I'm not finding the links because I'm not finding a down arrow. I see a DOWNLOAD arrow which takes me to an ad for RUclips Premium, which I don't have. I'd appreciate any help you can offer. Thank you.
@@viralata1212 are you on a PC or laptop? If so look for the "show more" link at the bottom of the description. On a mobile device, there's an upside down ^ next to the title. I hope this helps. Let me know.
hi there! just wanted to say a general comment that I've watched most of your Bonaire videos and they've been a wonderful resource for me. I'm "just" a snorkeler but I've been to many of the sites noted here. I especially appreciate how you show the access to the site (where to park, how to enter).
Thanks for the tips! I've been diving all over the world, but haven't been shore diving before. This video really helps to gain some perspective on what I may need for the trip.
We really enjoyed your video and as we watched it we ordered virtually every item suggested from Amazon. Used it all (tire inflator was key, so were the trekking poles). We actually had some other divers come up to us and asked if we watched your video. Thanks made our trip very enjoyable.
Awesome John, we’re glad the tips helped! Thanks so much for taking time to come back to the video and leave feedback. It means a lot. Congrats on a great Bonaire trip!
Many thanks for your recommendations. The number one thing that we kept commenting on was the mask/fin keeper that you clip to your BC. I bought those on your recommendation and they were worth their weight in gold! Super highly recommended!
Bravo!! Love the video and the Top 10 + 1 tips :) It's not often that I have my mind blown, but a few of your tips were like, WOW, what a simple, yet great idea. The tire inflator suggestion still has me smiling. Happy Diving!
Thanks so much for all the tips. We just got back from Bonaire. We bought walking sticks and we also switch to smaller tanks (60's). This made all the difference for us old shore divers. We still prefer boat dives but we actually did do a fair amount of shore diving for the first time. We also love the fin keepers.
Thanks so much for the feedback Todd! We’re so glad you had a great trip and found the tips helpful. We’re also jealous you were in Bonaire! Our fingers are crossed for our upcoming trip.
@@KevinandLizGrogan American and Delta will be flying to Bonaire non stop from tomorrow June 5. United is still saying they won't start until November but I hope that will change
Great video. The stick and the last trick with the tire thingy are brilliant. My husband and I joke there’s no graceful entries and exits on Bonaire . I’ve fallen on and crushed an expensive camera strobe so I will certainly be getting a stick for myself.
Thanks so much for taking time to comment Mel! Like I say in the video, using a stick will change your Bonaire shore diving forever! Check out the link in the video description for a good, sturdy pair of trekking poles. Let's hope all this "covidness" ends soon, so we can get back to Bonaire. Thanks again!
Great video. Oring tip should be number one. My dry box experience was on the hilma hooker. Got almost to the wreck an my box to imploded . Very unnerving sound. Luckily it was in my bc pocket. Anyways.... good tips for divers
How do you find a dive buddy while in Bonaire? An app? Dive shops? I’m just wondering how easy or hard it would be to find someone to dive with if I go as a single diver, and whether staying at a particular place, like a dive resort, would make that easier. Thanks.
Also, about dry boxes, if: A) dive sites are remote B) you can only fit a credit card, cash, keys in a dry box, but not your phone C) you should leave your vehicle unlocked and no phone inside How do you get comfortable with not having even a phone at your dive site, for a dive emergency, or even just car trouble?
Hi TTB, thanks for watching! Most dive shops, especially those attached to a dive resort, have a buddy board. I believe there’s also a WhatsApp group for finding Bonaire dive buddies, but I unfortunately don’t have that info. While Liz and I prefer staying in vacation villas on Bonaire, I think you’d best be served by staying at a dive resort like Tropical Divers, Buddy, Captain Don’s, Divi or Caribe Inn. You’re more likely to find a buddy when staying at a place full of divers. Enjoy!
You’ll feel comfortable as soon as your feet hit the tarmac at the airport. I know I do. In all seriousness, you’ll be fine without a phone. As long as you stick to the West coast sites, you’ll always have people either at your dive site, a neighboring dive site or driving by. Just make sure you have the phone number to your rental agency in the glove box. With all this in mind; if you see someone who needs help, make sure to stop. Have a great trip!
7:00 Did you just tie knots with the latex rubber tubing? Or, do I need to crimp a stiff wire fastener on the tubing? It’ll probably become apparent what will work, when I get the tubing, but I am time limited on reaching the solution. Thanks.
This video covers everything you need to know about the “sticks.” Walking Sticks - Bonaire Shore Diving Tips & Tricks ruclips.net/video/p-dz41upBCM/видео.html
Could you cover topics like where to get equipment, tanks, etc. Car and scooter rental? This video just seems to cover general shore diving, not specific to Bonaire.
Hi cyrex, thanks for watching! The video covers things that make Bonaire shore diving much easier. Many of these things aren’t necessary for shore diving other locations. Our channel has tons of Bonaire videos covering all types of topics, so check it out. In particular here’s a video answering your question about tanks. Enjoy! Our Favorite Bonaire Dive Shop ruclips.net/video/svJsK38dltc/видео.html
Excellent video! I would love to see one on the entry/exit of Bari reef. When we stopped by there was no one getting in or out so we feared we were in the wrong area.
As someone that has truck problems on Bonaire I like the tire inflator idea . But I am uncertain about how the two items work together. I have an Air 2 BCD. Amazon doesn’t know it will be available but other sites may have it. Do you have descriptions of putting it together. Photos?
The adaptor for the tire inflator plugs into the inflator hose of your reg set up. The tire inflator then plugs into the adaptor. Air 2 users need the adaptor because the connector on the end of the inflator hose is different from just the normal inflator. Clear as mud? It really is easy; just like plugging the hose into the BCD.
Hi Kev & Liz really enjoyed watching your Bonaire top tips as we have a trip coming up this summer. I have a query, I've found TUSA Imprex in a slippers form as well as the boot. The soles appear to be the same. I was contemplating the slipper due to the weight and the fact we won't need the warmth, as a first time visitor to Bonaire the unknown for me is the terrain. Would you mind commenting on whether you think the slipper will be suitable or I should stick with the reccomend boot instead ? Also do you lock your truck whilst diving, we have had a comment from else where to not lock the truck ? Many thanks for your help Rose
Hi Rose! I think slipper vs boot is really a preference thing. With that said my only experience with a low rise/slipper is with the 3mm Seasoft Sunray (more low cut boot than slipper). While the sole was perfect for Bonaire, I found that the thin material combined with the lower cut, caused consistent heel slip. I gave them to a dive buddy of mine, and still uses them today (years later), so go figure. Are you snorkeling or diving? If diving I’d say go with the boot. Regardless the extra material over your ankles will provide additional protection from scrapes and bumps when entering the water. Just my two cents. And yes, do not lock your truck at the dive sites. It’s also good habit to roll down a window or two. Do not leave anything of value in the truck while diving. An old towel and t-shirt are typically ok to leave, but nothing that you can’t live without if taken. Petty theft at dive sites is indeed a thing, but not rampant, and not 100% guaranteed to happen. But, it DOES happen often, so don’t make yourself a target. And it’s not always locals. Our fellow divers are often opportunistic thieves as well. Have a great trip! Kevin
I bought a 'dry box' case that looked similar to that at a dive shop; I think it was meant for snorkeling. Failed badly and came open on a dive. I've had better luck by far with the sealable plastic pouch products. Some modern key fobs are electronic, and leaving it in the truck during a dive not wise. A reliable pouch is a big deal.
Thanks Richard, pouches are a great idea! Although I must say that the small dry boxes that Liz and I use haven’t failed us in hundreds of Bonaire shore dives. You also make an excellent point about the electronic key fobs. We recommend NEVER taking your key underwater with you. Every dive spot has plenty of great hiding spots. Thanks again!
@@KevinandLizGrogan funny story on our first trip we had a waterproof pouch fail on us and it flooded the keyfob. Thankfully we had paid the extra $4/day for 'comprehensive' insurance thru our car rental company and they didn't even care when we told them about it. Thank goodness!!
@@michaelgalietti9788 I can’t speak for other shops, but Tropical Divers uses DIN tanks exclusively. If anyone with you dives yoke, they provide adapter inserts (Liz and I bring our own). www.tropicaldiversbonaire.com/diving
I just bought a set of walking sticks. They come as a pair because normally one would use both of them. Would you recommend using both poles or is one enough for shore diving?
Hi Todd! I’ve only ever used one. My other hand is normally holding my camera. You could always offer the 2nd stick to your dive buddy, or keep it as a back up. Thanks for watching!
Bonaire Shore Diving Made Easy should be available at the larger dive shops. I left mine at home a few years ago, and picked one up at the Dive Friends Delfin resort location. I’m not sure about the Reef Smart guide, but Amazon can probably get it to you before you leave. Have a great trip!
We’ll add that to our video list! One quick suggestion you may already know. If you have soft sided luggage, pack your fins in a way (one on each side) that they create hard sides for your bag. This is a great way to protect other gear in your bag.
aquapac rather than the box, less things to hang on yourself and mess with your trim, you can hang it on your neck and keep it under the wetsuit, glasses can go in an old case and keep in your bcd pocket, as for blowing o-rings, just dive DIN, problem solved. i'm not sold on the walking stick, they can make it worse if it gets stuck between the rocks, sink in the sifting grouns as you just mentioned, my recommendation is to gear up in the water
Someone told me walking sticks are illegal in Bonaire. I have one anyway as it makes no sense why you cant make your entry and exit easier. Thanks! Understand me tomorrow!
This has been a subject of debate for many years. They are not illegal. In addition I can find nowhere in their policies, nor can anyone else show me, where STINAPA forbids the use of sticks/canes/poles for entering and exiting the water at the shoreline. The use of the stick as a pointer or steadying mechanism DURING the dive is definitely prohibited. When using the stick to enter and exit the water at the shoreline, take care to only place the stick where you would otherwise place your feet. I hope this helps. Thanks for watching!
Links to items mentioned in the video are in the description (down arrow to the right of the title).
I'm not finding the links because I'm not finding a down arrow. I see a DOWNLOAD arrow which takes me to an ad for RUclips Premium, which I don't have. I'd appreciate any help you can offer. Thank you.
@@viralata1212 are you on a PC or laptop? If so look for the "show more" link at the bottom of the description. On a mobile device, there's an upside down ^ next to the title. I hope this helps. Let me know.
@@KevinandLizGrogan I am still not seeing the links on my Samsung phone. ??
@@Mollyream they’re in the written video description. Depending on the device there’s a down arrow you have to press or a “see more” button.
This video, like all the ones you two have created, is super valuable and informative. Thank you!
@@joycapps2563 Thank you Joy!
This was incredibly helpful!! Thank you for making these videos!
You’re welcome. Thanks for watching!
hi there! just wanted to say a general comment that I've watched most of your Bonaire videos and they've been a wonderful resource for me. I'm "just" a snorkeler but I've been to many of the sites noted here. I especially appreciate how you show the access to the site (where to park, how to enter).
Thanks for the tips! I've been diving all over the world, but haven't been shore diving before. This video really helps to gain some perspective on what I may need for the trip.
Thanks Stacy! I really appreciate the feedback. Shore diving is total freedom; enjoy your trip!
We really enjoyed your video and as we watched it we ordered virtually every item suggested from Amazon. Used it all (tire inflator was key, so were the trekking poles). We actually had some other divers come up to us and asked if we watched your video. Thanks made our trip very enjoyable.
Awesome John, we’re glad the tips helped! Thanks so much for taking time to come back to the video and leave feedback. It means a lot. Congrats on a great Bonaire trip!
Many thanks for your recommendations. The number one thing that we kept commenting on was the mask/fin keeper that you clip to your BC. I bought those on your recommendation and they were worth their weight in gold! Super highly recommended!
just came back and used a fin keeper for the first time - so helpful in freeing up my hands for other stuff/balance. Clutch item!
Bravo!! Love the video and the Top 10 + 1 tips :) It's not often that I have my mind blown, but a few of your tips were like, WOW, what a simple, yet great idea. The tire inflator suggestion still has me smiling. Happy Diving!
Thanks TEA!! We’re so happy you found the video helpful!
Love your video. I am on my 2nd trip there. I rent scooters there, so fun. I scuba there too. Love it.
Thanks so much for all the tips. We just got back from Bonaire. We bought walking sticks and we also switch to smaller tanks (60's). This made all the difference for us old shore divers. We still prefer boat dives but we actually did do a fair amount of shore diving for the first time. We also love the fin keepers.
Thanks so much for the feedback Todd! We’re so glad you had a great trip and found the tips helpful. We’re also jealous you were in Bonaire! Our fingers are crossed for our upcoming trip.
@@KevinandLizGrogan American and Delta will be flying to Bonaire non stop from tomorrow June 5. United is still saying they won't start until November but I hope that will change
Great video. The stick and the last trick with the tire thingy are brilliant. My husband and I joke there’s no graceful entries and exits on Bonaire . I’ve fallen on and crushed an expensive camera strobe so I will certainly be getting a stick for myself.
Thanks so much for taking time to comment Mel! Like I say in the video, using a stick will change your Bonaire shore diving forever! Check out the link in the video description for a good, sturdy pair of trekking poles. Let's hope all this "covidness" ends soon, so we can get back to Bonaire. Thanks again!
Great video. Oring tip should be number one. My dry box experience was on the hilma hooker. Got almost to the wreck an my box to imploded . Very unnerving sound. Luckily it was in my bc pocket. Anyways.... good tips for divers
Gotta love hearing a mysterious “whoomp” when you’re in/on a wreck... Thanks for watching Joel!
How do you find a dive buddy while in Bonaire? An app? Dive shops?
I’m just wondering how easy or hard it would be to find someone to dive with if I go as a single diver, and whether staying at a particular place, like a dive resort, would make that easier. Thanks.
Also, about dry boxes, if:
A) dive sites are remote
B) you can only fit a credit card, cash, keys in a dry box, but not your phone
C) you should leave your vehicle unlocked and no phone inside
How do you get comfortable with not having even a phone at your dive site, for a dive emergency, or even just car trouble?
Hi TTB, thanks for watching! Most dive shops, especially those attached to a dive resort, have a buddy board. I believe there’s also a WhatsApp group for finding Bonaire dive buddies, but I unfortunately don’t have that info. While Liz and I prefer staying in vacation villas on Bonaire, I think you’d best be served by staying at a dive resort like Tropical Divers, Buddy, Captain Don’s, Divi or Caribe Inn. You’re more likely to find a buddy when staying at a place full of divers. Enjoy!
You’ll feel comfortable as soon as your feet hit the tarmac at the airport. I know I do. In all seriousness, you’ll be fine without a phone. As long as you stick to the West coast sites, you’ll always have people either at your dive site, a neighboring dive site or driving by. Just make sure you have the phone number to your rental agency in the glove box. With all this in mind; if you see someone who needs help, make sure to stop. Have a great trip!
7:00 Did you just tie knots with the latex rubber tubing? Or, do I need to crimp a stiff wire fastener on the tubing?
It’ll probably become apparent what will work, when I get the tubing, but I am time limited on reaching the solution. Thanks.
This video covers everything you need to know about the “sticks.” Walking Sticks - Bonaire Shore Diving Tips & Tricks
ruclips.net/video/p-dz41upBCM/видео.html
@@KevinandLizGrogan Awesome. Thanks.
Great video
Thanks Todd!
Could you cover topics like where to get equipment, tanks, etc. Car and scooter rental? This video just seems to cover general shore diving, not specific to Bonaire.
Hi cyrex, thanks for watching! The video covers things that make Bonaire shore diving much easier. Many of these things aren’t necessary for shore diving other locations. Our channel has tons of Bonaire videos covering all types of topics, so check it out. In particular here’s a video answering your question about tanks. Enjoy! Our Favorite Bonaire Dive Shop
ruclips.net/video/svJsK38dltc/видео.html
Excellent video! I would love to see one on the entry/exit of Bari reef. When we stopped by there was no one getting in or out so we feared we were in the wrong area.
Thanks Emma! We'll add Bari to our list.
As someone that has truck problems on Bonaire I like the tire inflator idea . But I am uncertain about how the two items work together. I have an Air 2 BCD. Amazon doesn’t know it will be available but other sites may have it. Do you have descriptions of putting it together. Photos?
The adaptor for the tire inflator plugs into the inflator hose of your reg set up. The tire inflator then plugs into the adaptor. Air 2 users need the adaptor because the connector on the end of the inflator hose is different from just the normal inflator. Clear as mud? It really is easy; just like plugging the hose into the BCD.
Hi Kev & Liz really enjoyed watching your Bonaire top tips as we have a trip coming up this summer. I have a query, I've found TUSA Imprex in a slippers form as well as the boot. The soles appear to be the same. I was contemplating the slipper due to the weight and the fact we won't need the warmth, as a first time visitor to Bonaire the unknown for me is the terrain. Would you mind commenting on whether you think the slipper will be suitable or I should stick with the reccomend boot instead ? Also do you lock your truck whilst diving, we have had a comment from else where to not lock the truck ? Many thanks for your help Rose
Hi Rose! I think slipper vs boot is really a preference thing. With that said my only experience with a low rise/slipper is with the 3mm Seasoft Sunray (more low cut boot than slipper). While the sole was perfect for Bonaire, I found that the thin material combined with the lower cut, caused consistent heel slip. I gave them to a dive buddy of mine, and still uses them today (years later), so go figure. Are you snorkeling or diving? If diving I’d say go with the boot. Regardless the extra material over your ankles will provide additional protection from scrapes and bumps when entering the water. Just my two cents. And yes, do not lock your truck at the dive sites. It’s also good habit to roll down a window or two. Do not leave anything of value in the truck while diving. An old towel and t-shirt are typically ok to leave, but nothing that you can’t live without if taken. Petty theft at dive sites is indeed a thing, but not rampant, and not 100% guaranteed to happen. But, it DOES happen often, so don’t make yourself a target. And it’s not always locals. Our fellow divers are often opportunistic thieves as well. Have a great trip! Kevin
I bought a 'dry box' case that looked similar to that at a dive shop; I think it was meant for snorkeling. Failed badly and came open on a dive. I've had better luck by far with the sealable plastic pouch products. Some modern key fobs are electronic, and leaving it in the truck during a dive not wise. A reliable pouch is a big deal.
Thanks Richard, pouches are a great idea! Although I must say that the small dry boxes that Liz and I use haven’t failed us in hundreds of Bonaire shore dives. You also make an excellent point about the electronic key fobs. We recommend NEVER taking your key underwater with you. Every dive spot has plenty of great hiding spots. Thanks again!
@@KevinandLizGrogan funny story on our first trip we had a waterproof pouch fail on us and it flooded the keyfob. Thankfully we had paid the extra $4/day for 'comprehensive' insurance thru our car rental company and they didn't even care when we told them about it. Thank goodness!!
I was really bummed out Reef Smart didn’t include Klein, well other than the one site.
Hello, are din cylinders easy to come by?
@@michaelgalietti9788 I can’t speak for other shops, but Tropical Divers uses DIN tanks exclusively. If anyone with you dives yoke, they provide adapter inserts (Liz and I bring our own). www.tropicaldiversbonaire.com/diving
I just bought a set of walking sticks. They come as a pair because normally one would use both of them. Would you recommend using both poles or is one enough for shore diving?
Hi Todd! I’ve only ever used one. My other hand is normally holding my camera. You could always offer the 2nd stick to your dive buddy, or keep it as a back up. Thanks for watching!
Leaving this Friday. Are those dive site guide books available on the island?
Bonaire Shore Diving Made Easy should be available at the larger dive shops. I left mine at home a few years ago, and picked one up at the Dive Friends Delfin resort location. I’m not sure about the Reef Smart guide, but Amazon can probably get it to you before you leave. Have a great trip!
@@KevinandLizGrogan Thanks so much! Now I just wish you had a packing guide video. 😉
We’ll add that to our video list! One quick suggestion you may already know. If you have soft sided luggage, pack your fins in a way (one on each side) that they create hard sides for your bag. This is a great way to protect other gear in your bag.
@@KevinandLizGrogan Thanks so much for the tip!
aquapac rather than the box, less things to hang on yourself and mess with your trim, you can hang it on your neck and keep it under the wetsuit, glasses can go in an old case and keep in your bcd pocket, as for blowing o-rings, just dive DIN, problem solved. i'm not sold on the walking stick, they can make it worse if it gets stuck between the rocks, sink in the sifting grouns as you just mentioned, my recommendation is to gear up in the water
2:00 that's not necessarily true. There's dive resorts with awesome shore reefs with steps down etc
Someone told me walking sticks are illegal in Bonaire. I have one anyway as it makes no sense why you cant make your entry and exit easier. Thanks! Understand me tomorrow!
This has been a subject of debate for many years. They are not illegal. In addition I can find nowhere in their policies, nor can anyone else show me, where STINAPA forbids the use of sticks/canes/poles for entering and exiting the water at the shoreline. The use of the stick as a pointer or steadying mechanism DURING the dive is definitely prohibited. When using the stick to enter and exit the water at the shoreline, take care to only place the stick where you would otherwise place your feet. I hope this helps. Thanks for watching!
Super 👌