Book a snorkel tour on arrival in port?

[iambumbo]

We're taking the Crown Princess in November-- this will be our first visit to Bonaire. We'll be the only ship in port that day, 11am-7pm. I've seen several options for snorkeling through the cruise line (Mushi Mushi, Seacow, Samur) but have had success in other ports just booking a snorkeling tour on arrival in port. Usually they're not only cheaper, but more important, smaller groups. How successful would I be if I tried this in Bonaire?

 

If that's not a realistic option, any comments on any of the tours named above? If you have any suggestions for other tour operators to contact in advance, I'd love to hear them. Anything to avoid the huge mobs like on the boats at Stingray Island in the Caymans! :)

[Stevesan]

I've visited Bonaire twice. Some ports have snorkel vendors looking for business at the cruise piers, but not Bonaire - none that I've seen.

There are, however, a number of excellent snorkel operators on Bonaire who don't employ the cattle boat tactic.

 

I previously went out with DiveInn Bonaire. Their shop and dock are convenient to the cruise pier. The take a mix of snorkelers/divers to Klein Island where both activities are first rate. Their boat is small. We had @ total of eight people on board.

 

I'll be in Bonaire on Crown in February and am concerned about the late arrival time. Most snorkel/dive trips go out in the morning, but maybe some will adjust their schedule, or add on an afternoon trip, when Crown's in port.

Here are links for some of the better shops:

 

http://www.diveinnbonaire.com/index.htm

 

http://www.infobonaire.com/reneesnorkeltrips/

 

http://www.woodwindbonaire.com/cruises.html

 

I haven't contacted any, yet. I'm hoping one of them will match up with our port times.

[Paula B]

We went to Bonaire in April with Princess. We booked a 2 hour snorkeling trip with Renee at http://www.infobonaire.com/reneesnorkeltrips were she met us at the dock. She met us at 2pm and got us back to the ship in plenty of time. She only takes up to 5 people at a time and will supply your equipment. That day there was only my husband and I so it was like a private tour. We went to 2 different spots and she will explain everything you see. It was wonderful and we saw a small octopus, moray ell, barracuda, puffer fish, shrimp, angel fish, so many things we saw I can't remember. I will be booking her again the next time. I think we paid like $30 each just check out her website and she has all the information and tours there.

Paula (Southern Indiana)