Bonaire- here we come

[divnlite]

Thanks to everyone for all your notes and trip reports on Bonaire. Today my husband and I forked over the mastercard number for 10 days diving in Bonaire in January. woohoo
We are very excited, this will be our first (of many to come) ocean dive trip. Originally had plans for Thanksgiving in Cozumel which Wilma screwed up. I really think this will be a better plan for us to familiarize ourselves with ocean diving.
We are staying at Captn Dons for a couple reasons; we got a great deal on airfare and a package with free nights that was very competitive, also the ability to dive directly off the dock for some of our "starter dives" held a great deal of apeal.
I feel from what I have read we will be making other trips to Bonaire and will be looking at the other options for accomodations while we are there.

I can't wait to dive where we can actually see beyond 10 feet!!!

Been doing the 'happy dance' all day......

 

[herman]

Have fun...10 feet , how about better than 110 ft. It does happen. Capt Dons is really nice. They have a nice setup and the grounds are pretty, I have not been in any of the rooms so I can't comment on them. There are a bunch of Bonaire tips here on the board ranging from money, diving procedures and restaurants to local customs. I would suggest you search around and read some of them.

Come to think of it, has anyone warned you about the very contagious and incurable disease that 99% of the visitors to Bonaire catch?
PBD (Post Bonaire Depression) affects almost everyone who goes there. The symptoms include a strange urge to plan another trip before leaving the island, watching the web cams and the new screen saver at work. Severe cases will lead to endless watching of slide shows of the trip and memorization of your travel agents phone number. There is no cure, planning a return trip helps relieve the depression but it seems to increase as the trip nears.

Seriously, there are a bunch of us who do love the island. If you have any questions ask.

 

[aquasport]

You will totally love bonaire, stayed at buddys in august 2004 but did the reef at capt dons. They have great pizza there.

 

[H2Andy]

divnlite, you'll love Bonaire, probably my wife's (non-diver) and mine (diver) favorite
place in the Caribbean.

make sure you go to the Lost Penguin for their eggs benedict

 

[divnlite]

Ahhh yes I have read about the dreaded PBD, herman....problem is I am already showing some symtoms and I have not yet been to the island! This does not bode well for my future (mental) health. I watch the webcams and google Bonaire trip reports on a regular basis. Hopefully I can keep it at bay long enough so that I don't plan another trip prior to going on this one!

My Christmas list is all full of fin spring straps and dive do-dads....

 

[herman]

I took some friends there several years ago, we arrived on Sat and by Tues they were wanting to start planning the next trip.
Love my spring straps. And welcome to the board.

 

[Willar]

Just back from Plaza Resort Bonaire. Had a good time but friends had a break-in to their room and cash & credit cards stolen. The resort management didn't seem too concerned and didn't want the police involved. They tried to pass off the security guard as police. Our group was very upset about their treatment.

We had a good time diving Bonaire and not problem with the trucks at dive sites. Food was very good at It Rains Fishes, Pasa Bon Pizza, City Cafe, Capriccio, and other places as well. Walking around downtown was safe day and night.

Have Fun but keep your safe locked every minute!!!

 

[divnlite]

Thanks for the heads up Willar. I have done a fair bit of traveling in South and Central America and tend to be cautious, but will make sure to keep cash on me or locked up tight.
Thanks Aquasport, Andy and Willar for the food recomendations, my husband has this crazy idea that he has to eat at least 3 or 4 times a day so it will interfere with the diving somewhat but I do tend to humor him on this, makes him a better dive buddy!
I intend to keep a detailed journal and will have a trip report as well. Here's hoping it will be filled with wonderful dive tales and not tales of the scarey adventure type!

 

[El Orans]

You'll love Bonaire. Trust me...

 

[Doc]

Bonaire is habit forming.

Just try and make it into restaurants that the locals use!

There are any number of places there that feature local fare served and priced for locals!

Drive off the beaten path! Take a chance. Stop along the way back from a great shore dive. Eat well!