Impressions from 1st Bonaire visit

[DeputyDan]

I think that the trip report was pretty accurate and also describes why Bonaire is a great destination for divers.

You can find things for non-divers but it does take some work.

Been twice and will return.

 

[dvrliz1]

Ok, I feel the need to chime in here. Ippy your report was very detailed. I did however realize something, and please, no one take this the wrong way, it is just an observation, one I see very often as a American living on Bonaire. Many people come to Bonaire, expecting it to be "Americanize". Bonaire is not. Some reinforcements that may help.

Regarding Sand Dollar, I have been on the property, but never into an actual apartment, so I cannot comment. I can however tell you that each unit is individually owned and the quality or condition of the apartment is usually at the descretion of each individual owner.

I have to agree BDA is excellent. I don't know a dive operator on Bonaire that is not. They also all work together for the greater good of the reefs, so that is extremely important.

Restaurants, the reason the service may have seemed slow has nothing to do with "your in the caribbean". Actually the reason, is probably two fold. First everything on Bonaire is normally cooked to order, prepared with fresh ingredients. Second, it is a more "european" way of eating on Bonaire. It is also considered "rude" to present a check to a table on Bonaire. This is done because the restaurants do not want you to feel rushed.

Non-divers, well you would be really surprised of all that there is to do. There is something called Update all over the airport, at the tourism board right in town, and at various restaurants, shoppes, etc.

There are some of us that are trying to bring an "Americanized" level of service, while keeping the feeling of Bonaire intact. I do hope that we never become "Americanized". There are too many islands that have gone that way.

I would love to make a challenge. I would love to arrange a trip for 5 divers who swear there is nothing to do on Bonaire for non-divers. Bring your non-divers, and let me prove you wrong.

I think the basic message is that when you come to Bonaire, embrace and enjoy the island, it's ways and culture. Keep an open mind, and you will truly enjoy Bonaire.

Liz

 

[Damselfish]

Stuff to do only helps if it's stuff you want to do or appeals. Fact is, there's not really a whole lot to do on many Carribean islands, all that matters is if you find stuff you want to do.

Interesting comments about restaurants. I haven't been to Bonaire in a long time. But back when I was going every few years I was never that impressed with most restaurants or food availablility. In between each trip I would read reviews saying how the food had gotten so much better, but never discovered that to be the case. So, I've read lots of good reviews about food since the last time I was there - wonder if I would find that to be the case, or if it's just wishful thinking/people want to like it?

 

[H2Andy]

there's some great restaurants in Bonaire ... my wife and i loved Casblanca (Argentinian grill), Chez Nous, the Lost Penguin (great for breakfast and lunch), and the Mona Lisa

and there are local places opening up and closing all the time .. good stuff

 

[herman]

I swear there is nothing to do on Bonaire, I swear there is nothing to do on Bonaire....Does that qualify me Liz????

I'm with you Liz, I hope Bonaire NEVER "comes up to American standards". I like it just the way it is. It's been a long time since I have been in a Sanddollar condo but the 2 condos I was in several years ago were in fine condion. I suspect this has more to do with personal taste than anything else. I read another report several months back on another board about the horrible conditions at Buddy Dive...the strange thing was I was in THE room that was susposed to be so bad a few weeks before the report (and 2 others), it was fine then. My "it's fine" was someone else's "very bad" with the only real difference being personal point of view.
Same thing holds true with the restaurants, one persons great is another persons horrible. Some of the "best" restuarants here in Raleigh are on my never go to list. Lots of fancy candles, pretty table clothes and 4 forks on the table but the food is so so and a poor value IMO.
To each his own, I like Bonaire the way it is.

 

[Tom Smedley]

I once read a quote that said something like "Do not expect here to be like home for you have paid lots of money and traveled long to leave home and be here."

If you tink about it - When the wheels of the AJ flight leave the ground in Atlanta you are no longer in the United States.

My favorite places to eat on Bonaire are the "Snacks."

 

[Tom Smedley]

I swear there is nothing to do on Bonaire, I swear there is nothing to do on Bonaire....Does that qualify me Liz????

I like Bonaire the way it is.

Mee too Liz - I like Bonaire the way it is too but I liked it better before the coming of the Pod people.

Heck - just give your non-diving significant other your credit card and drop them off at Mr. Littman's.

 

[H2Andy]

i think it's a pity some poeople think all dive destinations have to be like every other ...

i like the diversity and character of various places

Roatan is not like Grand Cayman, and thank god for that. and thank God Grand Cayman is not like Rotan!

likewise, Bonaire is not like the Bahamas, and thank god for that ... and vice-versa

they're all unique in their own way ... isn't that what we travel for?

 

[AXL72]

Hush yo mouth about wishing for further development!

Dear GOd, please do not allow the touristy trap development of Bonaire. It has already been molested with the take up of prescious shoreline development of private homes that has cut off shore access to some dive sites.

Please God, may Tom come to his senses, divorce his wife, throw his partial custody kid into the deep end for an introductuction to diving, and find a good woman who dives. j/k

OK ok...on a serious note, Bonaire is fantastic for diving. In fact, Bonaire is the only place I have gone where I had no time for souvenir shopping. I was too busy diving. First time I declared absolutely nothing on a customs form. Yes, u have to look at the small stuff, but there is soooo much small stuff and so much to learn (fish behavior, what critters lay in anemonies, squid, brittel stars, etc. etc.)

 

[under water]

Although I hope that nowhere will become Americanized there is a general trend toward globalization within the tourist industry and Bonaire IS a tourist destination.
Each tourist destination will try to retain it's uniqueness for commercial and sentimental reasons. Even places like Venice, Machu Picchu & the Scottish Highlands are supporting their local populations by catering to the expectations of the 21st century tourists.
Maybe Bonaire has been spared a lot of this so far. I will be there for the first time in 2 months and I do not want a Burger King or K-mart, but I'll bet there already is some establishment like those because the opportunity and even local demand is there.
The world is MUCH smaller now and even America is changing because of globalization and transparent borders at a rate that even some Americans are having trouble adjusting to.
Any place that has a direct flight from a US or European city really is already wrapped up in this.
From what I read, Bonaire, through some insight and forward looking individuals stands a chance at becoming something special if it plans well. Change WILL come. How you manage it is the key.
Good Luck!
I'll be there in a few weeks and leaving some $$$ behind and bringing some memories (and used batteries) back home