Water Sports

News about water sports

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, July 28, 2010

Bonaire to Host Wounded Warriors for the Fifth Consecutive Year

For the fifth consecutive year, the entire island of Bonaire is proud to welcome the Wounded Warriors to their “home away from home” as they use SCUBA diving for rehabilitation and recreation from August 7th through 14th, 2010.

During this week, severely wounded troops and their significant others will travel to the island to complete the final step in the process of obtaining their dive certifications.  Representatives of the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association’s (DEMA) Be a Diver Program and the North American office of Tourism Corporation Bonaire will also be joining this group. All accommodations and diving will be provided courtesy of Captain Don’s Habitat Bonaire. Each year the people of Bonaire open their arms to welcome this group and show them not only the natural beauty and pristine waters of the island, but also the warmth, friendliness and the genuine hospitality of the Bonairean people.

This year’s contingent of seven Wounded Warriors has suffered life-changing physical injuries which they received in combat while stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan.  They and their partners will be kept busy with a variety of activities beginning with the completion of their PADI and HSA dive certifications, which will take place on Saturday and Sunday. Once certified, they will continue diving throughout the week, both from the dock of Captain Don’s Habitat and via boat dives to Klein Bonaire and other famous Bonaire dive sites.  The group will also enjoy shopping, dining, sightseeing, and even a Texas-style BBQ.  The highlight of the week will take place when the Bonaire community gathers to meet these extraordinary troops and their companions at the reception held in their honor at the home of Lt. Governor Glenn Thode. 

Sponsors to date of the 5th Bonaire-Be A Diver-Wounded Warrior Scuba Certification trip are: 9Line LLC, Adams Unlimited Public Relations & Marketing, AERIS, Bikers Bonaire, Bonaire KFC, BonaireTalk.com, Bonaire Quad Tours, Bonaire Guided Motorcycle Tours, Bonaire Tours & Vacations, Captain Don’s Habitat, Caradonna Dive Adventures, Inc., Care Coalition, Caribbean Travel & Life Magazine, Chat & Browse Bonaire, DEMA/Be a Diver, Destination Weddings & Honeymoons Magazine, Dive Training Magazine, Henderson, H.S.A. International Training Center of New Jersey, Islands Magazine, Jack Chalk & Family, Jewel Of Bonaire, NetTech, N.V., OCEANIC, PADI, Paradise Moon Bar & Restaurant, Patagonia Restaurant, Princeton Tec, Rum Runners, Sport Diver Magazine, Tourism Corporation Bonaire, and Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports USA Project.

As in past years, the Bonaire Insider will chronicle some of the activities of these amazing men and women.  Stay tuned for more details!  (Source:  TCB-NY)

Monday, July 19, 2010

Dive Friends Bonaire Announces New WebCam Services, With Bonaire’s First Open Water Training Cam

Dive Friends Bonaire is pleased to announce two new additions to its WebCam services, as well as an upgrade to its existing service.  Recently, two new Dive Friends Bonaire Web Cams went “on-line”; these cams provide an underwater view of the dive facility’s confined open water training area as well as a view of Kralendijk Harbor.

Combined with the existing PierCam, the new ReefCam allows family and friends to view all facets of dive training--from entering the water in front of the facility to watching the confined water training at 6 feet/2 meters of depth underwater.  The ReefCam can also be viewed live inside the dive facility, and plans are in place, for a nominal fee, for Dive Friends Bonaire to capture the video from students’ training sessions on DVD as a testament to their underwater training on Bonaire.

The new HarborCam offers a wonderful look into daily life in Kralendijk Bay, illustrating the coming and going of Bonaire’s visiting yachts, or the arrival or departure of a cruise ship into the island’s port.

The existing PierCam has been upgraded to state-of-the-art digital equipment, and this cam now offers crisp and clear colors in its views of the pier at Dive Friends @ Yellow Submarine.

All WebCams at Dive Friends @ Yellow Submarine are offered due to a collaborative effort between Caribbean WebCams, LLC and Dive Friends Bonaire.  Archives of all captured images are available in the archives of the Bonaire WebCams site, located at www.bonairewebcams.com.

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.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

New Glass Bottom Boat Tours Begin on Bonaire

Glass Bottom Boat Tours Bonaire has just begun operations on the island, offering tours within the Bonaire National Marine Park with a brand new, custom-made glass bottom boat. 

With a minimum number of participants of two (maximum 17), those taking a tour can enjoy a comfortable ride, shade from the sun, comfortable cushioned seats, and an easy entrance onto the boat from the dock at Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino.  An open bar and a friendly crew will make the trip complete.

The tour starts directly from the south pier at Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino and heads to Klein Bonaire, just about a half-mile away.  The tour provides a long drift along these reefs, before returning to the main island.  The viewing windows are large enough for everyone to observe the reef
simultaneously. For additional information or to book a tour, please call 795-1826.  (Source:  Glass Bottom Boat Tours Bonaire)

Monday, July 05, 2010

Everyone Is Welcome to Join the Underwater Cleanup This Saturday, July 10, 2010

The next underwater cleanup will take place at Bonaire’s boat anchorage on Saturday, July 10, 2010.  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.  It’s been a full year since this area was cleaned, so there will probably be a fair amount of trash to remove from the shallows.

All participants are welcome to return at 5:00 PM to Dive Friends @ Yellow Submarine for the event’s customary BBQ; 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.)

Wednesday, June 09, 2010

Dive Friends Bonaire Announces Special Coral Spawning Diving Activities and Weekly Packages

September and October are the months when coral spawning is expected each year on Bonaire. Coral spawning, or the cultivation of the corals, is something unique and a “must-see” for every diver. 

This spectacular event takes place on Bonaire when several coral species (but also other organisms) release secretions into the water column at the same time under the influence of environmental circumstances such as water temperature and a very special position of the moon.

Any diver has to be very lucky to witness this event, but there is a schedule with forecasted dates for this year’s coral spawning event (click here to view in PDF format).

Special dive packages are available for the 2010 coral spawning season with a variety of popular properties with prices and amenities to suit every budget:

• Bonaire Seaside Apartments offers packages for one and two bedroom apartments as well as three bedroom villas. Seven night packages between August 28 - October 1, 2010 begin at $565.00 per person, October 2 – December 17, 2010 begin at $628.00 per person. Both packages are based on quad occupancy in a two bedroom, two bathroom ocean view apartment including a double-cabin pickup truck, 6 days of unlimited tanks for shore diving, special guided coral spawning night dive, and all hotel and dive taxes.

• Coco Palm Garden offers a package which is $544,00 per person, double occupancy in a studio unit. This package includes 7 night’s accommodation, a rental vehicle, 6 days unlimited shore diving, a special guided coral spawning night dive, and all taxes. Please note that air-conditioning, if desired, is $12.50 per room per night additional. 

• Happy Holiday Homes offers a special package of $524.00 per person, based on double occupancy; $473.00 per person, based on quad occupancy. Package includes 7 night’s accommodations, 7 days double-cabin pickup truck, 6 days unlimited shore diving, 1 special guided coral spawning night dive, all taxes and fees. Group reservations can be arranged as well.

• Tropicana Apartments offers several packages. All packages include 7 night’s accommodations, double-cabin pickup truck, 6 days unlimited shore diving, special guided coral spawning night dive, and all taxes. Price is $484.00 per person based on quad occupancy in a two-bedroom unit, $599.00 per person double occupancy in a studio unit, or $634.00 per person double occupancy in a one-bedroom unit.

• Yachtclub Apartments is offering their coral spawning package of $659.50 per person, based on double occupancy, and the package includes 7 night’s studio accommodations, rental car, 6 days unlimited shore diving, 1 special guided coral spawning night dive, and all taxes. A group of ten persons can also be accommodated in the Yachtclub’s penthouse suite. The cost, minimum 10 persons, is $509.20 per person and includes 7 nights accommodations in the penthouse, 2 rental cars for the week, 6 days unlimited shore diving, 1 special guided coral spawning night dive, and all taxes.

For more information or to book one of these coral spawning packages, contact Dive Friends Bonaire or visit their web site at www.dive-friends-bonaire.com.

Those staying at other properties on Bonaire are welcome to join Dive Friends Bonaire for the coral spawning dives.  For any dates when coral spawning is predicted, Dive Friends Bonaire is organizing special night dives for their guests to see the phenomenon. This night dive is $49.00 per person (excluding equipment and air), plus 5% sales tax, with a minimum of four persons. Advance reservations are recommended to avoid disappointment.  For more information or to make a reservation, please contact Dive Friends.  Please note that LED night lights will be available to rent, for $12.00 per light, plus 5% sales tax. (Source:  Dive Friends Bonaire)

Wednesday, June 02, 2010

Ramon de Leon, Manager of the Bonaire National Marine Park, to Speak at Next CIEE Presentation

CIEE Bonaire’s next public lecture will be held on Tuesday, June 8, 2010 at 7:00 PM, when Ramon de Leon, the manager of the Bonaire National Marine Park, will speak.

Ramon’s presentation is entitled, “Divers’ Behavioral Study--Who Dives in Bonaire and What Do They Do?” The lecture will be held at the CIEE Research Station, located at Kaya Gobernador N. Debrot #26 in Kralendijk.  All are invited and admission is free.  (Source:  CIEE Bonaire)

Monday, May 31, 2010

Coral Spawning on Bonaire Will Take Place in September and October, 2010

Each year the coral spawning season on Bonaire brings an avid group of divers down to personally witness this phenomenon.  Although some species may spawn as early as August, this year it is predicted that the majority of species will spawn in either September or October, or both months.

Thanks to the Bonaire National Marine Park and Carmabi (Curacao), we have a fairly accurate forecast for when individual species will spawn.  Spawning is always tied to the full moon, usually occurring three to nine days after the full moon in each of these two months.  Times are approximate, and it should be realized that even though divers may be in the water at the exact predicted times, these corals sometimes have a schedule of their own, so a fair amount of time in the water is necessary to witness this spectacular event.  The full prediction schedule for 2010 is available by visiting the marine park’s web site, or by clicking here (in PDF format).  (Source:  STINAPA Web Site)

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Karol Meyer and Patrick Musimu Set New World Record in Freediving

As previously reported, Karol and Patrick returned this year to Bonaire to attempt another world record, and this was achieved yesterday, May 26, 2010. 

Karol and Patrick together set this new world record in the No Limits Tamden category when they reached 121 meters/397 feet.

These two champion freedivers are giving press conferences, seminars, and clinics during their time on Bonaire, as well as shooting documentary video footage with the U.S. History Channel.  Sky Sport Channel has also been following the event live.

Congratulations!  (Source:  Karol Meyer, image courtesy of Mariska Hooijmans)

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)