This is our third trip to Bonaire and once again we loved it!

Getting there & back -
We flew Delta BOS-JFK-BON on the way there and BON-ATL-BOS on the return. We got really cheap flights when Delta announced its new service way back when, but had to put up with changed flights over and over again. The actual flights were uneventful, and on time. No weather complications thankfully. On arrival in Bonaire around 4 pm, the customs line was HUGE and outdoors. I got sunburned before we got into the airport. We ended up in the resident line by mistake and were one of the last people to be seen. On the way home, we arrived at the airport 3 hours early. We dropped off our rental car, paid our $35 pp departure tax (they take credit cards (not Amex), guilders, cash), checked in for our flights (they open at noon for the 4 pm Delta flight), and went through security. We were subject to another search of all carry on bags and a pat down before getting on the plane. On the way home, we cleared customs in Atlanta which we hadn't done before - it was really crowded but they kept the lines moving. If you had a short connection time, it would be stressful.

Accomodations -
We stayed at the Bonaire Yacht Club Apartments, across from the marina, in unit #2. Easy walk to the water for great snorkeling, close to Pasa Bon Pizza (YUM YUM), and several other restaurants that we didn't try but that are highly recommended on this forum. We were disappointed that they didn't have BBQ grills to use, but overall felt it was good value for the money. There was a safe in our room and bars over the windows and the sliding glass door. Bring mosquito repellent though. The little bugs are ravenous!!

Meals -
We cooked at home a few nights, buying groceries from Cultimara (downtown) and the Warehouse (located on the way to the airport). We felt that the Warehouse was less expensive. We also tried a few new restaurants. Pasa Bon Pizza gets two thumbs up from us. We also ate at the Bonaire Yacht Club restaurant and I cannot say enough good things about the food - absolutely amazing and yummy! Make reservations at least 2 days in advance as the seating is limited, seating starts around 6:30 to 7 pm. They also serve breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m. but only one choice is available (scrambled eggs, yogurt, fresh fruit, juice, toast/cheese/meat) and sweet Dutch bread plus great coffee (decaf too). We tried Wil's Tropical Grill and although the ambiance was great, it wasn't to our taste. Jerry was still hungry when we got home (he's a big eater).

Windsurfing -
We spent a lot of time at Jibe City since Jerry windsurfs. The hang out bar at Lac Bay was fun as usual, enjoyed the service and the food. I had two massages at the massage hut near Windsurf Place. They have expanded to offer haircuts and yoga classes too. Jerry and others said that the boards were getting a little tired, but that didn't stop them from getting out on the water.

Safety -
One of the windsurfing instructors had his van broken into at the Jibe City parking lot in broad daylight. Another windsurfer had his laptop stolen from his room. A woman left her bag too close to the open barred window and found everything scattered outside her room the next morning, cash & ipod gone but drivers license & credit cards left behind. It seemed to us that we heard about a higher number of thefts this year over prior years.

Snorkeling -
We snorkeled at Andrea I & II (excellent), 1000 Steps (always nice, saw turtles!), Oil Slick Leap (where I leaped! it was very murky, didn't see much), Plaza (excellent, we hadn't been there before, saw turtles), Divi (night snorkel) and went snorkeling several times along the main street that goes through town. We also snorkeled several times at Lac Bay and Jerry saw some huge turtles while windsurfing.

We did two snorkel tours with Renee and enjoyed both. The night snorkel was a bit overwhelming for me since I'm a novice, but we did see lobsters, seahorses, octopus, shrimp, eels, and much more. It was chillier than I expected so I would take a wetsuit if I snorkeled at night again. This is the second time we've used Renee's expertise and we'll do it again. When snorkeling in the deeper water, I use a flotation belt like they use for aquasizes. Helps keep me afloat when I have to clear my mask. I also have a waterproof case to put keys, money, etc. in.

We drove around the island more on this visit and stumbled across Lac Cai. Very small private beach. You can see it across the water from Lac Bay, it's got three big piles of conch shells. We saw a ton of flamingos along the way and donkeys galore.

Jerry did some flyfishing this year. Didn't catch anything but had fun.

Bonaire is very dry this year so they were grateful to get the rain on two days while we were there. The rain was mostly at night and didn't stop us from enjoying our vacation. The weather was perfect for windsurfing five out of the six days so Jerry got his "fix".

Lots of cruise ship visitors on this trip. A ship was in town almost every day, sometimes two ships. It made the downtown shopping area and beaches crowded.

Overall, another great vacation. Now back to reality in 20 degree weather in Boston!

Nice report, Sharon. Thanks!

I appreciate the honesty of disapointments, along with the highlights that made this a good trip.

Thanks Sharon, fun honest report. My wife and I must try BYCA for dinner on our next trip. We are just below you in NJ and the COLD reality does suck, but your report helps!

Patrick