bonaire/diving

We are going to Bonaire for the first time in November for two weeks. We have done scuba dives before in Hawaii without being certified and was wondering if there was anyone or company in Bonaire that does a beginners dive without certification. Thanks for any information.....also any other restaurant or activity suggestions would be appreciated. We are staying at Buddy Dive.

You don't need to be certified if you are diving with a divemaster. You are being instructed in that situation. They are more responsible for you than you/your buddy. When qualified they are more your dive tour guide.

Are you interested in diving? I would suggest you get certified.

You could do all the pool and study work at home over a weekend, and then get the referral and finish the open water part when in Bonaire.

I have been diving for nearly 30 years. Diving is fun and safe if you understand the physics and psychological aspects and are prepared to deal with it. Why risk it. Why not just get certificated. Your ownership list includes some awesome places to dive.

Knowledge and understanding are key.

We spent a couple weeks in Bonaire a couple years ago. We stayed at Bamboo Bali and loved it.

If you aren't certified, I'm guessing you don't own much of your own equipment, but I would definitely invest in some hard soled swim booties. Much of the "beaches" are iron shore and very rocky. Easy ins and outs are harder to find than you'd imagine.

Also, in Bonaire, you have to do a check out dive and get a national park "license" to dive. Without it you can be fined. I'm not sure how that works with someone who's not certified.

Finally, Bonaire is SMALL. 3 gas stations, no red light (except for the one in front of the pizza place which is decorative). There is very little to do at night, and most everything is closed by 9 or 10.