Are prices for Bonaire going up for 2009?

[NDH]

I was looking for a deal for Oct. 2009 and it seemed like everything went up a lot since 2007 when we were their last. I know the cost of everything in the world has gone up but it suprised me how much some of the resort went up compared to others. Sand dollar seems about the same but buddy dive, Capt. Don and others seemed high. Am I wrong? There are 4 of us that want to go asking for two bedrooms with two baths any ideas?

 

[DiveMaven]

Check out Den Laman (next door to Sand Dollar). Yeah, there's a $41 increase pp for 2009, but it's still only $679 for a 2 bedroom/2 bath ocean front condo with car and unlimited shore diving. The only difference is that Den Laman doesn't include breakfast, and the cost increases somewhat if you want to add boat dives, but I recommend doing those ala carte anyway.

 

[NDH]

They sent me a Quote of 936 per diver.

 

[DiveMaven]

Are you talking about Den Laman, or somewhere else??

$936 is the price on Den Laman's website for 2 people in a 1-bedroom ocean front during low season. (Bonaire Resorts, Bonaire Dive Resort - dive packages and information) The website says: 4 people 2/2 oceanview is $627pp, 4 people 2/2 oceanfront is $679, 4 people 2/2 oceanfront deluxe is $792 (all low season).

 

[dvrliz1]

Some places prices went up, some have stayed the same. It all depends. Some places haven't changed their prices in a couple of years, but have absorbed the increased costs, so are now putting their prices in line with costs.

I would suggest that maybe you can look at renting a small villa or home for a week. Sometime the cost can be cheaper, it all depends what you want. Check out Bonaire Hotel and Tourism Association: Hotels, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling and Windsurfing Information or Bonaire: The official tourism website of Bonaire (Bonaire's new official website) or Info Bonaire - The Bonaire Information Site - The Most Current and Up-To-Date Information

Hope this helps.

Liz

 

[DiverVince]

NDH..You can also check out Bonaire Lodging website for various accommodations..
Bonaire Lodging - Private homes, apartments and condo for vacation rentals

 

[NDH]

Well everyone we lock in with Den Laman for several reasons. Things being the ocean view, small complex, Bari reef, restaurant down stairs and patio for each room. Three of us are divers and we are still trying to convince the last one. So we can't wait for our return in Oct. 2009. Mean while we will travel to Roatan in May and become Coconut's at Cocoview. We can't wait to see everyone at the bottom.

 

[phelana]

Some places have instituted a energy surcharge or charge to use their ac. Thankfully our water and electric bill has come down but keep in mind we were paying .55 cents a KWH (as compared to .11 I pay at my Cape Cod house). Our gas is still 6.00 USD a gallon even though the price has dropped 30-50% in much of the US compared to the Spring.

There are sometimes DEMA specials. Honestly I would wait to book Fall packages to wait and see what promotions we may have. It's still early IMHO to book.

Don't forget using Yapta - Track Airline Flight Ticket Prices and Airfares, Save Money! for your air. It has saved my clients and me hundreds of dollars.

Ann Phelan
Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations--Your Caribbean Travel Specialist