The sun will set on Bonaire Saturday the 27th much the same as it has for eons past - with one exception. I will be there to experience it. I have just (this past weekend) completed my beginner dive training, and have yet to log a 'real' dive.

A friend, and veteran diver, recommended I accompany him on a trip to Bonaire (arriving the 27th). After reading some of your comments here, how could I refuse.

We will be staying at Buddy Dive Resort (pretty sure that is the name) somewhere on Bonaire. With little time to learn about the island, I now depend on you for firsthand information.

Is Buddy Dive Resort a decent place?

Will the weather be accommodating this time of year?

How long is the flight from Atlanta?

Is Bonaire comfortable for 'new divers'?

Any suggestions for after-dark on-shore entertainment?

I know that's a lot to ask, so any help would be appreciated. J.

Hi Jeremy. If you're not excited, then I'd be happy to use your ticket! Buddy's is a nice place; you'll enjoy it there-it's right in front of a large reef. Bonaire is VERY friendly and comfortable for new divers-I finished my open water certification there. It's pretty easy diving, which is one reason I did it there. Weather will be great. As far as after dark entertainment, there are a few bars with music and one or two small casinos, but Bonaire is a very sleepy island and it's pretty quiet. You will love it there, and I am jealous!

Hi, Jeremy! I agree with Mary, you will just love it. It will spoil you for all other diving. The diving is truly the easiest I've ever experienced. The shore diving is unbelievable. Not much night life, just find a fun bar (I suggest Karel's downtown on the waterfront), enjoy the view, and have fun! During the day, I would highly recommend checking out the island. Drive through the flamingo sanctuary, check out the slave huts and salt fields. Definitely make the drive to check out the north side of the island. The waves crashing on the rocky coastline is simply breathtaking and well worth the short drive. Have at least one sunset dinner at Richard's, and I recommend the Wahoo.... Use bug spray if you are out at night, especially sitting by the water for dinner. The mosquitoes will take a chunk! I AM SO JEALOUS I CAN BARELY STAND IT. Have an absolutely marvelous time.

Buddy Dive is a fun place to stay…you’ll definitely have a great time. I was there a year and a half ago…could have used a cleaning but was fundamentally sound and a great staff. Hard to say about the weather, it doesn’t rain very much in Bonaire in general but they do get some this time of year. From what I’ve heard they would like some right now, it’s been pretty dry according to a lot of posts. Flight length will depend on which flight and carrier your on, but my suggestion is get on island time before you leave and then it wont bother you. Bonaire is comfortable for all levels of snorkeling and diving and there’s something for every particular skill level, actually there’s lots for every particular skill level. As for after-dark entertainment…we’ll it’s a very quite island and your options are limited in this area. This isn’t a leisure travel destination. Lots of nice little places downtown to have a beer and chat with other divers and interesting people. Buddy’s will do some music and events on some evenings.

Have fun, wish I was going too!

We just got back yesterday... you will love it. We didn't stay at Buddy's, but it is a beautiful place. You will have a great time.

I too am heading down for my first trip on 10/27. Any advice regarding currency exchange (do we need to pick up Bonairean dollars) or other tips and tricks would be most appreciated.

Thanks!

Mary - Kelly - Scott - 2Nancy:
Thank you very much for the insight. I hope the title to my post did not leave the wrong impression; I certainly did not intend for it to seem so crass. I am VERY excited. I'm sure this will not be the last time I visit Bonaire.

Dorian did raise a good issue however, should we fly in with local currency?

Not necessary - most places take US$. It unlikely you would be able to find any Antillean Guilders in the States anyway. ATMs here give out US$ and local currency.

Thanks Linda, much obliged!

Jeremy, you weren't crass. I was just kidding, and I am understandbly jealous!

Hey! Dorian.

Coming up soon, huh?

Bring lots of $1's $5's. Good for tips.

George K

Thanks George, but don't tell Will or he'll start tipping the dancers with $20s! ; )

Jeremy,
I'm sure you'll enjoy your trip. You said you're traveling with a "veteran" diver. As a beginning diver, be careful about trying too much. Diving in Bonaire can be easy, but the dangers are deceptive in their innocent appearance. Even shore entries on the calm side can be challenging until you've done plenty of them. It is easy to get knocked over when you're wearing fins and have the tank on. And sea urchins always tend to show up when you least want them. You will undoubtely use your air faster than your friend, so discuss how you'll handle that. You may want to dive with the divemaster (who will be more used to diving with beginners) which will give your friend the freedom to dive with people at his ability. - Juancho

Hi Jeremy,

I have stayed at Buddy Dive the last 2 years, 2002 trip is in the works and I am sure you will enjoy the resort and the staff is great. As for currency, as has been said before, US$ as taken almost everywhere (except coins) but expect change in guilders. While not exactly accurate, I find it easy to convert by figuring 1 guilder= $0.55 (or 2 guilders = $1.10) this is not exactly correct but it's close enought for me and makes cost estimation fairly easy. Most restruants have both prices listed. The breakfast at Buddies is very good......those made to order omletts are great.
Here is a picture from my rool last July.

Well, not the best picture I ever posted but you get the idea. For night life, how about night dives off Buddies pier.

Jeremy...you cannot not enjoy yourself, weather is usually always good small trade wind with helps with the evening mosquitos...bring bug spray and you will be ahead of the game...they are only pesty in the early evening, and when it rains the call it "liquid sunshine" Buddy dive is a wonderful outfit...but please take the tour of the town and experience Bonaire's hidden nooks and crannies...Alot of wonderful restaurants and plenty dive sites to keep you busy....it is a charming Island with friendly people...all laid back....may take a few days to settle in...but the trip usually flys by...so enjoy every minute.....

Jeremy....Bonaire was one of my first dive adventures...and I was a novice at that time...(Steve still classifies me as one now after 8 years of diving....) but it is VERY well set up for new or novice divers...and still holds the challange for more intermediate divers.....My parents had huge orange life preservers on me as a child in a one foot wading pool.....(a psychiatrists couch waiting to happen) If I can do it anyone can! Best of luck and I hope you come away with wonderful memories

Jeremy,

I just got back yesterday from my first trip to Bonaire. It was fantastic. We have been many places and this was definitely one of our favorites. We stayed at the Plaza resort but heard good things about Buddy Dive. They actually have a very nice reef right out front. The diving is fairly easy but do take care with the shore dives in some spots. We found some of the shore exits rougher than others even though they appear calm.

As for the night life, the two casinos we knew of (at the Plaza and Divi) were both closed. We went downtown everynight though and found a couple of nice restaurants and bars where we met a lot of people. Karel's is great and we also liked CoCo's and City Cafe (all right near each other.)

For dinner, I would HIGHLY recommend Richard's which is right on the water. The food and the service were excellent. We also found It Rain's Fishes and Cappricio's to be good.

We did not find one place that did not take US$ and most accept Visa/MC too. The weather was great our entire trip. We had one rain in the middle of the night and that was it

Have a great and safe trip! You'll love it.

Michelle, sounds like you had a wonderful time on your first trip to Bonaire....my bet is that it won't be your last! You will now begin to feel the PBD blues and signs of "The Addiction" will kick in quickly, too! Carole

Hi Folks,

I'm new to the board, and while I've only been diving since '93, (Bonaire since '97), I am definately old enough to qualify as a geezer and have been going to the Carribean for over thirty years. I make it apoint to go to the local banks and convert some checks into local currency as soon as possible, just as a courtesy. It may be my imagination, but it seems that the locals appreciate this and are even nicer than usual when you pay in the coin of the realm.

Yes, I've become an addict. We'll be down for the last week of Nov. and have already booked two more for Feb.

See you soon,

Good man, Bob! Welcome aboard.

Bob..welcome to Bonairetalk..hope you will join the group of us that will get together sometime in Feb..seems like there will be alot of us board members tdiving in Bonaire in Feb..staring with Feb 7th on..will pick a date later..

Welcome aboard Bob,
What dates in February are you scheduled for? I'm trying to keep track so we can try to plan a 'get-together' (or two) during the Feb-Mar time frame. As we get closer, I'll E-mail my compiled list to those on the list (you too, Jake and Linda). 124 days, and counting!
Chet

I, too, just returned from Bonaire (aka paradise). First thing we did was go to a bank to convert our dollars to guilders. We found the rate of exchange when you use dollars and get change back was variable. Banks are convenient and just make life easier. Do take BUG SPRAY. I didn't get bitten once, but for some reason they loved my roommate. She was covered with bites. Be forwarned if you are sensitive. We snorkeled, no diving. It was fantastic. Enjoy. I personally, can't wait to go again.

Thanks for the warm welcome everybody. Scheduled to arrive 3,Feb 02, depart 17,Feb. Please Keep me advised of any "Board Meetings" scheduled in between.