Hello:

We are planning a trip to Bonaire the end of May. We are just starting the research for the "right" hotel, dive package, airfare from Huntsville, AL. Any suggestions to assist and weed out unnecessary research would be greatly appreciated. We have three divers, would like to be on the ocean, kitchen, unlimited shore diving, truck/jeep, etc.

Thanks,

Lawanda:

http://www.infobonaire.com is a great place to start your research journey. Also, the keyword search function at the bottom this page has proven priceless for my research. Research is only unnecessary when you're paying someone else to do it.

Lawanda,

If you are not stuck on a resort with onsite dive operation check out Crown Courts 44A

http://www.sunrentals.an/houses/Sabadeco/CrownCourts44a.html

It is not that far away from many dive operations and you are a few hundred feet from Andrea II and the snorkeling right at Sajo's Reef is great right off your back terrace (I have heard the diving is also).

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Belinda

Lawanda, if you want to check with a travel agency for help, i would try Caribbean Dive Travel Adventures, www.worlddive.com. you can ask for Larry, he's been to bonaire many times, so he knows the island and can make good recommendations. he made all my arrangements - lodging, vehicle and airfare.

i took my first trip to bonaire (and out of the country!) in january and it was without incident from start to finish - much thanks to his help.

one of the things i enjoyed was the breakfast package at the Lion's Den restaurant - 7 breakfasts for $50. a couple of divers i met shortly after i arrived told me about it. it was right next door to where i stayed at the Sand Dollar, and made starting each day effortless. my waiter knew what i wanted by the second day, and without asking would bring me my coffee, another cup of hot water to dilute it!, and my juice as he brought my menu. there are about 10 different items you can choose for breakfast ranging from cold cereal and fruit to a huge mexican omelette. the food was good and it gave me time to decide what i wanted to do that day while someone else took care of the cooking!

also, just keep reading the trip reports and the dive talks. you'll get lots of information here.

enjoy your research - i know you'll have a wonderful time no matter what you choose. bonaire has that effect on all of us!

I'v been checking airfairs and have not bought our tickets yet, but being a "seasoned" bonaire traveler, I waited until about a month before and got a great airfare deal on Air Jamacia thru carradonna tours, try Kim she knows Bonaire. (I'm "rolling the dice again!) I'll doing the same this year. We are traveling in Mid May also. You can probably get a connection thru Raliegh, Duram or Atlanta. I think that's the easiest and best times. Arrives around 3pm leaves in afternoon. Lots of places to choose. My vote is Divi, see why under accomodations thread.

Lawanda, we just returned from Bonaire on March 18th. it was our first trip also. we loved it!! we used Larry at Caribbean Dive Travel Adv. also. he was great. we stayed at the Plaza Resort, 2 bedroom villa(lagoon view), unlimited shore diving, tanks,weights,belts and a rental truck from AB car rental. The 3D package. we booked our own flight thru Delta Airlines with connections on Air Jamaica. we traveled from Memphis-Atlanta-Montego Bay-Bonaire. if you have any questions email us anytime. will post trip report soon. Tammy Vetter

You will find what you are looking for - "on the ocean, kitchen, unlimited shore diving, truck/jeep, etc." at Sand Dollar Resort Condominiums. We stayed there last September and are returning in July. Loved the place!

Units - Studio to 3 Bedroom - all have full kitchens. All units face the ocean. Bonaire Dive and Adventure is the Dive operator on site. Very convenient. Unlimited shore diving right from their pier. It doesn't get any easier.

Check out their website - www.sanddollarbonaire.com. Prices are reasonable and include vehicle, daily breakfast (optional), and unlimited shore diving packages. They can also assist you with airfare at bulk rates to save you money.

The diving is great right at their house reef - Bari Reef. Or you can pick up your tanks and go anywhere on the island you want to dive.

You're gonna love it!

Marvin Lowman

Caution: in a previous post I said I was waiting to the last minute to buy our tickets this year. This is not a good idea. It just so happenes that we are traveling on dates that are not that popular. I talk to Kim at Caradonna and she told me that if it where for other dates that the flight are booked solid. I keep checking. It's graduation and wedding time and the kids are still in school and not that busy on Bonaire then. I hope I did not cause anyone any trouble with your tickets.