Hubby & I just returned from our 6th trip:

Arrived Saturday on AE – all flights on time & all bags received.

We proceeded to Divers Paradise. We stayed in an upper level 1 bedroom unit. We were very pleased with the apartment, it was equipped with everything we needed to make our stay comfortable & enjoyable. We had a couple of minor issues, but one call to Al and the problem was immediately resolved.

Snorkeling
Eden Beach – was OK, only thing we noticed that was different, was that when you entered the water a large school of Sargent Majors came up to you…wonder if they are being fed by the guests???
Invisibles – turtles, eagle ray, large octopus
Tori’s Reef – octopus (saw several), several eels
Yellow Hut – 1 turtle, sea cucumber, 3 porcupine fish, giant Angel fish, midnight parrotfish, octopus, spotted drum
Klein Bonaire – 3 turtles, peacock flounder, sea cucumber
Yellow Submarine – asked DM where the seahorse was residing, he gave us specific directions, but told us he had not seen the seahorse for the last 3 days. Our search was unproductive, but there’s always the next time
Andrea I – 3-4 green turtles every day, barracuda, 2 cowfish, 2 French Angels
Vista Blue – 1 turtle, and a pod of dolphins swam by early one afternoon
Divi – was able to do a night snorkel, but water was so churned up from a departing cruise ship, only saw a few lobsters & a green moray eel.

Dining
Bistro de Paris – excellent as always - enjoyed visiting with Patrice
Bambu – first time to this restaurant - the food was fabulous
El Fogon Latino – consistently good food, reasonable price & great service
Mi Banana – also good food, price & service
Patagonia – hubby had fish which he enjoyed, my steak was a bit tough
Captain Don’s – this was the first time we tried this restaurant, good food, good service, we will be back!

Friday, early AA flight, checked in 2 hours prior to flight, no wait to pay the departure tax. All flights on time.

PBD is not too bad, as we are returning in June..also in January next year, just waiting for the flights to be available so we can book them!!

Thanks for posting trip report.
Good information about paying departure tax.

Thanks for the report, Chris. Sounds like you had a wonderful trip.

Your observations at the Divi reef (Calabas) truly concern me as we are owners at the Divi and LOVE their clear waters and critters on the reef and in the rocks, etc.......I was concerned about the cruise ships disturbing the water and conditions and critters at the Divi and my suspicions were right, I guess. ("Divi – was able to do a night snorkel, but water was so churned up from a departing cruise ship, only saw a few lobsters & a green moray eel."

What a shame. I wonder how long it will be after repeated churning from huge engines and props before the reef, waters and/or critters, etc. are damaged to the point of no return there.

I am very concerned about this topic.

We return in May/June and hope the waters will calm down by then as the ships stop arriving in mid May, I believe....at least that is how it stands now...then they return in the early fall.

Maybe we'll see you down there! Ayo. Carole

Carol - in June we'll only be down for 1 week, June 7 - 14. Maybe we could meet at City for a Happy Hour cocktail???

Chris

Thanks for the report! I will be there May/June as well. Maybe we could all meet?

Thanks for the report, Chris.

I'm staying at Divi this time too, although I'll miss you guys. I've heard different things about Calabas, which I've loved diving in the past. Anybody else want to chime in on how the reef is looking these days?

Tribs, WAAA! I was still a lurker when I sat behind you at Richard's and didn't speak up. I missed my chance!

Well CB...shoot for June 7-14 and you can meet all of us. No worries, I will get out to your neck of the woods some day.

Tribs, We met at breakfast at the Lost Penguin :-( (miss them)a couple of years ago. Will be back on Bonaire May 10-26 this year. We'll look for you if you're going to be there!