Will I be bored in Bonaire?

[traveljennie]

My husband and I are considering a trip to Bonaire for our 1st anniversary in January 2013 (and last major trip before starting a family). He is a diver and I am not. I do, however, enjoy snorkeling and other outdoor activities, like hiking and kayaking. We are considering staying at a condo at Caribbean Court, behind the Plaza Resort.

Are many of the dive spots also good snorkeling spots that I may be able to tag along?
Does the Plaza offer any type of day pass where I may be able to snag a beach chair while my husband goes diving?
Are there any other budget accommodations that we should consider that may be more suitable for a non-diver?
Any input would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[redacted]

There are folks who go to Bonaire (including from Europe) primarily to snorkel, so there are plenty of snorkeling opportunities. Don't miss Karapata - it is great for both scuba and snorkel.

 

[darook]

I rally doubt you will be bored. The weather will be fantastic and you will have wonderful snorkeling. I have not done the mangrove kayak/snorkel but have heard rave reviews of it. That takes place in Lac Bay.

 

[Mike]

Bring mega bug spray if you do the mangrove kayak, I mean like nuclear weapons grade.

Plaza does a beach pass.

Very good snorkeling on Bonaire. That's the beauty of the reef structure there it's relatively shallow and close to shore along the southern half. The salt pier would be an especially good one to snorkel.

 

[Sue Sue]

Bonaire is a wonderful place to celebrate your 1st anniversary ! As an option for your travels, you may want to check out the Deep Blue View resort. Bonaire - The Deep Blue View B&B - The Intimate Dive Resort They are offering a special 10 year anniversary package that is only available for January 2013.

• 10 Nights Accommodation
• 10 Awesome Breakfasts Made to Order
• 10 Tanks of Boat Diving (5 Trips of 2 Tank Dives)
• 10 Cold Canned Beverages of Choice in the Fridge p.p. (Depending on Availability)
• Anniversary Rum Punch Evening Cruise, followed by BBQ of 10 of the most popular appetizers, salads, entrees, and deserts served over the past 10 years.
• Unlimited Shore Diving Tanks and Weights
• Park Fees and Diver’s Orientation Briefing and Dive
• 10 Year Special Anniversary Souvenir
• Special Anniversary Price: 1000 Dollars per person (at double occupancy)

There are only 5 rooms, primarily for adults (I believe age 15 is the minimum) it's own dive op (gear storage lockers, clean rinse tank, air/nitrox, dive boat ) It also has a beautiful pool and fantastic views of Klein Bonaire. The resort is located up in the hills away from the ocean front. Therefore, it is a bit more quiet than a resort on the oceanfront. If someone prefers to be in the hustle and bustle, such as beach bars, music, games, activities, perhaps the Deep Blue View is not a good choice. However, if relaxing, privacy, enjoying quiet moments, while at the same time having the opportunity to interact with a small group of people then the Deep Blue view may be a wonderful choice. Of course, it is very easy to drive into town and visit the many restaurants, shops, bars and beaches. Therefore, for Michael and I, the Deep Blue view is the perfect spot for us and the best of both worlds.

Regardless of where you choose to stay, Best Wishes to you and yours for the very best Anniversary trip !

Sue

 

[diversteve]

Bonaire Dive & Adventure offers a lot of non-dive activities: Bonaire Dive and Adventure - EcoAdventures

They're located north of town between the Sand Dollar and Den Laman condo complexes. You might compare prices with what you're paying at Caribbean Court. The beach there is nowhere near as nice as the Plaza's though but it's out front instead of next door. http://www.bonairepros.com/images/Accommodations/SandView.jpg

Bari Reef is the site with the most counted species of fish in the Caribbean. If you head south off the stairs - visible in the photo off the dock there's some old hurricane rubble mixed with the ironshore that's only about 4-5' deep. I spent probably 10 minutes poking around in that area waiting for my buddy to finish his REEF fishcount one morning. Saw a few fish he missed...

Eden Beach resort nearby might be another option although it might be more $$ than Caribbean Court. They have a nice beach with a beach bar and the Front Porch dive site off their property - it's also one of the better snorkel sites off Bonaire. Info Bonaire - Other Great Snorkeling sites around Bonaire and Klein Bonaire

I agree with Mike^ we snorkeled around Salt Pier after our dive. The 1st set of pilings are only about 15' at the bottom. And covered with all sorts of interesting stuff. Also some fire coral so careful. Can't enter the water there if a ship is loading. http://www.flickriver.com/photos/tags/saltpier/interesting/

If you stay at Caribbean Court, just south of there is the Windsock dive site/beach - mostly coral rubble. There's no facilities but it's another good snorkel site - located at the end of the airport. Actually most of the dive sites - with exception of those off the resorts - won't have any facilities either.

List of all the divesites that also have snorkel options: Info Bonaire - Map of All Bonaire Dive Sites

 

[traveljennie]

Thank you all for your responses! I have a couple emails out to owners of studios at the Sand Dollar and I sent one to Den Laman about a studio. The only thing I didn't like about Den Laman is they don't have a pool. I also am looking in to Villa Safir. Even though it's away from the water, the accommodations look nice and it's also in our price range. Thank you also for the snorkel site recommendations, I'm glad there are plenty of options for diving that are also good for snorkeling. I wish diving was for me, maybe I'll give it a whirl again one of these days.

 

[Mike]

http://www.flickriver.com/photos/tags/saltpier/interesting

Some really stunning foty-o-graphs you got there!

 

[CajunDiva]

I agree wholeheartedly...AMAZING shots! Thanks for sharing

 

[diversteve]

Thank you all for your responses! I have a couple emails out to owners of studios at the Sand Dollar and I sent one to Den Laman about a studio. The only thing I didn't like about Den Laman is they don't have a pool.

Never been inside personally but I think I've read somewhere here that the studios at Den Laman face the parking lot. Sand Dollar's pool is in the parking lot also behind the condos so no ocean view from there.