Bonaire was a series of "firsts" for us. Our first diving trip, as well as our first trip to Bonaire. We were on island May 15-22.

We flew Air Jamica out of Houston with no problems. We enjoyed their champagne breakfast and lunch on each leg, and yes this was economy class! All our luggage arrived both ways and the service was excellent.

We stayed at Casa Oleander in the "Lora" bungalow. I would definitely reccommend this for anyone needing budget accommodations. Our 1 bedroom efficiency was spacious, clean, and we had our own private patio in a tropical garden. Each unit has a unique personality. Our hostess, Marion, made sure we had everything we needed.

We rented our car from AB Carrental and everything went smoothly there also. It was the standard Toyota Hilux pickup with the tank racks in the bed. We had a flat tire, but that was fixed in less than an hour at Lisa Gas and we had the added benefit of meeting Gabby, who owns Lisa Gas.

We dove with Photo Tours, and again, received excellent value and service with lots of smiles there. Thanks to Eddie, Bas, Chili, and the other captain (sorry I don't remember the name) for making us feel comfortable as newbies to the sport. We did lots of shore dives as well as some boat dives to Klein Bonaire.

We cooked most breakfasts and lunches at the Lora. In the evening we ate at Gibi's, Mona Lisa, and Casablanca. Gibi's was a real treat and we enjoyed meeting Gibi, Jake and Linda Richter, Denise and Ted, Jim and Angela and all the other Bonaire Talkers.

We had an action-packed week that was simply unforgettable, however, one week is not enough to do everything we wanted to do. I guess that means we'll have to return next year! Next year we will stay at one of the resorts with a house reef so I can indulge myself in the water 24/7, lol.

Our pictures at here:
http://community.webshots.com/album/147588311LCQzkL

I guess you can count on us as regulars now..Bonaire is always on our mind and we are already making plans for our next trip.

'revoir,
Cindy and Rob

HI Cindy, great report and we agree one week is not enough time. We are working on planning our next visit and how to make it a 2 weeks stay.

You guys did really well with your new experience; new divers, shore diving, new equipment to get used to, and taking uw pictures. . . We also enjoyed chatting and passing time with you in the airport waiting to head home. I like your pictures, thanks for sharing.
What a sunset!!

Great trip report and pictures. Another Bonaire addict is born!

Thanks for sharing your report, didn't do my PBD well, but alas. Best thing to do now is talking about our next trip to Bonaire. Love the sunset too!

Thank you, Cindy. Isn't Bonaire addictive? One week was just enough to "hook you in"....now you have to start planning the next trip and you will feel much better....two weeks! Carole

I'm with Carole, the longer you stay the more addictive its gets. Now I have to start planning my next trip!

Thanks for the great photo tour... Not to make anyone jealous, but only 9 days until I leave. Glad to hear that Air Jamaica was trouble free.