Bonaire - May 9th to May 18th

[sixthblade]

Is anyone else going to be in Bonaire at that time?

For those who have already been, any recommendations?
(both in terms of diving, and things to do when not diving!)

Has anyone tried the 'blow-karts'?

Curious ...

[georoc01]

yep..going on the singledivers.com trip May 10th-17th. Staying at the Divi Flamingo

[ScubaJW]

When not diving, I did ATV tour around the island that tourists do not go. We saw the wild donkeys roaming around in groups as well as goats. We also stopped to walk around the cave - really dark so bring lights... stopped in a few point of interests. Very interesting tour!

You can also go windsurfing, parasailing, caving, and etc... Never did "blow-karts".

As for diving, you should dive the Hilma Hooker, Our Confidence, Wide side (use Larry's Wild side diving to see bigger animals), and hmm... so many!

You will love Bonaire. I have been to Bonaire twice and already thinking about going back this year for the 3rd time.

[Kokomo]

Diving doesn't get any better than in Bonaire. We were there for 10 days in November 2006. It's all about shore diving. Don't worry about boat diving. Maybe a trip or 2 to Klein Bonaire but you will love not having to follow schedules. All the dive sites are great! My personal favorite is Oil Slick Leap. The night diving is great ,too. Town pier at night is a must do. You have to sign up ahead of time and go with a divemaster. It would definitely pay to get the book "Bonaire:Shore Diving Made Easy" It's on the net. It tells you about the sites and what creatures you'll see, depth, entry and exit, current etc. Navigation is easy because the reef runs parallel to shore. When you park at the sites, leave your vehicle unlocked and nothing of value inside.
There are many good restaurants. Casablanca, City Cafe, Lion's Den, Bistro de Paris, Bon Pizza and many others. We cooked alot in our room also. There's a local grocery store. Just make sure you go after they get their weekly delivery.
Surface intervals - There are several things to do. There is the Donkey Sanctuary. My advice is that if you go to a picnic area to feed them...don't go to the first one. They are expecting you. We also got massages by Nubia...very nice. We went horseback riding over to Lac Bay. Got to ride bareback in the water. Charlie, our guide, was very informative. We didn't get to windsurf at Jibe City but we certainly will next time. Any of course there is always the drive around the island. Also some shopping. These are just some of the highlights. If you would like more details feel free to ask. I love talking about it...brings back good memories.

[DiveSooner]

Originally Posted by sixthblade

Is anyone else going to be in Bonaire at that time?

For those who have already been, any recommendations?
(both in terms of diving, and things to do when not diving!)

Has anyone tried the 'blow-karts'?

Curious ...

I highly recommend Port Bonaire (Port Bonaire... your exclusive home away from home!) and with the onsite dive op Yellow Submarine (Welcome to Dive Friends Bonaire). Contact Tesmi(Tess-Mae) at PB, she is a sweetheart and will go out ofher way to make your stay wonderful.

[ertechsg]

Don't think it matter where you go or what you do you'll have a great time and remember to relax and breathe

[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?

[sixthblade]

Thanks for the answers - it is proving kind of hard to keep the excitement in!

I bought the Lonely Planet to Diving/Snorkeling in Bonaire - the pics look gorgeous. I just can't wait!

I think the package we have includes 2 morning boat dives, and unlimited shore diving ... so I am hoping that covers the best of both world.


Thanks for all the replies! It looks like it is going to be an awesome trip!

[Kingpatzer]

I arrive at divi on the 17th

[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.