Bonaire Tips

[morayeel]

I've always rented an apartment from a friend so can't comment on the resorts but I've spent 6 months total on Bonaire because my mother lives there so have tried alot of diving and food. Here are my insider tips:

1) Accomodation:
For a similar self catering experience check out Bonaire Seaview Apartments Majestic view over Bonaire, clean, airy apartment and a wonderful host called Wietze who will steer you to the best dive sites (he's worked as a Dive Master there) and all the other highlights of Bonaire. That will help you immediately.
Or take a look at the paradise of Bamboo Bali with friendly owners.

2) Diving:
Do a night dive at BDA (Bonaire Dive and Adventure) - bioinfloresence, octupi, large fish hunting e.g Tarpon, Grouper.
Do the rugged Bonaire East Coast Diving boat dive - always countless turtles, eagle rays, etc.
Do a boat dive to 'Klein Bonaire' - turtles, beautiful corals, sea horses...

3) Transport:
Family friends of mine run this car rental on Bonaire:

4) Food:
Mona Lisa for a friendly atmosphere and quality food, Captain Don's for the location, Pasa Bon Pizza for...well...great pizza! Then there's a Peruvian joint on the main strip in Kralendijk I forget the name of but the food is amazing although the service is slow. Finally Paris Bistro does delicious lunches.

Its better to make your own trip - don't follow the resorts religiously. Get tips at the bar in Mona Lisa!

Cheers, Clark

 

[Jersey]

I've always rented an apartment from a friend so can't comment on the resorts but I've spent 6 months total on Bonaire because my mother lives there so have tried alot of diving and food. Here are my insider tips:

Food:
Mona Lisa for a friendly atmosphere and quality food, Captain Don's for the location, Pasa Bon Pizza for...well...great pizza! Then there's a Peruvian joint on the main strip in Kralendijk I forget the name of but the food is amazing although the service is slow. Finally Paris Bistro does delicious lunches.

Its better to make your own trip - don't follow the resorts religiously. Get tips at the bar in Mona Lisa!

Cheers, Clark

Clark - awesome your mom now live there! Echo your sentiments - Mona Lisa is my all time favorite. They've often had a yummy 3 course prix fixe for about US $39 and a very reasonable wine list. During happy hours at the bar you find many of the local business folk noshing and sipping. Sitting waterside at Capt Don's eating Boka Stoba and Funchi watching the tarpon hunt is the perfect way to end day plus many on the staff are locals and very enjoyable to talk to. I'll add 2 more for eats - Wil's Tropical Grill and Sense. Be sure to make reservations in advance for all the above and at Capt Don's request a table down by the water. Last - don't forget the BUG SPRAY!!

 

[Deac in the Wake]

Heading down to Bonaire in 43 days. Great tips. Thanks.

 

[DiverVince]

7 Then there's a Peruvian joint on the main strip in Kralendijk I forget the name of but the food is amazing although the service is slow.
Its better to make your own trip - don't follow the resorts religiously. Get tips at the bar in Mona Lisa!

Cheers, Clark

Clark..That's called Plazita Limena, a wonderful restaurant. And their cerveche can't be beat!

 

[morayeel]

Thanks Jersey - yeah I love sitting near the sea at Captain Don's! I made sure I did that on my bday earlier this year.

And thanks for the restaurant name Vince - I've always called it 'The Peruvian'! Then realised I don't know the real name...glad I know now!

Cheers.