First 24 Hours with Wannadive: Check-In, Orientation, and Your First Shore Dive
Arriving on Bonaire and ready to get in the water fast? This guide to your First 24 Hours with Wannadive shows exactly how to check in, gear up, and complete a smooth first shore dive—without stress. With two full‑service shops open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM, convenient drive‑in tank stations, and shore sites right in front of each location, you can be underwater within hours of landing.
You’ll learn where to go, what to do, and how to make the most of your first day—whether you’re brand‑new to diving or an experienced “never‑dry” enthusiast.
Your Day-One Game Plan
A simple plan helps you maximize your first day and keep the focus on fun.
- Check in at the shop that’s most convenient to you (north at Eden Beach or south at Grand Windsock).
- Sort your gear: rent what you need or pick up any essentials in the retail shop.
- Choose air or custom gas, then use the drive‑in to load tanks.
- Get a quick orientation from the multilingual crew and pick your first shore site.
- Make your first shore dive at Front Porch (north) or The Beach (south).
- Rinse and store your gear on site, then plan guided or boat dives for day two.
Where to Start: North vs. South (Both Are Yours to Use)
No matter where you sign up, you have full access to both Wannadive shops. Pick the spot that best fits your day’s plan—both are open from 8 AM to 5 PM and offer ample parking, storage, showers, and fresh‑water rinse basins.
Wannadive North — Eden Beach (Oceanfront)
- Address: Kaya Gobernador N. Debrot 73, Kralendijk, Bonaire
- Shore site right in front: Front Porch
- Boats depart here, with regular trips to Klein Bonaire’s reefs and drop‑offs
- Full‑service drive‑in tank station and retail/rental services
- Popular package from this location: weekly six‑day air / six‑boat dive package
Wannadive South — Grand Windsock (Belnem)
- Address: EEG Boulevard 3, Belnem, Bonaire
- Shore site right in front: The Beach
- REC TEC gas‑blending station for custom mixes
- Instructor development courses conducted here (PADI IDC) in cooperation with Scuba Connection
- Fully powered by solar, making it a highly eco‑responsible choice
- Popular package from this location: Dive & Drive, ideal when you have a rental vehicle
Quick comparison
| Feature | Eden Beach (North) | Grand Windsock (South) |
|---|---|---|
| Hours | 8 AM – 5 PM daily | 8 AM – 5 PM daily |
| Shore site | Front Porch | The Beach |
| Boat departures | Yes | — |
| Gas blending | Standard cylinders in many configurations | REC TEC custom blends (e.g., Nitrox and technical mixes) |
| Courses | Full range of PADI courses | Full range of PADI courses + IDC conducted here |
| Sustainability | — | Fully solar‑powered |
Check-In: What Happens and How Long It Takes
Walk in, say hello, and the team will set you up quickly. With more than twenty years of experience and a service‑with‑a‑smile culture, Wannadive is built to get you diving.
- Confirm the services you want (e.g., Air and rentals, Guided dives, or a multi‑day package like Dive & Drive).
- If you need gear, the retail and rental stock covers virtually all standard dive equipment.
- Choose tank sizes and configurations that fit your plan—both shops maintain a large inventory with many common options.
- If you prefer custom gas, stop by the south shop’s REC TEC station for blending.
Tip: Solo traveler? No problem. Wannadive explicitly welcomes single divers and offers the same full range of services and staff support.
Gearing Up: Tanks, Gas, and Rentals Made Easy
Drive-In Tank Stations
Pull up with your vehicle, swap cylinders, and go. Both locations feature dive drive‑ins so you can load tanks for shore or boat dives in minutes.
Air and Custom Gas
- Air: Both shops keep a large stock of tanks in many configurations.
- Custom blends: The south shop’s REC TEC gas‑blending can prepare mixes suited to your training and plan. If you’re Enriched Air certified and want Nitrox, request it at the south shop and follow standard best practices for analyzing and labeling your gas.
Equipment Rental and Retail
Forgot something? Need a better fit? Each shop keeps an extensive rental stock and a competitive retail selection so you can tune your kit before your first entry.
Orientation: Get Local Insight in Minutes
The multilingual crew can point you to convenient options for your first dive:
- From the north shop, step directly into the water at Front Porch.
- From the south shop, you have immediate access to The Beach.
These on‑site entries make excellent first dives on Bonaire because you minimize logistics: park, gear up, enter, and enjoy. If you’d rather follow a pro on day one, Guided dives are available for both shore and boat.
Your First Shore Dive: A Simple, Safe Flow
Use this straightforward sequence to keep your first entry relaxed and fun.
- Plan the dive with your buddy. Agree on max depth, time, turn pressure, and a simple route.
- Inspect your gear and do a pre‑dive check. Confirm valves, releases, weights, and gas.
- Choose appropriate exposure protection based on conditions and comfort.
- Enter calmly and establish buoyancy. Take a minute to relax and equalize.
- Keep a steady pace. Maintain awareness of depth, time, gas, and your buddy.
- Turn the dive as planned. Communicate clearly and often.
- Finish with a controlled exit. Assist your buddy as needed.
- Rinse and store gear using the on‑site freshwater basins and storage rooms.
Pro tip: Shore diving thrives on simplicity. With drive‑in tanks, easy parking, and on‑site entries, you can keep transitions short and stack up quality bottom time throughout your trip.
What to Do After the Dive: Rinse, Recharge, and Plan Day Two
- Use the freshwater rinse basins, showers, and storage rooms to reset your kit.
- If you enjoyed the shore entry, reload at the drive‑in and explore another nearby site.
- Prefer a guided experience? Book a Guided dive for tomorrow.
- Want to see Klein Bonaire by boat? Boat dives depart from the Eden Beach shop.
- Planning a week? Consider the north shop’s six‑day air / six‑boat dive package or the south shop’s Dive & Drive package.
- Looking to learn? From first‑time programs up to PADI instructor level, the team teaches the full range of courses, with instructor development (IDC) conducted at the south shop in cooperation with Scuba Connection.
Quick Answers for Day One (Featured-Snippet Friendly)
What time do Wannadive shops open?
Both shops are open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM.
Where are the two locations?
- North: Eden Beach Resort, Kaya Gobernador N. Debrot 73, Kralendijk
- South: Grand Windsock Resort, EEG Boulevard 3, Belnem
Where do boat dives depart from?
All boat trips leave from the Eden Beach (north) shop, with regular visits to Klein Bonaire.
Can I get custom gas (like Nitrox)?
Yes. The south shop at Grand Windsock houses a REC TEC gas‑blending station for custom mixes.
Are guided dives available?
Yes. Professionally guided shore and boat dives are available, led by a multilingual crew.
Can I use both shops if I sign up at one?
Yes. You may freely use the services and facilities of both shops.
Is Wannadive suitable for beginners and solo divers?
Yes. The center welcomes complete beginners and single travelers, offering supportive training and services.
Practical Takeaways for a Smooth First Day
- Arrive around opening time (8 AM) to beat the rush and maximize your water time.
- Choose the shop that fits your plan: boats and Front Porch (north) or custom gas and The Beach (south).
- Use the drive‑in to streamline tank swaps for back‑to‑back shore dives.
- If you’re planning custom blends, start at the south shop’s REC TEC station.
- Consider a Guided dive for your first entry if you like local insight and an easy pace.
- If you want to combine unlimited shore diving with a car, look at the south shop’s Dive & Drive package.
- For a balanced week of shore and boat diving, the north shop’s six‑day air / six‑boat dive package is a strong choice.
- New to diving or ready to go pro? Explore the full Courses offering—from beginner to PADI IDC.
- Take advantage of on‑site rinsing and storage so your gear stays ready for the next splash.
- Traveling alone? You’re welcome—Wannadive supports single divers with the same attention as groups.
What Makes Your First 24 Hours with Wannadive So Easy
- Two fully interchangeable, full‑service locations positioned right on Bonaire’s shoreline.
- Immediate access to shore sites (Front Porch and The Beach).
- High tank availability in many sizes and configurations, plus custom gas blending at the south shop.
- Guided and boat dives on demand, with boats departing from the Eden Beach shop.
- Facilities designed for shore diving: parking, drive‑ins, storage, showers, and rinse basins.
- A friendly, multilingual crew backed by more than twenty years of experience and a five‑star PADI IDC pedigree.
- An eco‑forward south shop powered entirely by solar.
Keep Exploring
Ready to plan beyond day one? Check out these helpful topics:
- Courses — From first‑time diver to instructor
- Dive & Drive — Shore diving made simple with a rental vehicle
- Air and rentals — Tanks, configurations, and gear you can count on
- Guided dives — Shore and boat dives with a pro
- Pricelist — Build your ideal package
- Dive sites — Get inspired for where to go next
- Where to stay — Partner resort options near each shop
- FAQ — Fast answers to common questions
Conclusion: Your First Day, Dialed In
With clear hours, two ocean‑access locations, drive‑in tank stations, and shore sites right out front, your First 24 Hours with Wannadive can be effortless—and unforgettable. Whether you’re stepping in at Front Porch, rolling into The Beach, or eyeing a boat to Klein Bonaire tomorrow, the crew has you covered.
Ready to dive in? Book now or reach out:
- Email: info@wannadive.com
- North (Eden Beach): +599 701 0882
- South (Grand Windsock): +599 717 8884
- Instagram: @Wannadive
- Facebook: @WannadiveBonaire
Open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM. Bring back the fun—see you underwater.