Bonaire - May 9th to May 18th

[sixthblade]

OH BTW - georoc - we'll be at the Hotel Plaza Resort.

Who knows - we may even bump into each other!!

[ScubaJW]

Originally Posted by Rockhound76

This advice helps us too. Thanks!

We head to Bonaire next week and we're really looking forward to the trip. My 15yr. old has only been diving in blackwater and low-viz gulf waters. He's in for a shock.

Where would we go for the 4-wheeler tours?

Go to Harley Davidson's shop in the town. It's obvious when you see the scooters, motorcycles, and etc... You will notice.

[ScubaJW]

Originally Posted by TX1Chica

JW - About how much is the ATV tour? Thats sounds fun.
We are planning to go in Aug. My husband is not a diver and I love to explore, so I am looking for non-dive related stuff to do (thats also not too much $$). We will rent a truck, I'm sure, so I hope to see a lot of the island that way.

ATV tour is about 65 to 80 USD. I can't remember exactly. It was a blast!

[padi1029]

Sixthblade, I will be returning to Bonaire for my third year this May 18th. I stay at the Divi Flamingo & dive withe the house dive op Divi Dive. I find the diving couldn't be easier, gear storage is set up well, access to tanks 24/7, the house reef is pretty good. Boats are comfortable and relatively fast (some faster than others). The dive crews are fun and knowledgeable .

I prefer boat diving as opposed to shore diving...each have their own benefits and draw backs...try both and make your own educated decision.

There are NO bad dive sites around Bonaire. I like the southern dive sites best; my personal favorite dive spot is Red Slave. All the dive sites are good, but it seems to me the sites further south (Red & White Slave, Salt Pier, etc..) are a little less traveled and have a bit more variety in marine life. Last year we encountered a pod of dolphins while near Red Slave.Pretty exciting. I also like the sites around Klein...great chance of observing squid, and turtles in the sandy shallows. The Hilma Hooker is OK, IMO one of those "glad I did it once, probably wouldn't go back" sites. The wreck sits in about 93ft, in a valley between 2 reefs...a few tarpon, barracuda, and many smaller fish. Diving standard air, bottom time was only about 20 minutes.....too short for the lengthy boat ride down. It would be a better dive on a mixed gas so you could get some real bottom time on the wreck to explore it. The back story on the wreck is pretty good as well. I have been told the Town Pier dive is a good one...must have a minimum of 4 divers, it can only be done at night and only with the harbour master's permission...which you have to set up well in advance. I have not made this dive yet....timing never seems to work out but I will shoot for it this year again.

Bonaire is all about calm, easy, relaxing diving. The difference in conditions between the two sides (east & west) of the island are like night & day. If you like your dives with a little more adrenaline factor make a reservation with Larry's Wild Side. Just be sure your skills are honestly up to it and you have the appropriate gear. Otherwise, unless you have a need for the opportunity to MAYBE see large animals and most definately experience rough seas, skip Larry's Wild Side & diving on the east side of the island. Last year the group I was with tried to make a dive down past the southern most tip of the island, near the lighthouse.....it was just BAD.

If your resort room / accommodations have a kitchen or even a refrigerator walk into town and do a little shopping at the local supermarket Clutamara. Pick up bottles of water to stock your fridge, snacks, and some light food in the event you need a quick meal. It will save you some $$ on food and especially drinks...you will drink more than you may realize.

Take some time top side and tour the island. Go north to the fresh water lake and observe the flamingos. Go down to the southern end of the island and check out the light house, the salt mines, salve huts. Take a drive along the eastern edge of the island and take note on the extreme difference beterrn eastern & western conditions. Go over and try windsurfing in the bay.

A few good spots for food include Richards, Casablanca, Blue Cactus, Bongo's, City Cafe, and a little italian joint Donna & something (I can never remember the second name). You will usually need reservations, and not all restaurants are open all days of the week.

Enjoy your trip, I know I am looking forward to my return to Bonaire.

[georoc01]

On another board, I have read that on Monday nights, the Golden Reef Inn has a buffet that is very good and its a good place to meet other internet travelers. All you can eat with a free rum punch party starting at 6pm. Live music starts at 7pm, with the buffet beginning aroun 6:30 pm.

They do need an rsvp when you get to the island.
Golden Reef Inn Bonaire
Golden Reef Inn Resort--Home
Toll Free USA/Canada 866-790-7333
Local Bonaire: +1 599 717 57 59