Bonaire photos and trip review

[rickcavanaugh]

Bonaire review



Underwater photos Bonaire


Bonaire still is one of the best spots for diving in the Caribbean. The reef is one of the healthiest and has the most fish.

On the negative side, Crime still exists and they don't seem to do anything about it. The last time I went to Bonaire was 15 years ago. I did not return for 15 years due to the crime. It is a shame as the reef really is quite nice.

 

[RICHinNC]

Glad you had a nice trip...relatively......but once again the can of worms is opened. What crime did you encounter there?

 

[Bill Parker]

Great report!

 

[rickcavanaugh]

Glad you had a nice trip...relatively......but once again the can of worms is opened. What crime did you encounter there?

We personally did not get hit, but the car next to us did. On our first day of diving the car next to us was broken into. They had their sunglasses and water stolen. The sad part about it, there was a security guard there as well as a person who had the keys to the snack stand at Karparta and his 2 kids.

The environment makes it unpleasant. If you bring any comfort item to make the diving more pleasant, they will steal it. They really need to do something about it instead of downplaying the thefts as "kids who have nothing to do"

 

[DiveMaven]

There's no question the petty crime is extremely annoying and should be dealt with. Hopefully as Bonaire becomes more a part of the Netherlands, the police force will change and efforts will be increased to reduce crime.

Glad you had a good time though.

 

[DeputyDan]

The citizens of the island voted to change the govermental structure - so as to come under the Dutch in more than just appearances.

I believe the change over is expected to occur in October 2010, (Don't know for sure).

Many people including alot of business owners on the island hope that when the Dutch assume responsibility for the police force, security, etc. that there will be a real improvement.

Time will tell!

 

[DiverVince]

Rick..Nice report.Even though I'm on the island twice a year always nice to read observations by others..You did indicate a car was broken into at Karpata. As has been written ad infinitum ALWAYS keep nothing of any substantial value & keep the windows rolled down and the vehicle unlocked.
I've been following this advice for the last ten years & have not had any problems.

At any rate we are looking forward to the 10/10/10 transition date and I for one believe the island will be a better place under direct Dutch supervision. Additionally the island will get an inflow of much needed cash and of course the US dollar becomes the official currency as of 1/1/11.

But in my opinion, a 15 year hiatus from the island is WAY too long.

 

[rickcavanaugh]

My point is they should enforce the laws. My point is they down play the problem instead of addressing it.



It is a shame that a great spot like this is ruined by a few and those who choose to ignore it.

 

[drrich2]

Enjoyed it. Been to Bonaire 3 times & hoping to go again in the not too distant future. Yes, the theft from vehicles is bad news. I've been blessed thus far not to get hit, but know of some travelers in a group I was in that were. Definitely try to avoid leaving things of value in the vehicle. An 'Otter Box' sealed case to stuff things in a BCD pocket could help, I suppose, to keep from leaving some small things in the truck.

Richard.

 

[pilot fish]

That puzzles me as well . If the problem is continually sweep under the carpert, how is ever supposed to be corrected?

My point is they should enforce the laws. My point is they down play the problem instead of addressing it.

It is a shame that a great spot like this is ruined by a few and those who choose to ignore it.