Scuba Diving

News about diving

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Bonaire Dominates Scuba Diving Magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2011

The island of Bonaire has swept top honors receiving four #1 Ratings, which is more than any other destination in the Caribbean/Atlantic category, while continuing its reign as one of the world’s top dive destinations. For the ninth consecutive year, Bonaire has taken first place for Top Overall Diving in Scuba Diving magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2011. 

Bonaire received first place in three other Caribbean/Atlantic categories: Top Health of Marine Environment, Top Macro Life, and Top Shore Diving, and also received second place in seven other Caribbean/Atlantic categories: Overall Destination, Value for Diving Dollar, Beginner Diving, Snorkeling, Visibility, Marine Life and, Underwater Photography.

For the Readers’ Choice Awards, thousands of Scuba Diving subscribers and web users rated their dive experiences on a scale of one to five. Results of the 2011 Awards will be featured in the January/February 2011 issue of Scuba Diving magazine.  (Source:  TCB)

Friday, January 14, 2011

Bruce Bowker’s Carib Inn Launches New Web Site

Bruce Bowker’s Carib Inn is one of Bonaire’s most popular small inns, dedicated to the needs and requirements of those travelers coming to the island for their dive vacations.  Carib Inn has just launched a newly renovated web site, detailing their services in both accommodations and diving. 

Those visitors who have stayed with Bruce over the years will still find all the information from the past web site, but the new format is easier to navigate and will display well on hand-held devices, such as a Blackberry, IPhone, or IPad.  New viewers to the web site will easily find data on room types and rates, diving and SCUBA instruction, last-minute openings, and Carib Inn’s retail store.  Additionally, there is information about the inn itself, about the staff, about Bonaire, as well as an extensive image gallery highlighting all the visitors who have faithfully returned to Carib Inn over the years, with some visitors having made over fifty visits!

Because the Carib Inn is so popular and has a high rate of returning, happy guests, many times this small inn is sold out well in advance. However, cancellations do occur, often allowing last-minute bookings at attractive rates. Check out the Carib Inn’s Last Minute Booking Availability by clicking here.

From the room rates page, those considering accommodations at Carib Inn can click through to see images of the various types of accommodations offered, from one- or two-bedroom apartments, a one-bedroom bungalow, studios, efficiencies, or standard rooms overlooking the pool.  A three-bedroom house is also available, offering a full kitchen, two bathrooms, and a sea-view deck.

Many Bonaire visitors who have accommodations elsewhere still plan their diving activities--boat diving, shore diving, or instruction--through the Carib Inn.  Many of the Carib Inn’s crew have been with Bruce for years, providing a welcoming return for repeat guests.

Those who have met Bruce Bowker over the years know he has an inimitable style, and Bruce’s Page provides a glimpse of him with some humor, diving tips, and personal philosophies. 

Preview the new site by visiting www.caribinn.com.  (Source:  Carib Inn Web Site)

Monday, January 10, 2011

All Are Welcome to Join the Underwater Cleanup on Sunday, January 16, 2011

The next underwater cleanup will take place at Bonaire’s South Pier (Customs Pier) on Sunday, January 16, 2011.  All interested participants should meet at Dive Friends @ Dive Inn at 9:30 AM.

Everyone is welcome, and those not diving can also help, since shore support is always needed.  All participants are welcome to return at 5:00 PM for the event’s customary BBQ at Dive Friends @ Yellow Sub; drinks and main courses will be provided by Dive Friends and NetTech, but participants are asked to bring a side dish to share.

Those planning on attending should advise Dive Friends Bonaire by sending an email to cleanup@dive-friends-bonaire.com or calling 717-2929 to make a reservation.

For additional information about the cleanups, click here. (Source:  Dive Friends Bonaire and NetTech, N.V.)

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Dixie Greenwood, Frequent Bonaire Diver, Shoots Winning Image for 2011 PADI Diving Society Cards

Dixie Greenwood, a frequent Bonaire diver and a PADI Master Instructor, recently had an image of hers, taken in Bonaire, chosen for the 2011 PADI Diving Society cards.  More than 3300 PADI instructors, divers, and Facebook fans voted for her winning image of a white-spotted eagle ray.

The winning image was taken at the southern leeward dive site called Invisibles, in about 15 feet/5 meters of water in May of this year.  Dixie used a Nikon D70s digital SLR camera, a Nikon 10.5mm fisheye lens, SUBAL housing, and Sea&Sea YS-110 strobe.  Eagle rays can be sighted at the southern dive sites, but usually very early in the morning, and this dive was no exception.  Dixie entered the water about 7:00 AM, specifically trying to catch sight of one, and was still getting accustomed to her new fisheye lens. 

When she entered the water, she was ecstatic that two eagle rays were already hunting in the shallows, but the rays circled away from Dixie and her dive buddy.  So they immediately stopped and positioned themselves in the sand to observe the rays, when the larger ray suddenly turned and headed directly toward them, hunting in the sand as he swam.  Moving slowly, Dixie was able to shoot her winning image, along with a few more, from about three feet/one meter in front of the ray, before he turned and swam away.

Dixie is soon on her way back to Bonaire for two more weeks of diving and underwater photography, and we hope that she is just as successful with getting new images as she was in May.  Congratulations, Dixie!

To learn more about Dixie, click here.  (Source:  PADI, image courtesy of Dixie Greenwood)

Friday, October 22, 2010

Fundraising EcoDive to be Held December 27, 2010

EcoDive Bonaire 2010, the biggest dive in the history of Bonaire, will be held Monday, December 27, 2010 when Leo Hogenboom and Felix Faassen dive around Klein Bonaire in one single dive to raise money for STINAPA and the Sea Turtle Conservation.

The dive around Klein Bonaire is 6.8 miles (over 10 kilometers), and should take between 12 and 16 hours to finish. The dive is a massive undertaking and will require extraordinary training, equipment and methods to hydrate and feed the divers. To stay underwater this long and lessen decompression, each diver will use a minimum of eight 12l/80cf cylinders and not go deeper than 40 feet (12 meters). Shallower depths in the second half of the dive along with nitrox mixes and/or pure oxygen will be utilized to allow for gradual decompression. To stay hydrated, the divers will carry a fresh water supply on their backs. Nutrition is also an important factor. The divers will have gel packs that can be consumed underwater and will also have access to solid food using a specially designed portable dive bell, which allows them to breathe without a regulator and and take breaks. A surface support team will be on hand to help facilitate and assist the divers with all of these activities.

The purpose of the dive and the proceeds will be used to raise awareness of Bonaire’s conservation efforts regarding nature and animals and to bring attention to the importance of preserving Bonaire’s unique ecosystem. Captain Don’s Habitat Bonaire is the sponsor of the event. To read more about the event or to donate click here. (Source: EcoDive Bonaire 2010)

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Record Attendance Marks the Twelfth Anniversary of Bonaire’s Underwater Cleanups

On Saturday, September 18, 2010, seventy Bonaire visitors and residents joined together to create the most successful underwater cleanup to date, even though they encountered choppy seas.  The site to clean?  Karel’s Beach Bar, a popular drinking establishment sitting right in Kralendijk Bay.  This cleanup marked the completion of twelve years of regular reef cleanups on Bonaire.  Images from this cleanup are available on-line at the Bonaire Insider Photo Gallery by clicking here. Live video of the event can be viewed by clicking here.

Dive Friends Bonaire and NetTech N.V. were the event sponsors, but many others assisted to make the event a success.  Jake Richter of NetTech initiated the briefing, giving an explanation of how to recover the trash, as well as what should be recovered and what should be left behind.  Of paramount importance was that all participants refrain from harming any marine organisms.  Asko Zuidam of Dive Friends Bonaire then explained the logistics--how and where to enter, how to bring back the trash, and how to exit the water.

Ramon de Leon, manager of the Bonaire National Marine Park, and his ranger, Joi Faith Jenkins, were on hand at two exit areas ensuring that any animals that might have been inadvertently brought up were quickly returned to the water.  Others tallied and sorted the trash, and then disposed of it in two large bins which Bonaire’s waste management company, Selibon, had donated for the day.

Although a surprisingly diverse array of trash was collected in this short time by the 70 volunteers, the statistic that was most astounding was that 1597 glass beverage bottles were collected.  Additionally, the following was removed from Bonaire’s reefs:  2 paper bags, 8 plastic bags, 55 small plastic beverage bottles, 102 beverage cans, 1 lid, 30 pieces of clothing or shoes, 179 pieces of cutlery, 17 pieces of food wrap or containers, 2 straws, 1 piece of packaging, 20 pieces of fishing line, 6 pieces of plastic sheeting. 13 pieces of rope, 2 ashtrays, 5 pieces of major appliances, 1 battery, 130 pieces of building materials, 1 auto part, 8 tires, 2 candles, 14 gifts, 10 fireworks, 13 spareribs, and 1 chair.

Upon surfacing, participants were greeting with a refreshing beverage, compliments of the Cappucchino Bar and Karel’s Beach Bar.

After the dive, all participants and their families and friends were welcomed back for a Pot Luck BBQ, with food and beverages hosted by Dive Friends Bonaire and NetTech, and where quite a party ensued.  After enjoying a great dinner, all participants were eligible for a variety of raffle prizes, consisting of t-shirts and caps, dive accessories, rash guards, a Gold-level Bonaire WebCams membership, and dinner for two at Zeezicht, one of Bonaire’s long-standing fine restaurants. Volunteers were also rewarded with certificates of participation.

Thanks go to the day sponsors Selibon, Karel’s Beach Bar, the Cappucchino Bar, Zeezicht Restaurant, Deep Blue Gear, Reef, Ouray, Dive Shades, Bonaire WebCams, and STINAPA. 

The next quarterly underwater cleanup is scheduled for Sunday, January 16, 2011.  Registration opens at 9:30 AM (location to be determined), and the briefing will begin at 10:00 AM.  The planned location will be the Customs Pier, also known as the South Pier, providing permission can be granted by the Harbourmaster’s Office.  Those interested in participating should make a reservation by e-mailing cleanups@dive-friends-bonaire.com.  Additional information about the cleanups is available by clicking here.  All are welcome to join in.  (Source:  Dive Friends Bonaire and NetTech)

Friday, September 10, 2010

Bonaire Shore Diving Made Easy, Sixth Edition, is Now Available

Susan Porter’s very popular book, Bonaire Shore Diving Made Easy, is now available in its sixth edition.  The guide gives helpful hints on how to best take advantage of Bonaire’s shore diving and snorkeling.

In addition to having all texts updated to reflect current conditions, the sixth edition of Bonaire Shore Diving Made Easy features a two-page spread with a map of the Bonaire National Marine Park, including all marked dive sites, as well as the park’s rules and regulations.  There’s a great chart entitled “Dive and Snorkel Sites At-A-Glance” which provides an alphabetical listing of all the sites and their various ratings.  Finally, there are color aerial photographs of the unmarked northern and southerns sites to help readers find these locations.

Pictured above is Lisa Pawley, on behalf of Susan Porter, giving the first copy of the new edition to Mama Lu and Monica at Buddy Dive Resort.

The sixth edition is now available at many stores and dive shops on Bonaire, as well as at several on-line sources.  For additional information, visit Susan’s web site by clicking here.  (Source:  Bonaire Shore Diving Made Easy)

Wednesday, September 08, 2010

Dr. Eugenie Clark--A Recap of Her Week on Bonaire

Dr. Eugenie Clark spent a week on Bonaire in August, charming everyone who met her.  This dynamic lady, 88 years young this past May, has spent her life studying the denizens of the deep, as her specialty is sharks. 

Dr. Clark first became fascinated with the underwater world when she visited an aquarium when quite young.  Her fascination continued and she studied ichthyology (the study of fish) at school.  She was diving before it was fashionable, in fact, before the advent of SCUBA, as she was hard-hat diving as early as the 1940s.

Her true calling became apparent in the 1950s, when she began specializing in the study and research of sharks.  In fact, her research in Florida came to the attention of the U.S. Navy, which then provided grants for her to conduct further research.  Her studies on sharks were groundbreaking, and her future was ensured, as Dr. Clark became one of the leading ichthyologists in the world, and she achieved the highest level in her specialty, so much so that she became affectionately known as “The Shark Lady.”

In fact, she recently completed a 23-day around-the-(southern hemisphere)-world trip, where she attended the Sharks International Symposium in Cairns, Queensland, Australia before jetting over to South Africa to dive with and monitor sevengill sharks--the first time in her life she actually got to see them alive in their own environment.  She dove in the 53-degree-F water (11.5 Celsius) with just a wet suit--definitely a hardier woman than I!

While on Bonaire, Dr. Clark gave a number of presentations to visitors and islanders alike, graciously signed copies of her books, and received the Lifetime Achievement Award (see prior story by clicking here) given to her by the island of Bonaire in recognition and thanks for all her work on behalf of the world’s oceans and its inhabitants.  Images from her week on Bonaire are available on the Bonaire Insider Photo Gallery by clicking here.

So what’s in store for the future?  This plucky lady is currently working on five new manuscripts, four of which she wishes to complete in the near future.  Shortly, she will be winging her way across the skies once again, but this time to Japan.  Although the purpose of her trip is personal, she will be sure to visit her friends (both human and finned) at the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, where in the past she swam with the whale sharks who make their home there.

In conclusion, it was certainly an honor to get to know Dr. Clark, and everyone on Bonaire wishes her all the best in her future endeavors.  We hope to see her back on the island again soon.  (Source:  Bonaire Insider Reporter)

All Are Welcome to Join the Underwater Cleanup on World Cleanup Day, Saturday, September 18, 2010

The next underwater cleanup will take place at Karel’s Beach Bar on Saturday, September 18, 2010, which just happens to be World Cleanup Day.  All interested participants should meet at Dive Friends @ Yellow Submarine at 1:00 PM. 

Everyone is welcome, and those not diving can also help, since shore support is always needed.  All participants are welcome to return at 5:00 PM for the event’s customary BBQ (location of BBQ will be announced at the cleanup); drinks and main courses will be provided by Dive Friends and NetTech, but participants are asked to bring a side dish to share.

Those planning on attending should advise Dive Friends Bonaire by sending an email to cleanup@dive-friends-bonaire.com or calling 717-2929 to make a reservation.

For additional information about the cleanups, click here. (Source:  Dive Friends Bonaire and NetTech, N.V.)

Friday, August 27, 2010

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 November 25th and continue through December 2nd, 2010. The Instructor Exam conducted by PADI will immediately follow on December 4th and 5th.

Dive Friends will be 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.  They then may report to the IDC on the third day (November 24th, 2010), for completion of the program with Dive Friend’s course director.

E-Learning is easy; all candidates must do is login to PADI’s web site at www.padi.com and click on E-Learning.  Enter the dive center’s number, and follow instructions. PADI’s cost for E-Learning is $320.00 per candidate.

Once all candidates are on Bonaire and in sessions together, the new IDC format will focus upon workshops and interaction, while utilizing the new PADI Guide to Teaching.

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

· Full IDC (no E-Learning), $1,115.00
· E-Learning IDC, $999.00
· Emergency First Response Instructor, $250.00
· Staff Instructor, $599.00 (five specialties)

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

Additionally, for those who would like to attain the professional rating of Instructor, but do not yet have a Divemaster rating, Dive Friends Bonaire offers a Divemaster Internship for $799.00, which can be done prior to the IDC.

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

Dive Friends Bonaire can assist with on-island arrangements, including special IDC rates for accommodations and/or vehicle rentals.  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 at info@dive-friends-bonaire.com for pricing and eligibility requirements and discounted rates for accommodations.

Dive Friends Bonaire is one of Bonaire’s premier diving facilities offering full diving and snorkeling services while still providing personal attention.  Two retail stores are available in Kralendijk, in addition to four diving facilities.  For additional information about all their services, visit their web site at www.dive-friends-bonaire.com, or e-mail: info@dive-friends-bonaire.com. (Source:  Dive Friends Bonaire)