Bonaire's rainy season

[WVDiver]

We have been doing a little research and thinking of taking a dive vacation to Bonaire. We wanted to go in Nov. but in my research I discovered that that is the rainy season. We would like to go during the low tourist season. How bad is the rainy season there? Is October a better month? We really aren't too excited about spending our vacation in the rain.

Also I spoke to a friend and he was telling me that some of his family went there and had their rental car stolen and someone tried to break into their room while they were in it. Has anyone had similar bad experiences or do you think this was an isolated incident? I suppose it could happen anywhere and I am not really overly concerned about it.... just curious as to other peoples' experiences.

Any good web links I should know about?

We are thinking of staying at the Divi Flamingo Beach Resort and Casino. Anyone have knowledge of the place?

 

[Boat Chick]

Bonaire is really a desert island...lots of cactus etc. When it does rain, it is usually in short microbursts and then it's hot again. Now, it does rain hard sometimes but not like it does on some other tropical islands. I've been in Sept, Oct, March, June, and July and rain has never interferred with my diving...looking up from 50 feet and seeing the rain pounding on the water surface is very sureal...

Try http://www.bonairetalk.com for some of your specific questions.

There has been 1 report of a stolen vehciles over the years reported (that I can remember). Keep in mind that Bonaire is the shore diving captial of the world, so would be theives will pray on parked vehicles at remote dive sites while divers are in the water. Don't leave anything in the vehicle that you would mind if it were missing. I take a waterproof case and put the keys, any other items, and then slip my script sunglasses in my BC pocket. There is crime everywhere in regard to break ins. If you take the precautions you would while traveling to any foreign country you will be fine. Lock all valuables in the safe when they are not on your person, don't leave valuables in plain sight out in the open.

Bonaire does have a new police chief and he has made some significant progress in catching some of the theives that had been breaking into some villas.

Overall, I feel safer on Bonaire and the BVI's than any other dive destination I've travelled.

 

[herman]

I was on Bonaire in early Dec 04 which I was told was the worst rainly season they had seen in years. I don't recall even considering calling a dive due to rain. Seems like I did get rained on once or twice. The rain was mostly fast moving showers that lasted 10 minutes or so followed by the sun popping out. Come to think of it, the rainbows may make going during the rainy season a good idea.
As far as crime, I agree with Cynde. I have made 9 trips since 99 (#10 coming soon) with from 2 to 24 of us in the group and I have had zero problems. Use common sence and you will be fine.

 

[Martha]

We were in Bonaire right before Christmas (Dec. is considered part of the rainy season) and it did rain, but it usually lasted five minutes or less. It didn't hamper anything we did for the entire week we were there. We had a GREAT time, so much so, that we'll be back again this Dec. Woohoo, we love Bonaire!

 

[dvrliz1]

Everyone is correct. The "rainy" season is usually a few microbursts, lasting no more than 5-10 minutes, the majority of it between 12 pm and 6am. It has never hampered my diving. You will love Bonaire! Divi is a nice property,within walking distance to town. It all depends on what you want to spend and what type of accommodations you want.

Liz

 

[herman]

Liz runs a really nice place as well, she can't say so but I can.

 

[tedtim]

Also I spoke to a friend and he was telling me that some of his family went there and had their rental car stolen and someone tried to break into their room while they were in it. Has anyone had similar bad experiences or do you think this was an isolated incident?

We were in Bonaire in February. Our neighbours left their room windows partially open when they went diving and suffered a break-in/theft. They also had some stuff taken from their rental vehicle, but the vehicle was not damaged. Some of the rental agencies post a reminder on the dashboard to leave the vehicle unlocked and not to leave anything valuable in them.

Use the in-room safety deposit boxes. I can't say that the risk was any higher than any other place we have visited either for diving or business.

We had no problems with theft.

 

[scubaotter]

As posted before - don't worry about the rain. I have been to Bonaire three times all within the rainy season I have only seen one day out of 40+ where it rained all day. Most of the time it is just a brief shower with a beautiful rainbow (thanks for the pictures Herman).

There is always a chance of theft no matter where you go but, as long as you use common sense you will be fine. Again in all my trips to Bonaire I have never had a problem.

Depending on the type of accomodations you are looking for (Large resort, small resort, etc.) you should consider checking out Golden Reef Inn. I have stayed at a different location during each of my trips and Golden Reef was the best by far. Liz and Ed are the best hosts one could ask for. Several of us are considering a trip during Thanksgiving so we might see you on the island.

 

[WVDiver]

Great news, thanks to all of you for your posts. I will definitley look in to Liz's operation. I was looking at Divi because I saw their ad in a magazine and it advertised a special package were my wife could get certified while she was there and the price wasn't too bad. I'm sure Liz can probably set us up though and since I now have two recommedations for Liz I will check out the web site.

 

[BLoCLevel]

We were there and my oh my did it ever rain!!!!!!!!! Almost every day and lots of it!!!!!! We are going back this year the last week of October. Still, Bonaire in the rainy season is a GREAT place to dive.