LaiLaiDiver
Registered
Hello all... just back from two wonderful weeks on Bonaire, and while I don't own an underwater camera, I'll do my best to describe in words the bliss that is Bonaire...
The diving is all it's cracked up to be. Now I know why so many of you return. We did shore dives, mostly along the south, as I prefer the scenery of the stark yet hauntingly lovely salt pans, and also enjoyed the double reefs. Be sure and pick up the Shore Diving handbook, it's a great resource. Here are a few of my personal favorites:
Hilma Hooker - did this twice. Thought I'd be too timid to go inside, but it's really a magical experience doing so. Surreal and gorgeous looking out from the cargo hold. Spied a large bristle worm on the outside of the wreck. Garden eels just off the bow at 100 ft.
Red Slave - the other site we did twice. Wonderful sandy shallows with eagle rays and plenty of time to settle down on the sand and observe garden eels at shallow depth. Along the reef was treated to a 5 ft. green moray swimming along for several minutes - as long as I am tall! Lots of peacock halibut, turtle, this site was consistently good!
Also did Belmar, Oil Slick, Bari's, Something Special, Angel City, Invisibles, Buddy's, The Cliff, Margate Bay, The Lake & Tori's Reef. All were wonderful.
Some dry activities include the Donkey Sanctuary, quite fun as you drive thru and suddenly have donkey heads stretching into your open windows looking for hand outs. Be sure and bring some nibbles for them (chopped up apples seemed to be their favorites) - a good way to clear out your condo cupboards of snacks on your last day! They also have a gift shop with every donkey souvenir imaginable, and it all goes toward the cause.
Lac Bay for windsurfing or just scenic relaxation. It's a pretty drive across the island, and the bay is gorgeous. Had a really nice lunch there right on the beach.
Gotomeer Lake for sundown. Flamingos... views... quiet wild seclusion (in case, even on Bonaire, you feel the need to get away from it all!)
I was pleasantly surprised by the nightlife in Bonaire. I was expecting the island to be the sort of place that rolls up the sidewalks by 9pm, but Bonaire is fun and lively in the evenings, with it's own unique local flavor. They were having DJ competitions both weekend, and on the final Saturday the street party outside City Cafe went well into the wee hours. And for those of you on a budget, you CAN dine out affordably. In all of the places listed below, dinner for two was between $20 - $50 U.S., (as long as you don't go crazy!) Favorites included:
Karel's Beach Bar - Great place to enjoy the sunset and evening ambiance. Wonderful cheeseburgers for $8 U.S. Pair that with a couple bottles of Polar and you're set. After a few visits there you feel like a local.
Buenos Aires Cafe - Nice ambiance, friendly service. The whole chicken with fries was enough to share for two. Hands down the best (and coldest) fresh juices I've had in a long time - the mango and watermelon were both delicious! I'm salivating right now just thinking about those - if you're reading this on the island go have one for me now!
La Guernica - Right on the waterfront, delectable tapas, wonderful wine, and great service. Every dish has a distinctive unique flavor. A fun place to eat on Friday or Saturday and watch the parade of cars cruising by, a local Bonaire tradition.
Papaya Moon - Friendly service and wonderful food. The jerk chicken skewers were especially good, as was the peanut butter pie.
Lions Den - Had a great Indian Tandoori Chicken dinner.... just when I was craving Indian, perfect timing!
Bonaire was a joy, and now I know what PBD means... I'm hoping to return for a week in October, but that can't come soon enough!
The diving is all it's cracked up to be. Now I know why so many of you return. We did shore dives, mostly along the south, as I prefer the scenery of the stark yet hauntingly lovely salt pans, and also enjoyed the double reefs. Be sure and pick up the Shore Diving handbook, it's a great resource. Here are a few of my personal favorites:
Hilma Hooker - did this twice. Thought I'd be too timid to go inside, but it's really a magical experience doing so. Surreal and gorgeous looking out from the cargo hold. Spied a large bristle worm on the outside of the wreck. Garden eels just off the bow at 100 ft.
Red Slave - the other site we did twice. Wonderful sandy shallows with eagle rays and plenty of time to settle down on the sand and observe garden eels at shallow depth. Along the reef was treated to a 5 ft. green moray swimming along for several minutes - as long as I am tall! Lots of peacock halibut, turtle, this site was consistently good!
Also did Belmar, Oil Slick, Bari's, Something Special, Angel City, Invisibles, Buddy's, The Cliff, Margate Bay, The Lake & Tori's Reef. All were wonderful.
Some dry activities include the Donkey Sanctuary, quite fun as you drive thru and suddenly have donkey heads stretching into your open windows looking for hand outs. Be sure and bring some nibbles for them (chopped up apples seemed to be their favorites) - a good way to clear out your condo cupboards of snacks on your last day! They also have a gift shop with every donkey souvenir imaginable, and it all goes toward the cause.
Lac Bay for windsurfing or just scenic relaxation. It's a pretty drive across the island, and the bay is gorgeous. Had a really nice lunch there right on the beach.
Gotomeer Lake for sundown. Flamingos... views... quiet wild seclusion (in case, even on Bonaire, you feel the need to get away from it all!)
I was pleasantly surprised by the nightlife in Bonaire. I was expecting the island to be the sort of place that rolls up the sidewalks by 9pm, but Bonaire is fun and lively in the evenings, with it's own unique local flavor. They were having DJ competitions both weekend, and on the final Saturday the street party outside City Cafe went well into the wee hours. And for those of you on a budget, you CAN dine out affordably. In all of the places listed below, dinner for two was between $20 - $50 U.S., (as long as you don't go crazy!) Favorites included:
Karel's Beach Bar - Great place to enjoy the sunset and evening ambiance. Wonderful cheeseburgers for $8 U.S. Pair that with a couple bottles of Polar and you're set. After a few visits there you feel like a local.
Buenos Aires Cafe - Nice ambiance, friendly service. The whole chicken with fries was enough to share for two. Hands down the best (and coldest) fresh juices I've had in a long time - the mango and watermelon were both delicious! I'm salivating right now just thinking about those - if you're reading this on the island go have one for me now!
La Guernica - Right on the waterfront, delectable tapas, wonderful wine, and great service. Every dish has a distinctive unique flavor. A fun place to eat on Friday or Saturday and watch the parade of cars cruising by, a local Bonaire tradition.
Papaya Moon - Friendly service and wonderful food. The jerk chicken skewers were especially good, as was the peanut butter pie.
Lions Den - Had a great Indian Tandoori Chicken dinner.... just when I was craving Indian, perfect timing!
Bonaire was a joy, and now I know what PBD means... I'm hoping to return for a week in October, but that can't come soon enough!
