Bonaire Questions

Hey everyone,

I will be traveling to Bonaire in a couple of weeks for the first time and have a few questions- Do you need some kind of surface marker while shore diving? If so would a safety sausage work fine or may that be confused for someone in trouble. Secondly, what type of outlets do they have American style? Thanks everyone for the help!

We have never used a serface marker or seen anyone with one. If by outlets you mean stores there are none to my knowledge.

Have a great trip and enjoy the diving and food. That's what Bonaire is all about.

Sorry that was my fault. I mean power outlets, electrical sockets are they american style?

They are not American style. sorry I don't remember what they are but there is a website that lists the type outlet.

Sorry that was my fault. I mean power outlets, electrical sockets are they american style?

Actually, the electrical outlets ARE American style. Some places also have the two-pin European style plugs as well. The power is 50 cycle, vice 60, and the voltage can run a little higher than in the U.S., though, and that can cause some issues if you don't have a "world" power supply on the gear you plug in. Having said that, I've never had issues. You do not need a surface marker on the shore dives.

Never seen a safety sausage in about six trips to Bonaire/Curacao - God forbid we ever have to use them! They are impossible to tow around while using a camera and they would snag the coral and pull chunks off. There is absolutely no necessity for them as there is very limited boat use other than the dive boats out of the resorts and in my experience, they are extremely careful as they approach areas of reef. Non-diving boats are well away from the reefs.

Outlets - Buddy and Sand Dollar (I think) and others besides have the two power supplies incl US in the rooms. Just get a world wide charger - the extra cycles are then no problem and you can use any outlet.

I thought I'd try to clear up some confusion and got more confused myself As to the power on the island "Info Bonaire" has a good explanation of the 50 cycle power. A world wide charger works for batteries but what do you do for the big NiMH batteries and chargers like the YS 250's use? Or the camera battery chargers for that matter? Do the laptops work on 110/130 volts 50hz? I'm guessing I need to get a surge suppressor for the occasional spike. Has anyone ever had any issues there?

Steve

My understanding of the US electrical system (and I'm not American) is that although its loosely called 110, the national standard spec (that equipment will be designed for) is actually 120V +/- 5%, giving a 126V max supply. There can't be many devices so sensitive as to pop their cork at 127V (but then we don't know the tolerance on that). A surge supressor will help but is designed to take out spikes, it won't do anything for a steady excess voltage.

Certainly I've never had problems with laptops or chargers in Bonaire.

Never seen surface marker buoys or DSMBs used there. If I saw a sausage I'd figure it a sign of distress, or at least - pick me up. I keep one rolled up in my BC pocket to inflate on the surface if things go wrong but never carry a reel there.

Hey everyone,

I will be traveling to Bonaire in a couple of weeks for the first time and have a few questions- Do you need some kind of surface marker while shore diving? If so would a safety sausage work fine or may that be confused for someone in trouble. Secondly, what type of outlets do they have American style? Thanks everyone for the help!

I just got back from my 2nd group trip to Bonaire. We didn't use any markers and had no problems at all. The island is always east. If you misjudge the distance you went north or south along the reef you may have to walk a few yards. Not a problem. American outlets.

tug

I would suggest visiting Bonairetalk.com

You will find loads of info on diving, dining and more than you will be able to digest.

I am just back from my first bonaire visit and reading up at that site worked out great for us.

I think others handled your questions adequately already.