By Glenn Fager on Monday, December 10, 2001 - 10:40 am: |
Hello all. I am travelling to Bonaire from the USA for the first time Feb. 22-Mar. 1 (staying at Capt. Don's). For those that have dove both Bonaire and Cozumel, I'm wondering what your impressions are (likes and dislikes) about both islands. I do have the book "Bonaire Diving Made Easy".
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By Jake Richter - NetTech on Monday, December 10, 2001 - 11:14 am: |
Glenn,
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By De Etta on Monday, December 10, 2001 - 12:05 pm: |
I'll second that Jake. We have been to Coz 8 or 9 times over the past few years. Our very first trip was prior to the onslaught of cruise ships. It was a very nice, peaceful place then. We only go now because it is cheap, cheap and cheap with decent diving. 3 or 4 days is about all we can handle. I get tired of fighting off the vendors and those, oh so friendly, timeshare folks. We are now planning our 3rd trip to Bonaire. The diving in Bonaire is very good, but it's actually the diving freedom, 24x7, that brings us back. No schedules, no crowds - above or below, no vendors - no not even 1, great food and great people. For us, it just doesn't get any better than that.
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By Meryl Virga on Monday, December 10, 2001 - 11:42 pm: |
I have never been to Cozumel but would like to add my 2cents...Cozumel is mostly drift dives? am I right...I do not especially like drift dives, you fly by all the good stuff to fast! Also Bonaires water is desalinized and as fresh, safe and tasty as it comes! I don't know of anywhere in Mexico that can boast that...
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By sherry baker on Tuesday, December 11, 2001 - 11:24 am: |
i have many friends who love the drift diving, but i personally prefer little or no current so i can stop and watch all the little creatures and fish for as long as i wish, or at least until my air supply gets low. so i liked diving on Cozumel and i love diving on Bonaire.
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By Glenn Fager on Tuesday, December 11, 2001 - 3:39 pm: |
Thanks folks', I really appreciate your insight. If I may ask a follow-up: Do have have to worry about "Montezuma's Revenge" on Bonaire like you do in Mexico? I believe Meryl mentioned it wasn't a problem in Bonaire but would like some clarification. Thanks again!
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By Glenn Fager on Tuesday, December 11, 2001 - 3:52 pm: |
Me again. Forgot to ask whether tips on dive boats and tips for hotel staff are standard practice and if so, how much is typical? Also, I'm wondering if there are any restrictions on suntan lotion use during diving (does it have to be biodegradeable?).
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By Linnea Wimberly on Tuesday, December 11, 2001 - 4:36 pm: |
I'v gone to Bonaire, I don't know how many times and have never had a M's revenge problem and I have a 'sensitive' system.
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By mary pequinot on Friday, December 14, 2001 - 9:05 am: |
I've been to both, but have only done a couple of dives after a resort dive in Coz, having been certified in Bonaire early this year. Jake's assessment is accurate. I do like Cozumel, but it's much more touristy and the vendors ARE irritating. Get back off the tourist strips, and it's much less so. Bonaire is wonderful and sleepy, still-yet there are such good choices of restaurants. Cozumel is cheaper.
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By Anonymous on Friday, December 14, 2001 - 6:07 pm: |
Wonder if Bubba and Clem will ever make it to Bonaire.
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By Bill Sweeney on Saturday, December 15, 2001 - 12:00 am: |
I didn't get the whole bubbaandclem redneck story because that "La Bamba" track drove me off. Jake's description of "the hat, white hair, and black socks variety" cracked me up. It's a cultural thing, I think. Mexicans are loud and brassy with their horn sections, as well as being melancholic, too, at times. I don't know that Bonaire has an identifiable music. Bonaire is better for pure technicolor multifaceted U/W fauna. But Co - ZOOM - el ...How can you not like the dramatic walls and then lobster tacos for dinner? A close third place in my opinion is Belize.
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