Back to Bonaire

[DiveMaven]

We were supposed to go to Fiji this summer with our LDS, but they've cancelled the trip due to Beqa taking a direct hit from Cyclone Mick. Apparently Beqa Lagoon Resort suffered significant damage topside, but after seeing the damage in Bonaire from a glancing blow of a hurricane, I can't help but be afraid at how much damage the Beqa reefs took.

So we've decided to return to Bonaire again next summer for another 2-week stay (3rd year in a row), since we simply can't think of a better place to go that has all the advantages of Bonaire....particularly the diver's freedom.

Hopefully we'll simply be putting our Fiji trip off for a year, but in the meantime we're excited about returning to Bonaire....dang how that island keeps pulling us back!

 

[DeputyDan]

It has a way of doing that to most!

 

[Chip & Evette]

We're making our first trip to Bonaire in the spring. Traveling with other diver's from the Montgomery Alabama area. We hope to find the diving all we've heard it to be. If anyone would like to respond with advice on what to and what not to do i'd be interested in reading your comments! Merry Christmas to all

 

[DiveMaven]

I'd say don't bother prepurchasing boat dives, instead do them ala carte a couple of days at most. The rest of the time enjoy the independence of diving when, where, and how long you want from shore.

 

[nagel]

I know what you mean....the island has a way of pulling you back. We researched cussed and discussed our trip this year. Really didn't want to repeat trips. We were in Bonaire Dec 08. This year we were thinking Roatan, but then the political issues came up and thought let's just skip it and give it a year. So, we were back to planning and kept coming back to Bonaire because of the freedom of diving and not having to book dive trips. We did our trip in Nov 09 and once again a great relaxing dive when you want type of trip.

I love Bonaire, but frankly this being our 2nd trip, I was wanting more. Seemed a little boring and done that type of trip. We are already talking about our trip next year and I'm sure we will once again get into long discussions about, yea if we go here we will have to book boat dives and pay a lot of money.....in Boniare we just jump in the truck and drive down the coast. No money, no schedule. Aughhh....why do they make it so complicated.

Snagel

 

[DeputyDan]

I think Herman on the board says it best.

Sort of Quote "I will dive Bonaire this year and then try somewhere different and regardless of where I go, I always come back to Bonaire!"

 

[Saint4429]

We're making our first trip to Bonaire in the spring. Traveling with other diver's from the Montgomery Alabama area. We hope to find the diving all we've heard it to be. If anyone would like to respond with advice on what to and what not to do i'd be interested in reading your comments! Merry Christmas to all

DiveMaven is right, don’t bother booking trips. I made that mistake and it was a complete waste. The resort I stayed at (Plaza) believed in the cattle boat concept and most of the trips are to the same sites you shore dive. Enjoy the freedom of the shore diving and if you book a boat trip, make sure it’s to Klein. Also get some advice as to where to eat. The food on the island leaves a lot to be desired (unlike Curacao). I can’t remember the name, but there was an awesome Argentine Steak House on the side of the Island by Den Laman. I don’t remember the name, but if you’re interested I can find the receipt.

Merry Christmas

 

[Saint4429]

We were supposed to go to Fiji this summer with our LDS, but they've cancelled the trip due to Beqa taking a direct hit from Cyclone Mick. Apparently Beqa Lagoon Resort suffered significant damage topside, but after seeing the damage in Bonaire from a glancing blow of a hurricane, I can't help but be afraid at how much damage the Beqa reefs took.

So we've decided to return to Bonaire again next summer for another 2-week stay (3rd year in a row), since we simply can't think of a better place to go that has all the advantages of Bonaire....particularly the diver's freedom.

Hopefully we'll simply be putting our Fiji trip off for a year, but in the meantime we're excited about returning to Bonaire....dang how that island keeps pulling us back!

I know what you mean; I had to force us to go to the Bahamas this year. I can’t make any promises we won’t see Bonaire in 2010!!! :cool2:

 

[helimvee]

.... Also get some advice as to where to eat. The food on the island leaves a lot to be desired (unlike Curacao).

I've found that the restaurants are terrific. I guess it is a personal thing....

To the OP: Get your own truck and do your own thing. Nothing worse than a large group of divers trying to figure out where to go next then waiting while everyone suits up. If you want to hang out with others, arrange to meet up for lunch or dinner. If a large group is heading out for dinner, consider calling ahead for a reservation.

Have a great trip.

 

[Papa_Bear]

I find the best way with a group is to let each vehicle do their own thing and as said meet at lunch or back at the resort! Do the boat dives together as a group so you have that in common, but load your gear and go diving! Here is the last two trip pictures and report: Here

We found a new Red Frog Fish at the Helma Hooker!

Here is another on Klein Bonaire: