Need help planning group trip to Bonaire!

[Talon]

I’m working to put together a Bonaire trip for my Dive Club in Florida. I’ve spent the last several days reading hundreds of messages and tons of web sites. Where has that got me – tons of confusion :nervous:

Some background information:
--I’m expecting around 15-20 people to sign up.
--Want to stay at a nice place. I’m not talking 5 star per say (although – not opposed to it if the price is right). But has to be clean, safe, and have a nice atmosphere.
--Need to arrange air travel. Ft. Lauderdale works well generally ($$$), but Orlando is actually closer. But either is fine – just looking for the best deal.
--Planing to do the trip the week of June 24 to July 1 2006.

As for accommodations, I’ve been eyeing the Sand Dollar Resort but not committed to it yet. Would love to hear some thoughts and suggestions on where to stay and/or comments about the Sand Dollar.

Air Travel – this is the part that is catching me by surprise. I really expected to be able to find something sub $400. Not even getting close unless I go all the way to Miami. But even then I’m hitting mid $400. PLEASE – anyone have any suggestions/ideas on how to cut down the travel cost (i.e., group rates, private charters, etc…). I hate to cut back on the quality of the accommodations as a result of high travel costs.

Overall suggestions: Any general suggestions you have to help put a fun trip together, things to do/see, places to eat, things to avoid would be GREATLY appreciated!

Thanks again and I look forward to everyone’s feedback!
Michael

 

[El Orans]

Send a PM to Natasha...

Laurens

 

[herman]

There are a lot of nice places on Bonaire depending on your needs and cash. Have you tried a travel agent that does dive travel ( I use/like Caradonna). Many times they have bulk air deals that can save you money. Also, most places will give you the 10th room for every 9 rooms you need. I got lucky the other year having 10 and got this deal. As I am not doing it for money, I passed the saving along to each member traveling with me.
Sanddollar is a fairly nice place, a couple of miles north of town. You also might want to check Buddy Dive. If you put 3 couples in a 3br condo,the cost drops quite a bit per person. Another way you can cut the cost is to drop the boat dives most packages have included. This cuts about $100 off pp and you can always add boat dives back if you change your mind when you arrive. At least a Buddy, to add boat dives you can simply sign up on the board by the shop and it will be billed to your room/dive tab. If you would be happy with a lot more modest rooms, I know of several that are not on the water but cut your cost a lot. I stay at these when I am traveling with 1 or 2 people.

 

[Oceanadventurer]

We have always stayed at the Divi Flamingo and have been happy there. We traded our week of timeshare to stay there. This year we were unable to trade a week and therefore went to Curacao instead. We prefer Bonaire. We have noticed several lower priced places advertised that are not on the ocean but we have never rented a car there and were just as happy to walk into town. Do you know of anyplace on the ocean that would have kitchenette that would be lower priced but comfortable and clean. We would also be interested if we were not oceanfront and had to rent a truck if necessary. Any suggestions would be appreciated.