Have fun, I will be next door in Curacao.
A few tips for a Bonaire addict:
Guilders are about 1.75/1 or about $0.57 US so a good rough estimate is to divide the price in Guilders by 2 to convert to usd, it's not accurate but close enough for guestimating. You can use USD most everywhere but expect change in guilders (aka Fln). Watch the coins as there are 3 (~$1.70)and 5 (~$2.85) guilder coins that add up quick. Take $20s as your cash, $50s and $100s are hard for the restaurants to break. I also use credit cards and there are several ATM's on the island that will give you USD ($20s) or Guilders so carrying lots of cash in not necessary. Some smaller places don't take USD but most do.
I will second Rich on Mangos (hug Sonia for us- super sweet lady) and Casa Blanca. Several other restaurants to add to your list are Bobbie Jans (weekends only), City Cafe ( good breakfast and second best burger I know of anywhere and a super view), Donna and Gorgieos and the Lost Penguin. All meals are cooked to order and from scratch and do take more time than you are accustomed to waiting, so slow down and enjoy the evening. By the way, the water is totally safe to drink and eating most anywhere if fine, unlike some place you may travel. Speaking of water, be sure to drink LOTS as you dehydrate very quickly on Bonaire. We but a 1L bottle of water for each of us and refill it from the tap all week.
If you really want a feel for the island look up my good friend Gibi on Tues night. He opens his home up to guest and does a great local meal. He is a dont miss for us.
One other tip on restaurants, it is considered rude to give you your check before YOU ask for it. To do so, make eye contact with your waiter and make a sigh like you are writing on you hand, he will bring your check right away. This causes a lot of confusion for Americans who are use to having it put on their table and mistake the custom for poor service instead of the intended politeness.
Pack light, a couple of swim trunks, a couple of shorts and some reasonable T-shirts are all you really need. If bug like you, pack some insect repellent.
If you do not have HARD soled dive boots, I would suggest you invest in some. Almost all of the shore line is hard coral rubble and iron stone, very hard on the feet and you will find the hard sole boots most welcome.
If you need internet access or need to down load digital pictures to a CD, see Micheal at Chat and Browse, located near the Sand Dollar Resort (where Mangos is by the way). Mike can fix you up and if you need phone service, either cell or back to the states, he can help you out with that as well....Cuba cigars too if you are so inclined.
There is no need to carry much money or ID on the island, I carry a couple of $20s and a credit card in a waterproof (yea right) case and leave the rest back in the room safe. Leave nothing of value in the truck and leave it open--unlocked and windows down. So far in 10 trips, I have had no problems.
Lastly, there is a $20pp departure tax you MUST pay BEFORE you can check in at the airline. There is a small booth at the right side of the airport lobby where you pay the tax. One person can pay for all and it must be payed in cash. The airline checkin counter will want to see the reciept for the tax so be sure to pay it before waiting in the checkin line.
If you have any specific question, fire away. Between Jet and myself I suspect one of us knows the answer..
(*^&%^$$%#$%#@!!!! Jet, PBD is setting in, guess it's time to drag out the photo album and the Amstel. I sure hope Curacao is a resonable substitue.
