Just returned from my 5th wonderful adventure to Bonaire. Some of the highlights:

We stayed in a house at Lagoen Hills. I'd definitely recommend working with Monique and staying in this house with a pool. It's a 10 minute drive to the beach, and I thought I would miss the sound of the surf. But I thoroughly enjoyed being out of town, especially during a night swim in the pool under the gorgeous stars (including the Southern Cross).


I made a personal record of 22 dives on this trip, most with Buddy Dive. Great outfit, especially suited for the diver that wants to do a lot for themself, like a lot of shore dives. Most of their boat dives go to Klein, with a few exceptions being shore dives that might be difficult to get to from the shore. Since we had a couple divers not as comfortable with shore diving, we ended up not getting to any of the double reef dives south of town, and few of the shore dives north of town. But Alex really shined on our last dive. When we requested the 4 creatures we hadn't yet seem (turtle, seashore, frog fish, ray), he came through with 3 of them. It was suggested that he planted plastic figurines, but I really did see that frog fish move, and the turtle definitely didn't want to be photographed.

Proud to say that we brought two more people into the diving fold, my brother-in-law and my 12-year old daughter, thanks to Marc and Lisa at Buddy Dive. Hip-hip-hooray.

We made it to both the water and street cams. We were the ones with the "xxx DIVER" signs and a Dr.Seuss theme:
Arty Diver (my mother)
Pappy Diver (my father)
Davi Diver (my husband)
Happy Diver (me)
Imp Diver (my daughter)
Pinky Diver (my sister)
Nieuw Diver (my brother-in-law, "new" in Dutch)
Dinky Diver (my nephew)

I was surprised by how green the island looked, which I hear it's due to this year's extended rain season. I'm wondering if that's also why we saw more goats and especially donkeys on the roadside that ever before.

Was finally able to meet Michael and Jake. Can't believe how friendly these folks were.

Our definite favorite restaurant was Capricio's. We returned our final night just so that I could order the lobster pasta again. Rum Runners and KonTiki were excellent as well. We tried both the Maiky Shack and Giby's for local food. My preference was Giby's, but my husband preferred Maiky Shack, so I'd recommend both if you're looking for the local experience.

Tips for future travelers:
-Bring your own C cell batteries for dive lights. They are expensive buy on the island, and it is much preferred if you take them home for disposal, since they are hazardous waste and can't be recycled on the island.
-My dad brought a flashing beacon light for our night dives, which really made the navigation back to shore easier. Best buy he's made.

And now depression sets up. 55 degrees and rain here in Portland, Oregon, and all those clothes to wash and mail to go through. But it was well worth it, and we already plan to return next year.

Thanks for the great trip report! The only way I find to cure the depression is to book the next trip right away!!

Great Report!

Maureen,
Great Trip Report, but I'm wondering about the flashing beacon light? I'm leaving for Bonaire May 30th and would love to know more about what kind, etc. Do you think I should get one in the States? Thanks in advance, Danielle

Danielle,

Check for a "Flashing strobe" light at your local dive shop. They should know what you mean. It should float, and you'll want to attach it to a weight or rock (long lanyard helps).

Jake

My dad's light is a Princeton Tek Aqua Lite, which is much like Jake described, floats with a cord to attach to a buoy line. It looks a lot like the Princeton Tek tank lites. He purchased it at a local dive shop, so hopefully you'll have luck finding it before your trip. I'm jealous you're going so soon, but I guess we need to share this lovely island. Say hi to the fishies.

Our strobe light has been a real help in finding our way back to shore on night dives. The only time we have had any problem was when another couple of divers went diving and put out another couple of strobe lights. We found our own light, but it was, of course, the last one we checked out. Actually, it was something to laugh about back at the dock.

Who did you rent the house through? Fantastic trip report, by the way!