Back to Bonaire

[KathyV]

My husband and I have been to Bonaire three times but have not been there since 1997 so we haven't visited the island since they had that big storm. We are going back to Bonaire in Oct and will be staying at Sand Dollar. Any advice to someone who hasn't been to Bonaire in recent years? How are the reefs since the storm? Any major changes on the island? Keith and Kathy

 

[scubaotter]

Hi Kathy and welcome to the board!!!

There have been a few changes since you were on the island last. Lenny did some damage in the shallow areas but, the coral has been coming back nicely. The other significant change has to do with diving Town Pier and Salt Pier. For both dives you must present ID for the harbormaster and dive with a dive master. I think the limit of divers to DM is 6 to 1. Theses new restrictions went into effect this summer to comply with port safety rules.

Have a wonderful time in Bonaire and please post a trip report when you get back.

 

[herman]

Hi Kathy and welcome to the board.
The biggest changes are the loss of the Green Parrot at Sand Dollar and the dive shop . Lenny distroyed the entire dock where the Parrot and dive shop was. the GP is no more but they have built a new dive shop and pier just south of where the old one was. Otherwise the island is about the same with exception of the pier info Shannon mentioned above. If you have not already, come join us on the Bonaire board. www.bonairetalk.com

 

[herman]

By the way, Kirk, the old manager of the GP is now running the restaurant at Lions Dive a couple of doors down so all the food ( and BS from Kirk) that was at GP can still be found at Lions Dive.

 

[KathyV]

Thanks for all your responses, here's another question - does anyone know if there is an Internet Cafe on Bonaire now or if the resorts (we'll be at Sandollar) offer guests internet access opportunities? I'm not going on vacation to spend my time surfing the net, but it would be nice to be able to check/send a few messages since we will be there for two weeks, thanks, Kathy

 

[caymaniac]

We visited Bonaire the first time in 1986, it was really great. The last time we were there was 2003. What a hugh dissapointment. Not that the diving was bad, but the destuction of beautiful sites around Klein Bonaire is really something. Sites like "Jerry's Jam are totally trashed. The whole north side of Klein Bonaire is pretty well gone. Also quite a few of the shallow areas are destoyed. Bonaire is still really great, just not what it used to be. Also, you'll notice allot of restaurants, that cruise boats are coming into to visit

 

[DeputyDan]

YEs, there are at least two internet cafes that I am aware of.

 

[scubabamatxn]

I have seen previous posts and comments in Undercurrent regarding theft from cars at shore dive sites, as well as some car damage I know this has been a problem for several years, but it is the problem increasing? Just how much of a problem is it?

 

[herman]

Kathy, you are in luck. Michael Gaynor runs a place called "Chat and Browse" where you can get internet access. It is located in the small shoping center at the edge of the SD property, an easy walk from SD. Lovers ice cream is next door.

 

[KathyV]

Kathy, you are in luck. Michael Gaynor runs a place called "Chat and Browse" where you can get internet access. It is located in the small shoping center at the edge of the SD property, an easy walk from SD. Lovers ice cream is next door.

That's great, thanks!