I just printed out the information on Bonaire dive sites from ShoreDiving.com They list rather detailed info on some 47 dive sites including pictures and reviews.

How does this info compare with the info contained in Bonaire Shore Diving Made Easy? Also, how many recognized shore dive sites are there on Bonaire?

Why would you trust a web site that tries to cover many different vacation locations when you could buy a book about Bonaire recently published by a divemaster who lives on Bonaire and shore dives a lot and who provides detailed information about entry, exit, level of difficulty, and every aspect of the reef?
Susan Porter is an on-site expert, providing current information, not somebody who dove a site once and "reviews" it.
There's no comparison.
Susan's book is 83 pages. She covers roughly 50 sites, some of which are unmarked.
I take it you have not seen the book, but when you do, you will understand why you can't live without it.

Ed, BSDME has recently been updated. Susan Porter, who wrote the revision has extensive knowledge of the intricate details (such as entries, exits, topography) is the most up to date you could get. She lists 71 dive sites in the book. I would get the book and use it as your main reference.

Forget the number I gave. Grasshopper is correct; I'm wrong. I counted a list at the back of the book instead of the one at the front. Sorry!

Ed, Shorediving.com is a good resource of general information. However, comparing it's content to BDSME is like comparing apples and oranges. I had over 300 dives at sites around Bonaire when I purchased a few copies of the guide. The site descriptions as others have mentioned are accurate and complete.

The good old 'comparing apples and oranges' words are excellent if you have both an apple and an orange at hand or are at least familiar with both. Some more detail is needed if you have seen only one or the other: Ed doesn't have the book and has wisely asked a question. :–)

(Message edited by glenr on February 24, 2006)

Glen you are correct, the only way Ed can compare the two, is to have the book (apple) in hand while viewing the web pages of shorediving.com (orange).

Ed, I suggest you buy the book.

If you still have reservations, you might want to do a search of this website using "Bonaire Shore Diving Made Easy" in the "search for:" box. You will find that many repeat visitors to Bonaire use it and recommend it.

Well, I really was saying that he would likely appreciate a few descriptive words defining the differences. :–)

Ok, here's your apples and oranges Glen ;-) I took a look at Ole' Blue on shorediving.com, and then BSDME. BSDME gives a little more descriptive verse of the entrance exit and possible conditions depending on wind direction. Susan also gives the minimum and max depths for the site as well as specific marine life that is unique to the dive site (or better said, things to look for at this dive site). I don't want to plagerize and put the exact words from the book, but that's my take after comparing the 2

I appologize for any typos etc...nyquil has my head in a fog...lol!

Plus, BSDME is a small, handy little book for a quick reference

(Message edited by cyndelee on February 24, 2006)

Another comparison is what Tish eluded to. On Shorediving.com, folks who have dove the site write their review of the dive/site. BSDME is written by someone who dives the sites often and in varied conditions

Glen, You are exactly correct, I was looking for information from those who have had the opportunity to "compare the apples and oranges" on how these two resources differed.

Based on the above comments I'll get a copy of the book. Thanks

Ed

TKS, Cyn.

You will be happy with the book, Ed, it does a good job.

BSDME is a dive master giving you a dive briefing. It's an essential companion to prepare for your dive.

It's a friend, it's a companion, the only product you'll ever need, and it never, ever, needs ironing.
A coffee ring stain adds a certain je ne c'est qua though.

OK, apples are red but they can be green, or pink, or golden. Oranges are most often orange. Apples are usually hard and juicy but can be soft and dry, (I prefer hard and juicy) Oranges are soft and juicy but they can be hard and dry.(I prefer soft and juicy). Apples grow in cool climates , generally generally thought to be in the north but can be in the south(like Chile if you live in Venezula). Oranges grow in the warm climates generally thought to be in the south, but can be in the north (like Venezula if you live in Chile). I personally like both apples and orange but some people say apples help a little too much in their daily constitution, and some say oranges burn a little to much in their daily constitution. That said I have used the webpages and found them to be pretty accurate but the book is cheap enough and gives a more descriptive account of more sites. If money is an issue the webpages are great, if not buy the book. Note: Many of the responders are fans or friends of the book's writer and have a bias, but with good intentions I believe.

How valuable to a snorkeler would BSDME be?

David

i haven't actually seen anybody with a copy while visiting (12-13 trips)...

when it comes right down to it - bonaire shore diving is pretty straight forward - kinda like "you don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows" ;)

bias on BT?

David,
We're a "mixed family" ...I'm a snorkeler, he's a diver. We use the book. It's a nice overview and helps with some tricky entries. We made a couple of trips to Bonaire BEFORE we bought it. That reminds me, we're in count-down mode (as you are) and I need to remember to pack BSDME !

We take BSDME with us on every trip and a red wine ring stain shows much more class. Coffee stains are so passe these days.

We looked at shorediving.com BEFORE going to bonaire, but nothing beats a "go in here, to the left of this big rock, look out for the fire coral to the right" printed out in a handy format in your hand while ON Bonaire.

Let me add Ed, the current version of BSDME improves on earlier versions of the book in that it is more descriptive of the fish/coral you might see at an individual site IMHO of course. Its all good on Bonaire!!

I just received my copy of BSDME. I do find the descriptions of the entries very useful but I thought there was going to be pictures of the entries in the book (an assumption on my part). I think that would make a valuable addition to the book. I'll print those out from ShoreDiving.com and bring them along with me. Now, I hope the book doesn't get ripped off from the truck while I'm diving (no, I don't want to add coffee stains to the cover).

I recently read on another board that there is a book being sold in shops on the island that has pictures as well as the type of info in this book but that's as much as I know about it.

Ed,
I didn't include above water pictures as the shore line changes on a pretty constant basis with the seasons. I try to give workable landmarks where there are not yellow rocks to mark entrance to a site.

I think you will find Bonaire very easy to navigate. I look forward to your review.
Susan