My husband and I intend to try Bonaire this year, probably in May or early June. This will be the first time there, we've snorkeled in Grand Cayman Islands, Cancun and recently Belize (where we stayed at a lovely resort "Journeys End"). We love the Caribbean, best when it is out of season and not as crowded.
We would like to make our reservations, but were hoping to get input as to best places to say, where to snorkel (we love snorkeling, but not diving), etc.
Any insight would be appreciated.

Kathleen, if you can give us some of your parameters for places to stay it might be easier to help you out as there is a very wide range of accommodations available. Do you want waterfront? resort amenities? a place with a kitchen? If you have not yet checked www.infobonaire.com you might want to do so to learn more about what is available. If you do a keyword search or look back through the snorkel thread you will see favorite spots for snorkeling. Also, be aware that you will want to have some type of hard soled booties for getting in and out of the water as the shoreline is rough, not sandy.

Susan, Thank you for writing. I will be looking more into infobonaire.com, but I was hoping to get some ideas from people who have actually been there as to if there were any specifics they could provide. We would like waterfront, and a resort that is not that crowded.

As long as we have access for snorkeling at all times, a pool is not essential, although it would be nice. We could be fairly flexible within those parameters. Anything come to mind?

Kathleen:

Lots of alternatives come to mind -- there are really many solid choices but it depends on what you want (location, amenities, price, etc.). Waterfront does narrow it down but still...

In the north, you have Buddy/Lion Dive, Sand Dollar, Black Durgon, Harbour Village, Eden and Captain Dons. All are on the water. South of town you have Carib, lighthouse, Plaza, Divi, Bel Mar. All are on the water. Others are a short walk to the water such as Coco Palm (short walk), Caribbean Club, Dive Inn, etc.

Everyone has their favorites -- including me. While I love where I stay (nine or more stays so far), it is not a great fit for everyone.

If you could describe your dream place, what would it be like? (Do you want a kitchen? Is walking distance to town important? What is uncrowded (Carib Inn has ten units, Divi has 130)? 24 hour front desk? Spa? On-site bar? Great house reef?)

As I had mentioned, we can be quite flexible. I do not know whether or not you have ever gone to Belize. We went on a vacation there last June. The place we stayed, Journeys End, had a large number of units (WELL over a hundred), but at the time we went it was only about 10% occupied, and it was wonderful. There was a day front desk, we stayed in a Cottage by the ocean, there was a pool, nearby access to the Internet and snorkeling right off the beach. Regarding a kitchen---what are the food prices like there. (Is that something that would be wise? When we went to Grand Cayman we were a bit unpleasantly surprised at that food prices).
If you have any ideas about snorkeling trips, etc., please share. We've heard really wonderful things about Bonaire, and would like to take advantage of possibly little known gems. Thanks for your input.

Kathleen,

For snorkeling, I would suggest Renee's Snorkel trips, she's great. You can check it out at
www.reneesnorkeltrips.com

Kathleen, we have never stayed in a resort while on Bonaire (always rent an apartment or house) but as David said above, everyone has a favorite. Snorkeling from each that is on the water is fairly easy though at Lighthouse you may have a bit more current because of the location. Some of the resorts have small sandy beaches for access to the water while others have piers.

For snorkeling I would recommend a trip on The Woodwind as well as a trip with Renee of Renee's Snorkel Tours. Both will take you to a variety of sites and have wonderful folks who really know the fish. For venturing out on your own the book Bonaire Shore Diving Made Easy by Jesse Armacost and available on the island also lists sites that are good for snorkeling.

There are wonderful restaurants on Bonaire and we have never been horrified at the prices. Be sure to read through the dining thread for ideas and reviews. We always like to stay in a place with a kitchen so that we can do a quick breakfast before heading out to dive and to have a light lunch. And many nights we are very happy to sit on our patio and have dinner in. We are spending longer and longer times in Bonaire and find that, much as we like the restaurants, we really don't want to eat that many meals out!

Feel free to send me an email through this board if you have more questions!

Kathleen:

My wife and I have been to Bonaire twice - both times we stayed at Sand Dollar Resort. It is quiet, not crowded, has a small beach and pier. Bari Reef, the house reef, is well-known for its abundance and diversity of fish life. Snorkling Bari Reef is a breeze.

The units range from Studio to 3BR, all with a kitchen. Restaurant prices are comparable to Grand Cayman but if you prefer to do some of your own cooking, the kitchen (fully equipped) is nice. Groceries are pricier than the states but better than eating out all the time.

From what I have heard you say so far, sounds like Sand Dollar might be what you are looking for. BTW, we are planning our third visit in September 2005.

Marvin

Kathleen:

I forgot to mention, Sand Dollar does have a pool. Also, check out their website: www.sanddollarbonaire.com. They will even assist with discounted airline reservations.

Marvin

Is Bonaire ever "crowded" with tourists?

Kathleen, as a frequent traveler to Belize, Ambergris Caye specifically, I've never seen it crowded no matter what time of year. Also, I think you will find the snorkeling in Bonaire, and the access to good snorkeling spots to be superior to anything you've seen so far. I've snorkeled Grand Cayman also, and there were a few good spots, but in Bonaire they seem to just go on and on.

Reading the responses, I am getting more and more excited about our trip to Bonaire! I was looking at the Sand Dollar and it looks extremely good. Are the units right on the water and/or with a good view of the water? I really though that Grand Cayman was fantastic snorkeling, so if its felt that this is as good if not better...WOW! Thank you SO much for all your input!!

Lodging:
A similar thread is at: http://www.oldbonairetalk.com/newsgroup/messages/24/191999.html

I would look more at:
Dons/Sand Dollar/Buddys/Eden: These are all located north of town on the water.

Divi/Carib/Plaza: These are located on the water south of town.

Carib is my favorite but is not for everyone (small -- ten units, no 24 hour front desk, no bar or restaurant, somewhat plain rooms). I like it because of the location (on the water, can walk to town and nearby restaurants), staff (great -- most have been there for years), house reef (good quality, easy to get to) and the views from the rooms.

Here is a nice thread of Dons vs. Carib: http://www.oldbonairetalk.com/newsgroup/messages/24/189969.html?1102455326

Food:
I prefer to have a room with at least a microwave and decent sized fridge. While I don't find the food very expensive, I like eating in my room. There is nothing like grabbing a fast snack (or a cold beer) anytime you want one.

There is much regional variation in the price of food in the US so I think perceptions vary when they talk about food abroad. If you shop around on Bonaire, and pick products more from EU and South America, I find the food prices only slightly higher than where I live. (There is fresh fruit stand by the main dock in town, Cultimara is probably the largest grocery but there are many others that might be cheaper -- Flamingo, More for Less, Jokes, etc.)

Eating out, you can spend almost any amount you would like. It is pretty easy to spend less than $5 per person (Watta Burger, KFC, Cazollis, Julios, etc.) or a whole lot more. I don't think of Bonaire as having GCM prices...

Snorkel Sites:
Hidden Beach, Sorobon, Oil Slick and your hotel all come to mind. Also, many have enjoyed a "drift snorkel" over on Klein. And, by all means, try your hotel at night!

Snorkel Tips:
Unlike most of the places you have been, most of the sites are easily reached from shore. You can go anytime you would like and to a large number of locations.

Most hotels have stairs or ladders into the water. But most of the sites (marked on the island with a yellow rock by the road) require walking in over coral rubble. For these sites, you really need hard soled dive booties. (I did have a friend who would walk out in Tevas and then change to full foot fins -- not the best alternative!).

Renee conducts shore based snorkel trips and the reviews are very positive. http://www.infobonaire.com/reneesnorkeltrips/index.html The woodwind also does snorkel trips via boat (so you are not combined with divers). They also get rave reviews http://www.woodwindcharters.com/ . Both leave from around the Divi (just south of town).

Travel Agents:
If you are considering a package, try Caradonna. I have used them in the past and was happy with their service. If you are getting a package, I would suggest including a car or pick-up.

Bob: How you would compare the diving on Ambergris Cay to diving on Bonaire? Thanks.

Hi Kathleen, Welcome to the board. I go to Bonaire for snorkeling and not diving as well. I love the waterfront rooms at the Divi Flamingo Resort. I love its location as it is just a beautiful ten minute walk to town and many restaurants along a waterfront prominade. The snorkeling is excellent there. There is a little sunken boat and tons of life around the cement pier and under their docks. Instead of renting a car I choose to do daily guided snorkels with Renee from Renee snorkel trips or sail and snorkel with the Woodwind. Both are great times with lots of fishlife to be seen! You might like to do a search for some of my trip reports for more info.

Marcus -- I thought that the diving from Ambergris was gorgeous with beautiful corals, fish and topography but the boat rides were really rough. Small boats and big waves made for very unpleasant rides. However, that said, the dive operators we used in both Ambergris and Caye Caulker were friendly and professional. I would return to Belize for the people and the attractions on the mainland but for diving I will stick with the ease of Bonaire. Hope it is OK that I answered even though you directed this at Bob!!!

Susan: I appreciate you answering my post. We have been curious about Belize but have been hesitating to try it because we really aren't that big on boat diving. Your input is useful. Thanks!

Marcus -- I hope you don't mind if I respond as well. I found the diving at the atolls (i.e., half moon, lighthouse, etc.) truly epic. Everywhere else pales in comparison.

I think Bonaire diving is better than Ambergris diving -- more dive sites, most can be done from shore, more fish, less crowded, cheaper, etc.. Still, Belize is a great destination (you can easily add on a trip to Tikal and I had a blast at Jaguar Paw!)

I agree with you David -- Belize is a great destination but in my mind for things other than diving (I admit I am spoiled by Bonaire and did not enjoy the boat rides in Belize). We spent two amazing weeks on the mainland visiting Mayan ruins, tubing in caves, hiking in the rainforest, and relaxing on the beach in Placencia. I would return to Belize in a heartbeat but not for the reasons I return to Bonaire.

For my two cents, we have made one trip to Bonaire, 4 to Belize, 5 to Cozumel, one to Grand Cayman, and a number of other sites in Mexico, St John, St Maarten and a few other places. Note that I am not a fanatic diver, and don't measure things by how many, how deep or how long. We do a lot of other things, and diving is just another of them. My humble opinion is that nothing matches the grandeur of the Cozumel reef for variety of site types, plus big critters. Too bad they brought all those cruise ship people in and spoiled the rest of the island. Snorkeling was fair. Grand Cayman, at least the dives I did, reminded me of Disneyland, all of the fish were perfect and smiled at you. Almost like it was designed to be an adult playground. I love Ambergris Caye for the people, the food, and sense of relaxation (plus the Belikin Beer). The dive sites just off the reef are fair to good, the sometimes brutal boat rides get you excellent dives. The Blue Hole is an experience. The critters are small, big and abundant. Snorkeling, good at the offshore sites. After one trip to Bonaire, I found it to be on average, a bit better than good. The Hilma Hooker was awesome, the salt pier an enjoyable dive. What is bringing our party of 6 to Bonaire this year is the ease of shore diving yielding some easy and enjoyable bottom time. And I will admit, primo snorkeling. The park is also a good day trip with lots of photo ops. As Susan just said, different things for different times, this time we want some easy diving and good snorkeling.

Bob --

I agree it is all about what you vacation to be. I consider Bonaire a very water focused vacation spot (scuba, snorkel, wind surf, etc.).

I also agree about Cozumel -- I was a huge fan when a cruise ship showed up every couple of days. Now...

I was also a big fan of Playa del Carmen back when you could stay at places like Kailum, The Camptel (now plowed into condos, I believe...). I still think the Yucatan is one of the best vacation spots -- Merida, Palenque, etc. are all wonderful.

I will do the South Pacific one day and may do the out islands of Belize again. The one downside: price. On Bonaire, I can be very comfortable for less than $900 ppdo per week (two bedroom, smack on the water, kitchen, dining room, living area, giant seaside deck, 25 feet from the water, etc. including car and shore diving but not meals although I eat cheap)

Lighthouse reef is about $1800 pp per week for a mini-suite (includes meals and 17 dives). In Palau, a two tank day of diving is around $110! A week on a liveaboard in Chuuk goes for around $2k, etc.

So, for dive trips, I always end up weighing about 18 days of three+ dives a day on Bonaire vs. about seven days of diving somewhere else.

(Message edited by bonairetrip on January 3, 2005)

Bob, also try the mangrove kayaking, or horseback riding, what about diving the East side. There are a few dive operators that do this. What about a sunset cruise/snorkel or the a watertaxi to Klein Bonaire for a picnic and snorkel? Oh my there is so much to do. I find that Bonaire offers a great mega dive vacation, a lay back and chill vacation or a great eco vacation (hiking, birdwatching, mountain biking, etc). Enjoy the Best!

Liz

Hi Liz, the mangrove kayaking and a trip to Klein Bonaire are definitely on our list. Skip the horses, haven't ridden since a day trip in the Rockies lots of years ago.
Dave, Cozumel was a joy when we went, one cruise ship a week, only one gas station, no stoplights anywhere, all employees were Coz residents and the pace was easy. Playa was the golf resort, the pier, and one little strip mall. My first taste of scuba was in the Phillipines back in the late 60's Wish I could go back there now with modern equipment. 26 days, but not counting (he he he ).

Maybe I'm a little too old but I really think Shore diving is over rated. I hate dragging all that equipment around and getting sand all over everything. I'll take the a liveaboard any day (cost is a major consideration of course). You dive when you want and it couldn't be easier.
I haven't done Belize yet but I have done Cozumel (great) and Little Cayman. Little Cayman has very short boat rides to Bloody Bay wall and the diving just doesn't get any better. Safety stops are in unbelievable aquarium like settings at 15 to 20 feet. The wall is indescribable.

Chuck,

You don't have to shore dive on Bonaire if you don't want to. You have the option of doing all boat dives and at the majority of the resorts, if not all they have places to store gear. Safety stops on Bonaire are better than an aquarium I think!

Liz

Actually that's what we did in December. We did 12 boat dives and 3 shore dive. You can't beat the price of boat dives in Bonaire. We got to visit some great sites that are impossible or very difficult from shore. The safety stops are great in Bonaire but personally I think they are even better on top of Bloody Bay wall - just my opinion. Both are great.

Where's Carole Baker? For goodness sake, girl,
get in here! <big>

I would definitely get an opinion from Carole. In New Jersey, every town has a 'George Washington slept here' sign somewhere. On Bonaire, I believe the statistic is Carole has slept in one out of every six homes/resorts. :-)

I'll be thinking of you next week as we are landing at <flamingo> airport, Carole. :-)

Carl

Wow, I got caught "napping" once and I'm "outted" by my buddy, Carl! LOL.

Kathleen, actually, the only place Joe and I have stayed at a repeated number of times is the Divi Flamingo Beach Resort. We love it to pieces there for the casual intimacy of the place and the ease of entry into the water. The snorkeling is fabulous and right there at your toes reach...we aren't divers.

We did stay at a home/villa in Santa Barbara last year for part of our stay and it was beautiful, but we really did miss being right on the water at the Divi so both weeks will be at the Divi this next trip.

Renee's Snorkel Tours are terrific as is Renee'. Talk about personal guided tours...sometimes ther are only two folks with her. She gives it her all and then some. Renee' knows where every critter is under the surface and will point them all out to you. I was amazed. We are pretty avid and experienced snorkelers and Renee' was able to astound us with her knowledge and ability to find new things constantly. Our eyes never would have spotted some of the critters she found for us. Renee' is great with folks who have some difficulties getting around, too. She made certain we had "easy entry" accesses and the underwater show was amazing.

I don't think you could go wrong with the Divi for its snorkeling, intimate (small) beach, two restaurants, the casino, closeness to town (you can walk along the waterfront walkway into town) and so many other nice things about the Divi.

Keep us posted as to what you decide to do...I don't think you will ever regret your decision to go to Bonaire. She has sooo much to offer beyond the water aspect, too. So much more than Cayman...we will never return there...did not care for it that much at all.

Maybe we will see you on Bonaire in May/June! Ayo. Carole

PS Carl, I have been thinking about you and Patty returning next week and I am sooo green with envy!! I think of Bonaire every time I see Patty's car at work, now! LOL. cb

Folks, can anyone comment on the snorkeling in Little Cayman? Is it anywhere close to what Chuck says about the diving?

P.S.--Kathleen, to answer one of your questions, we stayed at the Divi last March and loved it. We felt like we were at our own private villa, it was so quiet and uncrowded. The balcony rooms have a fabulous view of the ocean, and the pier has a lot of fish life. There is also a tiny beach, very pleasant.

I found the snorkeling on Little Cayman excellant in the Bloody Bay area, with decent shore access. Other than that area I would say the snorkeling is only fair with a limited number of places with shore access.

I am going to try a trip in June/July. Have had great idea's from this board. Thank you to everyone. I Have done Ambergris Caye, Belize so I was worried nothing would hold a candle to it! Glad to here its good diving in Bonaire. Im a bit of a party animal. Will I fit in? lol Ambergris was honeymoon central! lol

David

If you are looking a clubbing scene, Bonaire's not it...If you are looking for Rum Punch parties, Music by Moogie, Amstels at Karel's Bar, throwing a few back at the Divi with our resident brewmeister Gregg B if he's on the island (LOL Gregg!)... having fun, making new friends... Great Diving, snorkeling, wonderful people in general than Bonaire IS the place for you!

Liz

I second that motion Liz!!! Well said.
Dive Safe and Have fun...

I will probably go alone is what I meant i guess. So just wondering if its a place to hook up with folks for fun.

Hey Dana! I think I got it! Thanks for your help!

David

Dave,

You're going to love Bonaire, its a lot bigger than AC (the roads are even paved)so you should have no problem finding a party. We went to AC 3 times in like 4 years,'99 to '03. Last Sept. we went to Bonaire and we're already planning our next trip back to Bonaire. In AC we stayed at Mayan Princess, Banyan Bay and Belizean Shores(in town, south and north of town). I don't think you'll find anything like Ho Chan there but you can snorkle to the reef anytime, from almost anywhere on the island, and for as long as you want(no hour and a half $20.00 a head tours) because its like the reef just grows out of the water onto the shore. There's not going to be any seagrass but there's also not going to be any long walks on sandy beaches. We love AC but have to do Bonaire again, last year we went two weeks after the hurricane so the snorkling probably wasn't as good as it could be but you can park and go in anywhere on about 3/4 of the island and have good snorkling and stay out or come in go back out for as long as you want. And the KFC has a beer and wings special! Here's just a few of the many things we're gonna do this time and would recommend to first timers being its out second trip and been reading this board for over a year...
Find and review the road signs especially if arriving at night
Stay in town or really close, oceanview room preferably second floor or higher (Could spend all day just looking at the water, probably 7 different shades of blue)
Do the Park and Klein early so you can do them again before leaving
Renee Snorkling trip, didn't get to the first time but everyone raves about it
Go to Lac Bay area on Sunday, check out the windsurfing area, great reef by the nudie camp, and finish at the Lac Bay beach bar area.