Looking for any snorkeling spots that also have shade on the beach. We'll be first time visitors in May. From my research, Pink Beach has shade from a few palm trees, but have not found many others. Any suggestions?

Welcome to BT, Melissa.

AFAIR from north to south; all northern sites have shade except Ole Blue, around the resorts there is shade (mostly), good shade at Windsock (end of runway) and Bachelors, from there on south it's pretty sparse.

IMHO, Some of the best snorkeling is at Andrea I, Calabasas (the Divi), Windsock and the Plaza by the Tipsy Seagull, all have shade. YMMV.

Melissa: Does it have to be one of the Bonaire beaches, like pink beach, you hear and read alot about? If not, I believe there is some shade at the Andrea I and Andrea II dive sites. Andrea II especially would be good for snorkling I would say based on my expirience diving there. Also, I haven't done this site but I've seen posts from snorklers who have snorkled Wayaka (sp) up in the park. I've read there is shade on the beach there in the form of a cave of some type. You might want to do a keyword search on Wayaka here on Bonaire Talk. You may get more detailed info that way. Have a great trip.

There is a nice little beach with shade from the angle of the cliff at Wayaca 2, but you have to take the long route through Washington Park. It's certainly worth a visit to the park, then a nice snorkel towards the end. Get to the park when they open at 8 am or soon after, to have plenty of time to see the "attractions" -- the long route gives you the lovely bays on the east side to see.

Mellissa
Less you have the wrong picture of Bonaire, spend some time browsing Bonaire talk. It is not your typical lush tropical island. There is not much shade nor sand beaches along most of the coast. I love it and have been visiting for 25 years but I am not a sandy beach person.
Mick

I second the Divi. Lots of shade to be had, great snorkeling, and a fantastic place for lunch at their Chibi-Chibi restaurant. Good stuff!

Melissa, just be careful which trees you use for shade. There is a beautiful shade tree on Bonaire that is poisonous and you end up with a nasty rash/welts/etc. Here are 2 good links. The second one, scroll down to the pics.

Manzalina Bobo Tree

Manzalina Bobo Tree

Check out the "Sunbuster Shelter" >>> http://www.llbean.com/
We had one very similar for our trip last year. (Thank you Jenny!!!) It was quite small for traveling and a nice break from the sun when needed.

We have spent a lot of time in Aruba and realize the Bonaire terrain will be similar. We enjoy taking a break in the shade between snorkeling outings and know shade will be limited.

Thanks for all the great advice. We have learned a lot by reading a variety of topics on BT.

Cheers, Melissa