in one session.  This is a great alternate activity for people who want to add something different to their Bonaire experience.  The workshops focus upon Bonaire’s unique nature, both above and below sea level.  Phone +(599) 717-5246.

Bonaire East Coast Diving has recently increased the number of dive sites they visit on Bonaire’s east coast to a total of five.  Besides Funchie’s Reef and the White Hole, they’re also organizing trips to Black Rock, Spelonk, and Ramon’s Reef.  On each dive, it’s common to see numerous turtles, tarpon, eagle rays and stingrays, and also sharks and manta rays on occasion.  Professional crews and the custom-built Zodiac boat make the east coast accessible to all divers.  Phone +(599) 717-5211.

Bonaire Wedding Pros is a consortium of several Bonaire companies who have joined together to assist those getting married on Bonaire. The participating companies are Suze’s Wedding Planning, Philip’s Cooking, Fish Eye Photo, Barbel’s Hair and Make-up, who together will make any wedding day “a dream come true!”

Bonaire Wellness Connections launched the Bonaire Mountain Bike Holiday Package, a cycling adventure which offers the perfect opportunity to explore and see the wonders of Bonaire from a mountain bike. Participants can discover numerous single tracks which were, in the past, used by goats and donkeys.  Follow the professional guides to learn more about Bonaire’s flora, fauna, and natural history.  Additionally, BWC will hold its next mountain bike race of the 2009 season on November 1st. For the first time, this race will offer a challenging race with a lot of single-tracks and climbing, plus a technical downhill section.

Bonaire Windsurf Place announced the renovation of their website, which provides many great links that will be of interest to the Bonaire windsurfing visitor.  Enjoy the live web-cam with two lenses that changes the view every ten minutes: one 90-degree angle and one telephoto lens, which look out over Lac Bay towards the east.  Current wind, temperature and other data are also displayed.  For more information, visit www.bonairewindsurfplace.com.

Bowalie Sailing has recently expanded their sailing/snorkel charters with a boat rental option (motor boats) and a water taxi to Klein Bonaire.  All excursions and rentals leave from Plaza Resort Marina.  Phone +(599) 701-5500 or +(599) 701-3300.

Lee’s Bar announced the new Thursday “Easy Listening” night with a relaxed atmosphere and music, played at a level where conversations can be heard.  The sports/music bar features NFL and college football, soccer, Formula 1, baseball, and other sports (upon request) easily viewed on three large screens.  At Lee’s visitors can view the Rock ‘n’ Roll Wall of Fame, where nearly fifty artists of the 1950s are honored.  And for those who want their moment in the spotlight, enjoy karaoke in a variety of languages!  Phone +(599) 700-3188.

Littman’s Jewelers offers a twist on fine jewelry shopping on Bonaire.  When planning a visit to Bonaire now through September 30, 2009, be sure to pre-qualify for up to a 20% discount on select items by emailing Steve, Esther, or Adam to let them know when you are visiting.  Be sure to reference “Bonaire Briefs” in the subject line.  Then, when in the store, simply ask for one of them to receive the discount.  For more information, visit www.bonairelittmanstores.com.

The Mangrove Info Center reports that management and staff have just completed intensive training and advanced education on mangrove restoration and management policies, so as to, in turn, better educate those visiting Bonaire’s mangrove forests.  The workshop they attended focused upon such important topics such as mangrove recovery and restoration, and the information received will be incorporated into all mangrove excursions offered in Lac Bay by the center, either by kayak or solar boat.  For more information, visit www.mangrovecenter.com or phone +(599) 780-5353.

The Massage Hut at Sorobon Beach (Lac Bay) announced the addition of Just Haircuts by Desiree, one of Bonaire’s most popular stylists.  Haircuts are available Thursday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.  Additionally, Desiree offers body scrubs and bath salts made from Bonaire salt, along with jewelry made from objects found on Bonaire, providing wonderful opportunities for unique gifts or souvenirs.  Of course, these new services are in addition to the massage and body scrubs currently offered by Ann Johnson, the Massage Hut’s certified massage therapist.  For more information, visit www.massagehutbonaire.com.

Ocean Adventures will be hosting Rebreather Weeks in November, 2009.  The event weeks will include airport transfers, welcome drink, one week at Casa Bonito Apartments (double occupancy including room tax), one week rental pickup truck (double cabin with air-conditioning, two persons per pickup), free Internet access, unlimited shore diving open circuit (air or nitrox) for six days, a rebreather test diving with DRAEGER FGT5400 to be used as SCR or mCCR (guided dives only), a rebreather test diving MCCR kiss style “Ladies version” with ultralight CFK tanks (guided dives only), oxygen and diluents (air) for those who are using their own rebreathers.  Phone +(599) 717-2278 or 1-305-890-1608.

Delectable Dining:

Cactus Blue Bar & Restaurant offers a signature dish of Yellow Fin Tuna, slightly blackened with Cajun seasoning, seared on both sides and served sashimi style with coconut rice, freshly sautéed market vegetables, wasabi mayonnaise, and pickled ginger.  Pair that with one of their innovative cocktails, such as the Pink Cactus, and you will find a potion full of Caribbean flavors.  Cactus Blue has live music on Monday and Wednesday evenings with the sounds of the Caribbean, starting at 7:00 PM.  For more information, visit www.cactusbluebonaire.com or phone +(599) 717-4564.

Hilltop Restaurant & Bar’s signature cocktail offers a smooth, minty concoction of tropical fruit liquors, fruit juice, with just a hint of coconut.  Sip it slowly to savor the subtle blend of flavors, while you wait for the arrival of local stoba (stew) of choice.  Choose from beef, chicken, or goat, as the Hilltop is specially known for stoba!  Each Sunday guests are treated to an expansive “all-you-can-eat” Caribbean BBQ, while those dining on Tuesdays can enjoy the sumptuous Creole buffet, highlighting a wide range of local dishes.  For more information, visit www.caribbeanclubbonaire.com or phone +(599) 717-7901.

Lion’s Den Beach Bar & Restaurant at Buddy Dive Resort offers daily drink specials to keep you cool. Stimulate your senses with their Flamingo Salsa, Minty Rum Mojito, Mango/Guava Margarita, The Green Flash, Passion Fruit Mojito, Lion Queen, or Tropical Smash.  Dine on the daily entrée specials, or enjoy a theme night such as their famous Lobster Night, Tex-Mex, Seafood Lovers, Shrimp Madness, U.S. Burgers in Paradise, Italian Pasta Combos, or Roast Beef Sundays.  Phone +(599) 700-0892.

Paradise Moon Bar & Restaurant offers wonderfully breezy, harbor-side dining with Happy Hour daily from 5 – 6:30 PM with half price drinks!  If you stay for dinner, the fresh “Catch of the Day” is always available, as is a varied vegetarian menu.  You can start the evening with a Bikini Martini, a wonderful mix of coconut rum, vodka, and pineapple Juice—just the right touch to top off a day at the beach!  Then indulge yourself in their Yummy Fish Tacos--crispy fried fish filets served with a cool and creamy avocado dressing, all wrapped up in flour tortillas and served with Caribbean rice and roasted vegetables.  For more information, visit www.paradisebonaire.com, or phone +(599) 717-5025.

Sense / Eat, Drink, Dance is one of Bonaire’s newest eateries.  You can sit al fresco while you enjoy a Raspberry Mojito, one of their great signature cocktails. The Sense “shakerboys” are on-site to master all cocktails on your wish list.  You can then feast upon tenderloin with potatoes, pumpkin, and bok choy, served with a mustard-gravy, which is sure to please the palate.  An extra bonus for Sunday diners is the live music.  Phone +(599) 717-6666.

Sunset Bar & Grill, located at Den Laman Condominiums, celebrated their first anniversary on August 1st.  With daily liquid concoction specials such as Caipirinia, Sunset King, Dushi Bonaire, Lobster on the Rocks, Swimming Pool, or Yellow Fever, there’s no wonder the bar and restaurant is a favorite with many Bonaire visitors.  After one or more relaxing drinks, pick your favorite theme night and enjoy a fabulous meal: Seafood Sensations, Caribbean Night, Lobster Night, Seaside BBQ, Italian Night, or Steak Night.  Phone +(599) 700-0892.

Patagonia Argentinean Restaurant offers great waterfront dining for lunch or dinner.  Their new chef offers stunning presentations of a multitude of steaks, rack of lamb, chicken, pasta, or fish entrées.  Sandwiches and burgers are available for lunch, as well as the extensive dinner menu.  Live music will soothe the soul on Thursday and Sunday evenings, and their “all-you-can-eat” BBQ buffets on Saturday and Tuesday evenings are popular enough to recommend an advance reservation.  The restaurant offers fair trade coffee and a stunning wine list of the finest selections from the Rutini Vineyards of Argentina. For more information, visit www.patagoniarestaurant.com or phone +(599) 717-7725.

The Poolbar Bar & Restaurant, located at Buddy Dive Resort, offers a surprising special drink when they dare to mix Gin, Malibu, and Pasoa with passion-fruit juice, and then finish it off with draft beer! You can take the challenge and try their award-winning cocktail (Balashi Beer contest, 2007).  With a brand new kitchen equipped in April with all new Rosval equipment, you’re sure to enjoy any meal, but do be sure to take the time to enjoy the Buddy Club Sandwich—with a secret twist!  For more information, visit www.buddydive.com/index.php/restaurants or phone: +(599) 701-4548.

WattaBurger offers quick, economical, and great-tasting sandwiches and local stobas (stews).  They serve all the traditional Dutch snacks, and they use only the best 100% beef for their burgers.  Choose from over fifty French breads for your sandwich, and, while you’re waiting, cool down with a refreshing vanilla, strawberry, chocolate, or banana milk shake, made the old-fashioned way!  Phone +(599) 717-3547 or fax +(599) 717-3547.

Yachtclub Restaurant Bonaire is an intimate restaurant with only seven tables and is operated directly under the watchful eyes of the two owners, Kim and Rick. They will provide you with first class cuisine and exceptional, personal service. They offer European dishes with French and Italian flavors, and also spice them up with ingredients that capture true Caribbean flavor.  You are welcome to stop by, sit back, and experience the food, the wine, and personal service.  Phone +(599)-9-517-8228.

On the Hotel Scene:

Belmar Oceanfront Apartments announces the arrival of Mauricio Gomez, who has recently joined the dive shop team.  Originally from Costa Rica, he studied Tourism & Hotel Business Management, and after finalizing his studies he decided to pursue a career in the adventure travel and diving industry. Mau has been an instructor since 1999 and is currently a Master Scuba Diver Trainer, he has had the opportunity to teach and dive not only in Costa Rica, but also the Red Sea, The Cayman Islands, Turks & Caicos and now Bonaire. He has also guided hiking, mountain biking and canopy tours in several countries.  For more information, visit www.belmar-bonaire.com or phone 1-888-655-0605.

Blachi Koko Apartments introduces affordable Caribbean luxury with the new Koko House.  A new extension of the popular Blachi Koko Apartments, the Koko House is located approximately 200 yards north from the Apartments, ideally situated for easy walking into Kralendijk’s main shopping area.  The new property provides the same look and feel, giving the impression of staying in a colonial Antillean home.  Koko House can accommodate up to six persons, with a minimum six-night stay.  The house features two bedrooms with king size beds, complete with large safes, one bedroom with twin size beds (can be made into a king), ceiling fans and air conditioning in every bedroom, a fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher, cable TV, wireless Internet, and more. For more information, visit www.blachikokobonaire.com or call cellular phone: +(599) 786-5466 or office phone: +(599) 717-2255.

Bruce Bowker’s Carib Inn boasts of a completely new and much improved pier and walkway. Made of stainless steel framing, the pier is much more environmentally friendly.  Additionally, the popular resort has finished a complete makeover of its exterior with an all new color scheme and landscaping.  Interiors have not been forgotten—guests are enjoying all new items from linens to kitchenware.  For more information, visit www.caribinn.com or phone +(599) 717-8819.

Captain Don’s Habitat’s new dive center and new airlift on Insel Air are the latest causes for celebration at the Home of Diving Freedom on Bonaire. The newly built, state-of-the-art dive operation, rental, and retail center are receiving high praises from divers. This new, larger facility also boasts more spacious and modern conference area and classrooms, furnished with upgraded audio and visual equipment, and wireless Internet service. Conveniently located next to the restaurant and bar, it is just a few steps from the dock and shore diving areas. The dive operation is a SDI/TDI Professional Development Center and a PADI, NAUI and SSI training facility.  Phone 1-800-327-6709.

Caribbean Club Bonaire’s retail store has undergone a facelift, with the end result of the addition of more products.  Also, guests can now take advantage of their kayak diving tours and even partake in a PADI Kayak Diver Specialty Certification. Kayaking paired with diving have long been known around the Caribbean as an “eco diving” activity, but it’s been popular on Bonaire for many years.  Two new instructors, Jinny and Gaylene, have joined the team.  Jinny George is an Antillean instructor who will put a smile on your face from the time you start your class to the finish! Gaylene Gomez traveled half the globe after leaving Canada, but has settled on Bonaire.  For more information, visit www.caribbeanclubbonaire.com or phone 1-800-906-7708.

Den Laman Condominiums have begun stocking their condo kitchens with a number of small, but useful, amenities including salt and pepper shakers, paper towels, dish washing liquid, coffee filters, irons and ironing boards. A common area washer and dryer have also been installed.  Den Laman features 16 modern fully air conditioned studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments.  For more information, visit www.denlaman.com or phone 1-800-382-1094.

Dive Flamingo Beach Resort’s Flamingo Balashi Beach Bar is bigger and better than ever, now that it sports an expanded bar and sitting area. The bar, which overlooks the Caribbean Sea, can now seat over thirty people and includes a drink rail.  The Flamingo Balashi Beach Bar is also Bonaire’s best Happy Hour spot with two-for-one specials from 6:00 PM until 7:00 PM daily with live music.  Fridays at Balashi feature a free Flamingo Rum Smash from 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.  The Flamingo Balashi Beach Bar is open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM and also offers beach chair service for drinks, a light lunch, or snacks.  Additionally, renovations on twenty new studio rooms were just completed. The resort also plans a special coral spawning package for October 6-13, 2009.

Harbour Village Beach Club’s new Executive Chef & Restaurant Manager, Juan Pablo Islas, joins the culinary team at La Balandra and Kasa Coral Restaurants. A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu in 2001, Chef Islas honed his skills in kitchens all over the world from Le Cordon Bleu’s restaurant “Signatures” on board the RSSC Mariner to French Bistro JLX in Sag Harbour, NY to Ocean Bar and Grill in Budapest and the Sivory in Punta Cana.  Phone +(599) 717-7500 or 1-800-424-0004.

Hotel Roomer continues with property upgrades and have just completed an extensive renovation of the hotel’s pool and cabana area.  For more information, visit www.roomerbonaire.com, phone +(599) 717-7488, or fax +(599) 717-7412.

Outdoor Bonaire is in the final stages of completion for their new eco-bush-lodge, Rancho San Minguel, and should be operational by early 2010.  The lodge will provide a place to stay fifteen minutes from town, but which will seem to be of another world.  The lodge is actually a restored horse stable, mostly made out of wood and local stones, in an agricultural and natural location.  This will be an ideal place for those wishing for peace and tranquility.  Great walks can be made in the direct vicinity, as well as to the wild east coast. A variety of birds and other interesting wild life can be seen in the area.  Phone +(599) 791-6272.

Perla Boneriano is a brand new dive resort, consisting of seven luxurious Caribbean-style villas, divided into 12 apartments. All the villas are situated around a beautiful pool and lush garden and are within easy walking distance of the Caribbean Sea. Four of the villas are already finished and the other units will be available soon. All the villas of Perla Boneriano have several ecological features: solar hot water panels, LED-lights for the pool, solar-powered evening lights, and septic tanks for re-usable water for the garden. For those looking for a vacation without the crowds of large resorts, Perla Boneriano offers luxury, privacy, and quality.  Phone +(599) 717-6955.

RE/MAX Paradise Homes’ rental department highlights several upgrades and renovations to the properties which they manage.  Hamlet Villa 10 has been renovated and has been re-opened for vacation rentals.  It sports a modern kitchen, beautiful tiling on the floors, new windows and doors with extra security and complete new furniture. Next door is Hamlet Villa 9 which has also recently been renovated, plans to make ongoing upgrades as well. Together these two villas offer great accommodations for any group which prefers villa living while vacationing. Hamlet 10 accommodates up to 12 persons, while Hamlet 9 accommodates up to two persons. 

Sand Dollar Condominium Resort is in the final stages of testing the installation of new services, including digital TV and property-wide wireless Internet access. Full functionality is expected by early fall.  For more information, visit www.sanddollarbonaire.com or phone 1-800-288-4773.

Tropicana Apartments and BonaireFun Apartments have recently improved their amenities and now offer free WiFi, as well as hot water showers.  Phone +(599) 701-0404.

(Source:  TCB-North America)

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Wounded Warriors Return to Bonaire for the Fourth Consecutive Year

Once again, Bonaire will host a special group of people during the week of September 26-October 3, 2009, when six severely wounded troops from the Special Operations Forces Divisions and their significant others, a representative of the Handicapped Scuba Association, two DEMA Staff members, and two members of 9 Line, will travel to the island to complete the final step in the process of obtaining their dive certification.

Each year the island opens their arms to welcome this group and shows them not only the natural beauty and pristine waters of Bonaire, but also the warmth and friendliness of the Bonairean people and their genuine hospitality.  The Bonaire Insider will be following the activities of these special men and women throughout the week.

If readers are interested in helping out and showing their appreciation and thanks for all the sacrifices these men and women have given, donations of any amount toward the expenses for meals and sightseeing for their week may be made through BonaireTalk.com, a non-profit organization which assists with sponsorship each year.  Simply click here to visit PayPal, and then send funds to email account paypal@bonairetalk.com, referencing “Wounded Warriors.”

Many thanks go to the sponsors who have already pledged contributions to the week’s expenses:  9Line, Adams Unlimited, Aeris, Bikers Bonaire, Bonaire KFC, Bonaire Talk, Bonaire Quad Tours, Bonaire Tours & Vacations, Budget Car Rental, Buenos Aires Café, Captain Don’s Habitat, Caradonna Dive Adventures, Inc., Care Coalition, Chammyz, DEMA/Be a Diver, Dive Training Magazine, Henderson, Jack Chalk, Jewel Of Bonaire, N.E.K. Advanced Securities Group, Oceanic, PADI, Patagonia Restaurant, Princeton Tec, Rum Runners, Scuba Do Rags, and XS Scuba.  (Source:  Bonaire Insider Reporter)

Wednesday, September 02, 2009

Ned and Anna DeLoach Are on Bonaire and Available for Book Signings

The popular marine educators and authors, Ned and Anna DeLoach, arrived back on Bonaire this past weekend, and they will be hosting a full schedule of activities at Buddy Dive Resort during September, as they have for the past five years.

During this one-month event, Ned and Anna host seminars and slide shows on fish behavior, coral and fish identification, as well as guided dive trips. One activity which is open to everyone are the book-signing events.  Those wishing to meet Ned and Anna can do so during the Happy Hour and Manager’s Rum Punch Party on each Friday evening in September from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM.  For those who do not yet own their own copies of the popular “Reef Series,” including Reef Identification (Fish, Creatures, or Coral) and Reef Fish Behavior, they are available for sale in the dive shop at Buddy Dive Resort. (Source:  Buddy Dive Resort)

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Divers Asked to Take Special Care with Corals During Periods of High Seawater Temperatures

On Monday, the Bonaire Marine Park received their first NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Coral Bleach Watch for the season.  This occurs when NOAA satellites detect a “hot spot” in the southern Caribbean of 0.1 degree over the Maximum Monthly Mean. 

When this occurs, it means that the Sea Surface Temperature (SST) is higher than the average for this season. The NOAA Coral Reef Watch program indicates that there is a significant potential for coral bleaching in the Caribbean during 2009. Please note that in the July through October predictions, Bonaire falls in the category of Potential Severe Bleaching.

Remember that bleached corals are still alive and need special protection.  All divers and snorkelers, as well as other users of the park, should stay away from the reef and take all additional measures to reduce stress to the reefs, instead of adding to them.  Reducing reef stress can be done by eliminating contact with the reef, limiting boat bilge residue, and other contaminants.  Be sure buoyancy is good and do not stir up sand when diving which can silt out the reefs.

The marine park does request that divers report bleaching observations as soon as possible.

NOAA’s Caribbean Bleaching Outlook calls for the potential for high thermal stress now through October, 2009, and projections do indicate that bleaching could be significant to be on par with the 2005 bleaching event that the southern Caribbean experienced.  NOAA’s operational Climate Forecast System is now calling for development of an El Niño during 2009-10. Typically, this has the strongest impact in the Caribbean during the second year of the El Niño (2010).  Finally, in light of predictions for a potential of lower than normal precipitation in much of the Caribbean this year, it is not expected for cloud cover to provide relief from the predicted warming.

Our seasonal bleaching outlooks can be found at:  http://coralreefwatch.noaa.gov/satellite/bleachingoutlook/index.html

Current Hot Spot and Degree Heating Week charts and data formatted for HDF and Google Earth can be found at: http://coralreefwatch.noaa.gov/satellite/index.html

Time series graphics for index sites can be found at: http://coralreefwatch.noaa.gov/satellite/current/sst_series_24reefs.html

Those interested may subscribe to automated bleaching alerts at: http://coralreefwatch-satops.noaa.gov/SBA.html

Please report bleaching events (or non-events) at: http://www.reefbase.org/contribute/bleachingreport.aspx

For more information about coral reef bleaching, click here.  (Source:  Bonaire National Marine Park)

Monday, August 24, 2009

Dive Friends Bonaire Holds Second-Hand Dive Equipment Sale September 1-4, 2009

Each year, Dive Friends Bonaire purchases new dive equipment for its rental gear department and thus can sell the older equipment.  They will hold a large, second-hand dive equipment sale from September 1st through 4th, 2009 at their Dive Friends @ Yellow Submarine facility at the north end of the oceanfront promenade.

Combos will be available for $350.00 each and will include a BCD, regulator, and wetsuit.  If two combos are purchased, a $50.00 discount will be applied.

There will also be booties at $10.00 per pair, open-heel fins at $25.00 per pair, individual BCDs at $125.00 each, regulators at $225.00 each, and wetsuits at $25.00 each.  Dive Friends will also have smaller miscellaneous items available as well as t-shirts.

Those needing dive equipment and who are on island should be sure to stop in.  (Source:  Dive Friends Bonaire)

Saturday, August 22, 2009

A Day in the Life of Dr. Sylvia Earle, Champion of the Oceans, on Bonaire

Dr. Sylvia Earle visited Bonaire this past week to help commemorate the island’s Celebrate Our Planet week and also receive Bonaire’s first Lifetime Achievement Award.  The Bonaire Insider chronicled one day of this amazing woman’s visit.  Images of the day are available on the Bonaire Insider Photo Gallery by clicking here. 

The Lifetime Achievement Award is certainly deserving, as this is one gutsy lady.  Throughout her career, she has forged many “firsts” in the field of oceanography, but here’s just a few:  Dr. Earle set the women’s depth record of 1250 feet (381 meters) in an open-ocean JIM suit dive, and she also holds the women’s record for a solo dive in a deep submersible (3280 feet, 1000 meters). She was Chief Scientist for NOAA (The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), while even today, Dr. Earle continues as a consultant to The National Geographic Society.  Her most recent accomplishment was to work with the folks at Google to post the world’s oceans on Google Earth (version 5).

I had the good fortune to spend a day with her during her visit.  Dr. Earle is a petite woman with a modest demeanor, but she’s one powerhouse of a woman when speaking.  Her goal is to get the word out that everyone simply must begin taking better care of the world’s oceans.  Her mantra, “without the blue {oceans}, there is no green {land}” should sound a resounding warning bell for not only divers, but everyone, as the health of the planet’s oceans will directly impact every human being on earth.  We all must be more aware of what we are putting into the oceans, as well as what we are taking out.  She wishes to see less pressure on fish stocks throughout the world and advocates eating less seafood to give fish stocks time to replenish themselves.  In many cases, ten pounds, and sometimes up to 100 pounds, of by-catch (the killing of non-desired species for desired species), are wasted and killed for every pound of food produced.  In recent decades, the demand for seafood has exponentially exploded, and the seas simply cannot withstand the demand and impact anymore.

We began our day by making a dive to Captain Don’s Reef at Klein Bonaire.  Dr. Earle is an excellent diver, making no impact at all on the reef.  She spotted a total of six turtles on this dive, along with a plethora of other marine life--moray eels, grouper, snapper, flounder, hamlets, as well as other invertebrate species (corals, sponges, and mollusks), which are commonly sighted on Bonaire. 

After the dive, there was time for a quick lunch, and then Dr. Earle presented an impromptu seminar about her global mission--to educate the public about the importance of keeping the world’s oceans healthy.  We then viewed her “wish” speech, from earlier this year when Dr. Earle was named a recipient of a TED Prize.  For those not familiar with TED, it’s a small nonprofit organization devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. It started out (in 1984) as a conference bringing together people from three worlds: Technology, Entertainment, Design, but since then, its scope has become ever more broad.  The organization chooses three recipients each year and does its utmost to grant them each one wish.  Dr. Earle’s wish is:  “I wish you would use all means at your disposal--films! expeditions! the web! more!--to ignite public support for a global network of marine protected areas, hope spots large enough to save and restore the ocean, the blue heart of the planet.” (View her speech by clicking here, and then click on Watch the Talk.)

Dr. Earle congratulated Bonaire for its past and present efforts in ocean conservation, but urged even yet stronger efforts.  She said that Bonaire has the capacity to be the benchmark for the Caribbean, as well as other regions, in leading the way to healthier reefs.  Even though Bonaire’s reefs are in better condition than many other areas in the region, there are signs of stress.  However, Dr. Earle strongly feels that there is still time to make changes that would allow full recovery.

The day closed with the participants of the morning dive reviewing images with Dr. Earle.  She pointed out signs of healthy areas on the reef, as well as those which are showing stress.  Afterwards, Dr. Earle met champion freediver, Karol Meyer.

Thanks go to Sara Matera and Serge de Groot from Divi Flamingo Beach Resort for hosting the morning dive, and to Jack Chalk at Captain Don’s Habitat for being the property sponsor for Dr. Earle and for providing conferencing facilities for her seminar. (Source:  Bonaire Insider reporter, photo gallery images by Dr. Sylvia Earle and Susan Davis)

Monday, July 27, 2009

Bonaire to Honor Dr. Sylvia Earle with Inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award

Dr. Sylvia Earle, known as the ambassador to the world’s oceans, will add another accolade to her impressive array of honors when Bonaire’s first “Lifetime Achievement Award” is bestowed upon her. The award will be made during Celebrate Our Planet Week this summer, August 15-22, 2009, as a highlight week of the Bonaire Dive Into Summer festivities.

At a gala evening event at the Governor’s Residence on Wednesday, August 19, 2009, Dr. Earle will be honored and thanked for her lifetime of dedication to education and conservation of the world’s natural resources.  The island’s “Lifetime Achievement Award” is granted to “acknowledge exceptional efforts throughout one’s lifetime to preserve and protect nature, both above and below the water’s surface.”

Also while on Bonaire, Dr. Earle will lead a series of themed dives and activities and will participate in several on-island events designed to highlight Bonaire’s continued leadership in sustainable tourism.

From Dr. Earle’s early years, her parents fostered in her the respect of wild creatures and not to fear the unknown.  Throughout her teen and college years, Dr. Earle’s fascination with the natural world continued to grow, and it was in Florida where Dr. Earle first learned to scuba dive, as a tool to better assist her in the first-hand study of marine life. 

After earning her Master’s degree at Duke University, Dr. Earle joined a National Science Foundation expedition to the Indian Ocean for six weeks in 1964, which set the scene for the rest of her life.  Two years later, she received her Ph.D. from Duke University, and then Dr. Earle’s career led her to experience many “firsts”--a trip to one hundred feet below the waters of the Bahamas in a submersible, the leading of the first team of women aquanauts, and the making of an open-ocean JIM suit dive, setting a women’s depth record of 1250 feet (381m).  Dr. Earle also currently holds the women’s record for a solo dive in a deep submersible (3280 feet, 1000m).

From 1980 to 1984 she served on NACOA (the National Advisory Committee on Oceans and Atmosphere) and in the early 1990s, Dr. Earle served as Chief Scientist of NOAA (the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration). 

Today Dr. Earle is Explorer in Residence at the National Geographic Society. She has recently led the Google Ocean Advisory Council, which is a team of 30 marine scientists who provide content and scientific oversight for the “Ocean in Google Earth.” In her astonishing career, Dr. Earle has led over 400 expeditions, logging more than 7000 hours underwater, and she has received more than 100 national and international honors, including Time magazine’s first “Hero for the Planet” in 1998.  She is a Knight in the Netherlands’ Order of the Golden Ark.  Dr. Earl has authored more than 125 publications regarding marine science and technology.

Thanks go to Celebrate Our Planet Week’s host hotel, Captain Don’s Habitat, and to the host airline, Continental Airlines.  (Source:  TCB-NY)

Thursday, July 23, 2009

The Sponge Guide is Newly Published and Available

For those Bonaire snorkelers and divers who want to be able to identify every marine organism they encounter, The Sponge Guide will definitely assist with the identification of the more difficult world of sponges.

The guide is a web-based, fully searchable pictorial guide to Caribbean sponges, and can be found by clicking here. 

This guide is the result of several years of work by taxonomist Sven Zea, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, by database and web-design wizard Tim Henkel, formerly a PhD student at UNCW and now a postdoc at Murray State University, KY, and coordinated by Joe Pawlik, with support from the U.S. National Science Foundation, Biological Oceanography Program.

With more than 180 sponge species in the database, the majority currently come from the Bahamas, but the group hopes to add additional species from around the Caribbean in the near future.  Please note that at this time, only scientific names are used.  (Source:  Netherlands Antilles Coral Reef Initiative)

Monday, July 20, 2009

Dive Friends Bonaire Awarded PADI Five-Star Instructor Development Dive Resort Status, Announces IDC

Dive Friends Bonaire is pleased to announce that they have been named a Five-Star Gold Palm PADI Instructor Development Dive Resort.

PADI Five-Star Instructor Development Dive Resorts are facilities that meet all PADI Five Star Dive Resort standards, plus offer PADI instructor-level training. PADI Five Star Instructor Development Dive Resorts have at least one PADI Course Director on staff and are committed to offering instructor development programs and continuing education opportunities to dive professionals. By offering PADI instructor-level training, PADI Five Star Instructor Development Dive Resorts take on the responsibility of developing qualified PADI Instructors--benefiting PADI Members, dive consumers and the dive industry as a whole.

Accordingly, Dive Friends Bonaire will hold its initial Instructor Development Course (IDC) beginning November 25th, 2009 to coincide with the next Instructor Examination (IE) to be held on Bonaire December 5-6, 2009.  Conducting both the IDC and IE in Bonaire’s clear, warm waters make both the course and exam an enjoyable experience.

Dive Friends Bonaire can assist with on-island arrangements, such as accommodations or vehicle rental, for those coming to the island for the IDC/IE.  Those interested in participating in the IDC may visit http://www.dive-friends-bonaire.com/idc.html for additional information, or contact Dive Friends Bonaire directly by email for pricing and eligibility requirements. (Source:  Dive Friends Bonaire)

Friday, July 17, 2009

Captain Don’s Habitat Announces New, Expanded Dive Center

Captain Don’s Habitat has just launched their newly built, state-of-the-art dive operation, rental, and retail center. The new, larger facility also boasts a more spacious and modern conference area and classrooms, furnished with upgraded audio and visual equipment and wireless Internet service. 

Conveniently located next to the restaurant and bar, it is just a few steps from the dock and shore diving areas. The dive operation is a SDI/TDI Professional Development Center and a PADI, NAUI and SSI training facility.

In recognition of the new Insel Air flight between Miami and Bonaire, which began service on July 4th, Captain Don’s Habitat is offering 3 free boat dives to anyone flying on this airline until December 18th, 2009 with a 7-night dive package.

7-night dive packages are available from $716 per person/quad and include accommodations in a 2-bedroom bungalow, welcome rum punch, daily buffet breakfast, 9 single-tank boat dives, 6 days of 24-hour unlimited shore diving, and government taxes, service charges & energy surcharges. Double room packages are from $766 per person.  (Source:  DiverWire)