A brief trip report for our first trip to Bonaire - since I have benefited so much from everyone's help here.

We drove down to Toronto (we're about 4 hours north of Toronto) and stayed overnight at the airport hotel. Then flew from Toronto to Miami to Curacao, waited for a couple of hours and got the 1700 Divi flight to Bonaire. To those that told us to fly Divi - thanks! You certainly are right that they are a great company, friendly and helpful. Despite the fact our luggage was overweight it all arrived right with us. My wife got to sit up front for the flight and had a great view on the way across to Bonaire.

ABCar Rental had a nice little 2007 Mazda truck waiting for us as we had reserved. We managed to make it to Cultimara before it closed and pick up a few supplies. A challenge at times for us that can't read Dutch at all. Actually my wife had this challenge to herself as I stayed with the truck - didn't want to risk losing all our stuff from the truck on the first night there.
Picked up a cell from Michael the next day, as well as stamps, and a few other things. Michael has quite a bit of stuff in that store - not to mention the best information. Ice cream next door was a frequent stop.

We snorkeled several sites - directly off the hotel, as well as Andrea I and II, 1000 steps, Klein Bonaire, etc. Great snorkeling every time - always something new to see. Didn't get to see any rays unfortunately.

We adopted a couple of donkeys, and brought a couple of bags of things we had brought from Canada to the Animal Shelter, played with as many of the dogs and cats as we could on our two visits to them.

Our dining report - the two places you truly cannot miss are Richards and Bambu. Richards we were told by the hotel did not take reservations - of course they were wrong and we almost didn't get a table - luckily when we got there he fit us in a corner, and the meal was wonderful. Next time I will know to reserve for the pier. We certainly enjoyed our meal.

Bambu's was so good that we had dinner there one night, and went back the next night just for a drink and dessert. Truly Bambu was incredible in every way- - impeccable service, wonderful food, good wine - it was all just so good.

Patagonia was interesting - nice place, liked the location and the food was fairly good - not as good as Bambu, but good. Service was truly amazing - started so-so, and went to non-existent. After our waiter served our dinner - we never saw him again. Well that's not totally true - we saw him as he walked by, served other tables, and ignored us. The only hope there was the girl who served us water, cleared dishes, etc. She seemed to have the most idea about serving people - and with my bits of broken spanish, we sort of communicated what we needed (coffee, dessert, etc.)- and she did find someone else to help us when we needed the bill. Really a bizarre place.

Yacht Club Apartments restaurant - only found it because Michael told us to go there - and we learned what Michael says to do you do. He was right - great service, interesting and very good food. Small menu but try the Indonesian Rice Table. Only tip - go there REALLY REALLY HUNGRY. I can't imagine two people finishing that meal. Thanks Michael

Capriccio - ok, nothing really impressive. Over priced for what you got. There are better places, so I would skip it as it is not worth the $$.

Pasa Bon Pizza - really busy! Had take out (take away?) and loved it. Great pizza.

La Balandra - nice setting, food not that great.

Bongos - good food, so-so service. Wasn't sure why we couldn't eat at the table on the beach where we were having a drink. Told we had to move to the 'restaurant.' Well.....ok it was about an 8 foot walk to the restaurant table, so we did and got served there.

I can't remember any other place to mention at the moment, just wish we were still there. Came home to get up and drive to work in -31 C (that's -24 F) temperatures.

Few pictures, I'm no great photographer.

Thanks for sharing, good report. Where did you stay?

Dear Mr. I'm no great photographer, Please keep them coming!

Woo hooo! Just what I needed for my PBD. Keep those pictures coming please. And I second Brian's question, where did you stay? How did you not take those adorable dogs home with you? I have a love/hate relationship with the shelter. I love to visit and pet the critters, but hate leaving them behind.

Nice report & pics! More please
And don't mention PBD - because I've got it bad!
I remember seeing those dogs at the shelter & it was VERY hard walking away from them! Unfortunately, they were just closing when we got there so we only got a quick tour & a peek at them.

ND..Start planning your next trip.. It really does wonders to aid PBD.
Those dogs are just too cute & one of them reminds me of our own Rhodesian Ridgeback who we had to leave behind on our 2 week trip but missed dearly!
No I don't speak Dutch either but that's part of the fun about shopping for food. You're never quite sure what's in the package till you open & taste it

We stayed at Harbour Village. We wanted quiet - and it was very quiet and relaxing for the time we spent. The animal shelter is so incredibly well run and organized - worth the visit. For the short time it takes, worth coming to play with the animals - they love the attention.

I didn't know Harbor Village had such a nice beach. That actually looks like other parts of the Caribbean. LOL Great trip report.

Great trip report and pictures. Who did you fly with from Toronto? Did you have to book ahead for Divi Divi? We went via San Juan this time which was okay but would prefer a quicker route next time if the price is right.

We flew with American Airlines from Toronto to Miami then Miami to Curacao. We left on the 0630 flight and got to Bonaire about 1730. We could have made the 1530 DIVI flight from Curacao, but it was too close to risk booking it that way. We booked ahead with DIVI (you can do this by phone or email). Other option for Toronto is the Air Canada flight to Aruba (direct) - then you have to fly DAE from Aruba to Bonaire. I was worried about how reliable the San Juan connection was, so we did not go that way.
I would like to do the Air Canada flight just because it is direct and avoids the issue of US Customs completely - wish DIVI flew from Aruba to Bonaire. I am still not sure about how reliable DAE is - from what I have read.

Great pictures, thanks for sharing. I have a question about the 4th picture. Whenever I put my pointer over it it is titled "squid".

We took a picture of the same thing while in Bonaire. Does anyone know what these are actually called? Thank you.

scrawled file fish
look here

Thanks Freddie.

Thanks for identifying the fish - my names were not meant to be correct id's just whatever I could call a picture while I was figuring out how to post pictures. At this point I just enjoy looking at all my pictures, wishing I took more, and really just wishing I was still there.....
.... mostly just back to work.

Your report and photos are terrific Northern Dog.. I can imagine why you want to be back there ..who wouldn't