Kathy,
I been to Bonaire (3 times) and Dominica (1 time with another future trip planned).
You check my web page for trip reports and slides shows (see signature below).
The diving in both of these places is very easy for beginners.
The diving is mostly shallow and the ride to the sites is pretty short on the boats.
In Bonaire, of course you can shore dive from the house reefs as a beginner at first.
As you feel comfortable you can try some of the easy sites from the truck.
The shore diving is pretty easy in many of the locations for beginners.
Also, many people seem to really enjoy the overall experience of Bonaire.
No one can tell you what this is really like, you have to experience it.
We liked it a lot.
While the diving in Bonaire is pretty good, we like the diving in Dominica better.
I think if you we were to look at our Dominica slideshow and our Bonaire slideshows,
you will probably be able to quickly understand what kind of diving we like and why we like Dominica better.
darren