After many years of travel to over 50 countries, I developed a unique travel concept which I call "destination immersions". In part it was inspired by a holiday on Grand Cayman several years ago diving with Divers Down that at the time had a policy of no more than 8 divers on a dive boat.
The immersion concept is essentially leading a group of no more than 8 people including myself on a trip no longer than 7 days.
So the Bonaire SCUBA immersion was developed and carried out in 2022 during the COVID pandemic. Most dive trips to the island are with SCUBA clubs and have more than a dozen participants. Anyone who has done that will agree it gets kind of crowded. To get the most diving on such dive trips they squeeze in as many dives a day as possible, sometimes up to 4 when they include a night dive!
Our approach is close to valet diving though we will not handle and prepare your gear. We take care of lodging and logistics from the moment you arrive until departure. We can of course help with air travel logistics.
The Bonaire SCUBA immersion includes assisting with island tourist tax and nature park fee before you arrive. Upon arrival to the island we take care of ground logistics to get you to the hotel. Once settled in we take care of getting gear you will need and if time allows a leisurely check out dive on the shore.
To get you into the island spirit we host a sunset punch, with or without rum!
Daily there will be three meals included in the package. Breakfast is continental but you are welcome to add buffet as an extra. Lunches will be at the hotel unless we are on a day trip where it makes more sense to take a picnic. Dinners will allow you to discover the culinary talent on the island. There will be a wonderful welcome dinner and a farewell dinner. (One beer , one glass of wine or one soft drink is included with each dinner ). As the intent is to do a morning dive and an afternoon dive, we dont encourage alcoholic beverages with lunch.
In addition to a relaxed dive schedule, time on the surface will allow to learn more about the island’s rich history and nature. There is the opportunity to see the island and observe flamingos, hummingbirds, iguanas and possibly donkeys. Participants will sample if they desire the local Bonaire Blonde brew produced at a micro-brewery on the island. There is one casino on the island and there will be the opportunity to visit if you are feeling lucky!
Your chief exploration officer will accompany you during the seven days and can share with you some insights based on visiting the island since 1969 and actually having been certified on the island in 1974.
Hopefully you will agree that the SCUBA immersion we propose is more than just a dive trip, it is truly the opportunity to experience diving at one of the best marine parks in the world. Our timing in September is also during a time where there are fewer tourists on the island as it gets pretty busy during the summer and winter months. Thanks for considering joining our SCUBA immersion Sept. 14-21 of this year. We also offer other non diving related immersions, each with a different theme and to a place we know well. Dont stop breathing and never dive alone!