4th trip to Bonaire. The diving was wonderful, as usual, as was the dining (Unbelievable and Richards for nice nights out....Pasa Bon, Mi Banana and Bobbejans for great, casual fare).

This trip, we got our air through Tropical Divers (across from the Plaza), because they have steel tanks with DIN valves. Nice shop with precise nitrox fills (32% across the board all week). Paul took the solo diver specialty course with Chris Verstappen, who proved to be extremely knowledgeable and an excellent instructor.

Two things from this trip that deserve special call-outs:

1. Renee's personal shopping service. (The same Renee of snorkeling tour fame).

www.bonairepersonalshopper.com

We sent an email to her a week ahead of time with our list of desired items, and she arrived at our place shortly after we arrived on Saturday morning with a full complement of food and beverage. She even stocked our fridge and pantry for us. Her rates are extremely reasonable ($25/hour), and she was a welcomed sight after our Continental red-eye arrival. We will not hesitate to use her services next time we are on Bonaire.

2. Guided east side dives with Bas Noij.

www.vipdiving.com

We dove the west side last year with him, and this time did Baby Beach and Cai. We had lunch at Maiky Snack in between, and had an all-around great day with him. He again provided lots of interesting information on Bonaire. If you are looking for a guide for either east or west side diving, Bas is the man.

All in all, an excellent dive trip. Looking forward to returning soon!

Our photo albums (all the good underwater shots were taken by Paul...I just find stuff for him to photograph):

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=138091&id=544699213&l=921e682226

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=139656&id=544699213&l=f78fa4471f

Sunny regards,
Liz

wonderful pics - LOVE LOVE LOVE the UV shots!!!!!

Thank you for sharing your trip report and beautiful pictures.
Did not know that Renee has a shopping service.

Thanks for posting a trip report.
THe pictures are beautiful.

Liz, Great report... I can't wait to see your pictures (I'm at work and can't get on facebook from here).

I totally agree about Chris Verstappen as an instructor. He is awesome. I'm glad he's still on island!

Real Nice Liz & thanks for sharing. My favorite is #31..So Bonaire!

Just got a chance to look at your pictures Liz, they are great! The UV pics are amazing, I can't wait to do that dive with Bas.

In your first gallery, photo 55 you asked what kind of fish that was - a band tailed puffer

Thanks for sharing!

Liz and Paul great report and pictures. Great shots, you could have Paul take a look at this link for some tips on post processing UW pictures.

Thanks for the link, Cecil. Yes, I should have clarified...none of the photos have been edited at all. They went straight from the memory card to Facebook.

Now that we are home, I believe Paul will work on a few of them in his free time.

Great shots Liz - It was nice to meet you even though just in passing at Margate Bay.

Ditto to what Tim said.

Great report and photo's - thanks,

Patrick

Great report and pics. I was in Bonaire Jan 30 for my first visit, but not my last. I also spent a day with Bas for a day and a UV night dive, just incredible.