First Dive Trip

[girbey]

Hi,

My husband and me are new to diving. Just the open water dives and then we will be certified I was trying to decide where we should go for our first warm water dive, I live in Massachusetts, and I thought Cozumel. After reading all the postings I think it's going to be Bonaire.

I am trying to decide on lodging, air and food suggestions. I picked through a lot of the posting but there are so many on Bonaire.

I am hoping to go in Feb '06 any suggestion would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Scuba65]

Hi, Girbey
I also live in MA. I just went to Bonaire in April and it's awesome diving there...best i've done so far. not much to do on the island itself..but, the diving is great. We stayed at the Bonaire Plaza Resort...I wouldn't stay anywhere else when i go back there next yr. the place is great...we stayed in the villas, but they also have the regular hotel rooms. Toucan Divers is located right on the property, and all the staff is great. the resort is located right across from the airport. If you go remember it's a must you eat at Casablanca's at least one night...the food is awesome. the diving there is great with tons of sea life to see. a must there is the salt pier or the town pier in which you must have a guide and they need permission before you dive there. tons of shore diving to be done there if you want. we did a few shore dives but most where done of the boat. The Hilma Hooker wreck is also a must.

 

[Jetwrench]

Welcome girbey!

For lodging, it depends on what you want and your budget. As Scuba65 said, the Plaza is nice, as is Buddies and others like Sandollar and Capt Don's. They are among the larger resorts with packages all inclusive. You can check and see what each offers including $$. There are also smaller resorts such as Eden Beach and Golden Reef that can also create a total package stay for you. They are somewhat more private and not as crowded if that is what you are more interested in. Consider as well how easy are you to please? Bargain hotels like the WannaDive Hut have low rates and minimal room accommidations but can save you big $'s. There are also numerous rental properties and bed and breakfast places. Go to www.infobonaire.com and look around. Again, it's all about what you want.
For airfare, Air Jamaica has been having issues so beware. Depending on where you can fly out from, AA flies through San Juan but the layover is quite long with a connection on American Eagle. Another option is Continental to Aruba and a connection on Bonaire Express. The thing I like about the Aruba route is you can clear US customs there on your way back. You may also find flights through Curacao. Just be sure whatever route you take allows for ample time for customs and imigration between flights.
I have stayed at Eden Beach and WannaDive Hut and will be staying with Golden Reef in October. So far all have been a good experience, but keep in mind I'm easy to please. Give me a full tank and I'm happy
For food, do you want to eat in or out? There are stores on island where you can buy food and eat in, and there are many restaurants like Casablancas, Richard's, Rib Factory, Gibi Gibi's, and others I can't spell so good that have great food. I like the Lost Penguin as well.
Hope this helps, and I could give you a better answer if you were more specific on your preferences.

Jet