Snorkeling

News about snorkeling

Friday, July 30, 2010

Bonaire’s Summer Underwater Cleanup a Resounding Success with Fifty Participants

On Saturday, July 10, 2010, fifty divers and snorkelers descended upon Kralendijk Bay for the Dive Friends Bonaire/NetTech summer underwater cleanup.  This cleanup focused upon the yacht anchorage south and north of the Dive Friends @ Yellow Submarine dive facility.  Images from this cleanup are available online at the Bonaire Insider Photo Gallery by clicking here.

Susan Davis of NetTech addressed the group and explained what trash should be recovered and what should be left behind, as well as how to keep from damaging any marine animals.  After the briefing, the divers were transported both north and south of the dive facility, where they entered the water, descended, and began to fill their bags with trash.  They then worked their way back to the Dive Friends @ Yellow Submarine, where the filled bags were brought to the surface to those working as shore support.  There, volunteers checked once again to be sure no marine creatures had been inadvertently included, counted and tallied the trash for statistics, and then disposed of it responsibly.

It had been a year since this stretch of shallows was last cleaned, and the group was able to process an impressive amount of trash that had accumulated during this time:  7 paper bags, 4 plastic bags, 48 beverage bottles (2 liters or less), 65 glass beverage bottles, 16 beverage cans, 12 pieces of clothing or shoes, 6 pieces of cutlery, 9 food wrappers, 20 pieces of fishing line, 7 light sticks, 11 pieces of rope, 12 pieces of tubing, 23 pieces of metal or plastic, 42 pieces of building materials, 7 automotive tires, 72 pieces of glass, along with sundry car parts and other trash.

Among the dive volunteers, there were several official lionfish hunters, and in addition to the trash, a large lionfish was also removed from the reef.

After the dive, all participants and their families and friends were welcomed back for a Pot Luck BBQ—Dive Friends Bonaire and NetTech, the sponsors of the Bonaire cleanups, provided drinks and main courses, while participants supplied side dishes.  All participants were rewarded with certificates of participation.

The next quarterly underwater cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, September 18, 2010 when the area surrounding Karel’s Beach Bar will be cleaned.  Additional information about the cleanups is available at: http://www.dive-friends-bonaire.com/clean_up_dives.html.  All are welcome to join in.  (Source:  Dive Friends Bonaire and NetTech)

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Bonaire’s Sea Turtle Club Hosts Underwater Cleanup at Lac Cai

As previously reported, this Saturday, May 22, 2010, will be a day of activities at Lac Cai in celebration of the world Day of Biodiversity.  Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire (STCB) will also host an underwater cleanup of Lac Cai to help Bonaire’s turtle population.

In the past four months, STCB has received reports of four dead turtles in Bonaire’s waters.  With two of these turtles, it was easily seen that the cause of death was drowning, due to entanglement in fishing lines and nets.  Another live turtle was found with a fishing hook embedded in its mouth; the hook was removed, and the turtle was tagged and released, as otherwise it was healthy.

These high numbers of turtles found alive or dead with entanglements in nets, lines, or with hooks creates a valid concern.  Since the Lac habitat is feeding ground for some of Bonaire’s turtles, it’s an area which needs to be kept clean of these dangers and this will be the focus on Saturday’s cleanup efforts. Those interested should meet at the first pile of conch shells at Lac Cai at 9:00 AM this Saturday for the briefing.  The cleanup can be conducted by either diving or by snorkeling, but it is recommended that divers be experienced, as the channel can have difficult currents.  Those participating will be asked to concentrate on removing fishing lines or nets, or other obstructions underwater.  There will be complimentary tanks for the first fifteen divers who check in, courtesy of Dive Friends Bonaire.

All are welcome to come and clean this area for the betterment of Bonaire’s turtles! (Source:  STCB)

Monday, April 19, 2010

Bonaire’s Underwater Cleanup Removes Much Trash from Kralendijk’s Yacht Anchorage

On Saturday, April 10, 2010, Bonaire experienced some cloudy skies, but that did not keep an enthusiastic group of divers and snorkelers from cleaning up the shallows of Bonaire’s Cha-Cha-Cha Beach.  All worked together as a team to remove trash from this area.  Images from this cleanup are available on-line at the Bonaire Insider Photo Gallery by clicking here.

Jake Richter of NetTech addressed the group and explained what trash should be recovered and what should be left behind, as well as how to keep from damaging any marine animals.  Shortly afterward, the divers entered the water, descended, and began to fill their bags with trash.  When filled, the bags were brought to the surface to those working as shore support.  There, Dive Friends crew and volunteers checked once again to be sure no marine creatures had been inadvertently included, counted, and tallied the trash for statistics, and then disposed of it responsibly.

It had been a year since this stretch of shallows was last cleaned, and the group was able to process an impressive amount of trash that had accumulated during this time:  25 beverage cans, bottles, 9 cup lids, 2 pieces of clothing, 15 pieces of mono-filament fishing line, 5 eating utensils, 8 pieces of plastic and rope, 2 automotive tires, as well as miscellaneous building materials, boat parts, and chemical light sticks.

After the dive, all participants and their families were welcomed back for a Pot Luck BBQ—Dive Friends Bonaire and NetTech, the sponsors of the Bonaire cleanups, provided drinks and main courses, while participants supplied side dishes.  All participants were rewarded with certificates of participation.

The next quarterly underwater cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, July 10, 2010.  Additional information about the cleanups is available by clicking here.  All are welcome to join in.  (Source:  Dive Friends Bonaire and NetTech)

Thursday, April 01, 2010

CIEE Bonaire Announces Next Public Presentation

Many times, visiting divers and snorkelers come upon sea turtles in the waters surrounding Bonaire.  Many do not realize that Bonaire has an active sea turtle conservation club.  Bruce Brabec, president of STCB (Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire) will be giving a presentation about Bonaire’s sea turtles at CIEE Bonaire on Thursday, April 8th, 2010.

The talk will begin at 7:00 PM promptly, and it will be held at CIEE’s Research Station located on Kaya Gobernador N. Debrot #26.  Everyone is invited and entry is free.  (Source:  CIEE Bonaire)

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Dive Friends Bonaire Announces New Management for Dive Facilities

Dive Friends Bonaire is pleased to announce the appointment of a new manager for their dive operations department.

Effective immediately, Pascal de Meyer will begin as Manager of Dive Operations.  Mr. de Meyer has many years of experience in diving operations around the world and on Bonaire, where he has been working within the local dive industry for nearly twenty years.  He joined Dive Friends Bonaire after Yellow Submarine and Photo Tours Divers, of which he was an owner, merged in 2005, and he has been actively working as Retail Manager since that time.

Dive Friends Bonaire has every confidence that Mr. de Meyer will continue the company’s mission to provide Bonaire’s friendliest dive operation while maintaining the highest of standards. 

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)

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Buddy Dive Resort Receives New Boat, Now Offers Three-Tank Washington Park Safari Dives

Late last month, a new motor catamaran snugged up to Buddy Dive’s dock--with a welcoming committee which had eagerly watched the boat make its way from the horizon, past Klein Bonaire, to Buddy Dive.  This motor catamaran has lots of space, enough for up to 24 divers on a three-tank dive.

Equipped with everything on board that a diver needs, such as rinse buckets, a camera table, a sun-deck, a shaded area, and an entry platform for both easy entries and exits.  After or in-between dives, one can enjoy the sun and stunning views from a comfortable seat on the flying bridge.

Because of the spaciousness of the boat, Buddy Dive is now offering three-tank Washington Park Safari Dives, with possibility of dives made at Boca Bartol, Playa Bengi, Playa Funchi, Bise Morto, Wayaca, or Boca Slagbaai.  The price for the trip is only $120 per person and includes a lunch.  The boat will go with a minimum of just 6 divers, and the maximum is 24.  Those who wish to tag along, but not dive, are welcome subject to space availability.

Those wishing to check schedules or sign up in advance of their arrival on Bonaire may contact Buddy Dive’s reservations department by emailing reservations@buddydive.com or phone 717-5080. (Source:  Buddy Dive Resort)

Friday, January 08, 2010

The Readers of Scuba Diving Magazine Choose Bonaire, Again and Again!

Each year, the readers of Scuba Diving Magazine give their opinions about the best diving destinations around the world, and Bonaire has once again been awarded high honors with seven #1 ratings, including the #1 Top Overall Diving Destination in the Caribbean and Atlantic, for the eighth consecutive year.

Readers also chose Bonaire as the #1 destination for six additional Caribbean/Atlantic categories, including Top Marine Life, Top Macro Life, Top Snorkeling, Top Shore Diving, Top Underwater Photography, and Top Value, proving once again that Bonaire offers the most to Caribbean-bound divers.  Additionally, the island was honored with #2 spots in Top Visibility, Top Health of Marine Environment, and Top Overall Destination, and a #3 spot was won in Top Advanced Diving.

To generate the Readers’ Choice Awards, many subscribers of the print magazine, along with web users, rated their dive experiences on a scale of one to five. Results of the 2010 Awards are featured in the January/February 2010 issue of Scuba Diving Magazine. (Source:  Scuba Diving Magazine)

Friday, December 04, 2009

Dive Friends Bonaire Upgrades Retail Equipment Facilities with SCUBAPRO and Mares

Diving is an equipment-intensive and dynamic sport, with new evolving technology which continually makes it safer while increasing the fun and enjoyment of diving.  In order to provide the best to its customers, Dive Friends Bonaire has recently upgraded two of its facilities with a full line of equipment from either SCUBAPRO or Mares.  All are invited to stop in to see the latest offerings from these manufacturers, and the knowledgeable dive crew at either Dive Friends facility can assist with making important decisions about equipment. 

SCUBAPRO Dealership at Dive Friends @ Yellow Submarine: Dive Friends @ Yellow Submarine is pleased to announce that this facility is now an official SCUBAPRO dealer.  The interior of the dive facility has been remodeled to highlight the full range of SCUBAPRO equipment, which is now available for sale on Bonaire.

At this location, customers will be able to choose from the popular Vu, Solera, and Orbit masks with Laguna, Escape, and Eclipse snorkels.  Both the men’s Knight Hawk and the women’s Lady Hawk BCDs will be available with the MK2 regulator line and R295 octopus.  There’s also a choice in exposure protection with Profile wetsuits as well as the Caribbean shorty.  UWATEC/Aladin instruments and computers are offered.

SCUBAPRO UWATEC is one of the industry’s premier manufacturers of scuba diving equipment, and, by utilizing their equipment in the rental department at Dive Friends @ Yellow Submarine, visitors who require rental equipment are assured of having the best available to them. 

MARES at Dive Friends @ Dive Inn:  In order to provide even more choice, Dive Friends Bonaire will be revamping their Dive Inn location into a retail center for Mares products.  For nearly 60 years, Mares has been recognized around the world as a leading manufacturer of technologically advanced diving products.

At the Dive Friends @ Dive Inn facility, customers may choose between Liquid Skin masks and goggles, the extremely easy swimming Avanti fins, as well as a wide assortment of Mares regulators and BDCs.

Both SCUBAPRO UWATEC and MARES products also will be available at Dive Friend’s two retail stores in Kralendijk—Dive Friends @ Dive Retail Outlet and Dive Friends @ Divers Discount—both located on Kaya Grandi.  In addition to these two new lines, the retail stores will continue to stock the best equipment from Sherword, Cressi, and Tusa.  For additional information, click here to visit their web site.  (Source:  Dive Friends Bonaire)

Friday, October 30, 2009

BonairePros Launches New Travel Web Site

BonairePros has recently announced the launching of a new, user-friendly version of their web site. The updated site offers visitors new travel planning content and tools for searching, pricing, and booking accommodations and package deals for trips to Bonaire. 

Vacation packages and specials are aimed at the active Bonaire traveler, with options for scuba divers, windsurfers, and snorkelers which can be found along with detailed information on the latest flight options and airfares.

The newly renovated web site provides planning for the first time visitor, as well as a Bonaire regular.  There’s a search tool to find current specials that allows a person to find the best available deals based on his or her choice of planning parameters, such as the month they want to travel, the property in which they have an interest, or their favorite Bonaire activity, be it diving, windsurfing, snorkeling, or just relaxing.  Visitors can request custom price quotes as well as make reservations and payments in a totally secure environment, utilizing SSL encryption and monitored daily by industry leading McAfee Secure (formerly Hacker Safe), assuring visitors complete confidence that their identities will not be compromised or privacy intruded upon.

BonairePros exclusively offers travel to Bonaire, and they have been doing so since 1986, and as such they are experts in arranging travel to the island.  For additional information, visit their web site by clicking here.  (Source:  BonairePros)

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Can Bonaire’s Reefs Resist A Warming World?

The Bonaire Insider has, in recent years, run stories about the warming temperatures in the Caribbean region and how they can affect Bonaire’s reefs.  Recently, we came across an article which puts it succinctly:  Bonaire’s reef CAN recover, but help is needed now.

An interesting article by Richard Harris, entitled, “Can Corals Survive in a Warming World?” is available on line at NPR News by clicking here.  The article points out the difference in a reef’s resilience between that of one without much human stress (with a location far away from humans), compared to one which must exist in close proximity to humans, such as the reef in front of populated resort areas.

It’s not just added stress from divers, although there certainly is an impact from diving activities, but the article points out that it’s the human activities on shore which can ultimately effect the nearby reef.

We recommend anyone interested in reef ecology and preservation to click on the link above to view the story.  Or listen to the eight-minute podcast available at the same location.

View other recent stories on the Bonaire Insider regarding this issue by clicking here or here.  (Source:  NPR News)