hi there everyone! my mother and I have never been to Bonaire before, and we have a few questions for all of you experienced folks about our upcoming 2004 Christmas vacation.
1. Are there more people around Bonaire as a result of the Christmas holiday?( we went to Europe 2 years ago and it was way too crowded and touristy for our tastes)
2. Are there many places where one can learn to scuba dive? ( I've never swam in an ocean before, so this is my graduation present)
also, about how long does it take to learn to dive?
3. I've seen some pictures, and it doesn't seem as if there are many sandy beaches, just rocky ones. Are there sandy beaches, and if so, where?
4. Is this the rainy season there, I mean is there a likely chance there will be rainy days?
Any extra recommendations and advice would be greatly appreciated, this site seems very encouraging and supportive.
Thank you in advance!

There are more people on Bonaire during the holidays, but it is not "crowded". You may have to wait longer for a table at a restaurant that does not take resevations.

Every resort either has its own dive shop or is connected with a dive shop. If there is a dive shop in your area, you should be able to to the classroom and pool work there and then do a referral for your open water work on Bonaire. The open water dives for certification can be done in a day or two if all goes well. All dive shops have rental gear, but you should have your own properly fitted mask, fins, and snorkel.

The most of beaches are coral rubble the Plaza and Eden Beach both have sandy beaches and some of the others have small sandy areas.

Most weeks it will rain for a short period during one-three days, but all day rains are unusual. It is not a cold rain at any rate, more like a summer shower.

Read some of the "Diving Bonaire" and "Trip Reports" threads for comments about referrals and classes.

In addition to what Linnea said:

1. Are there more people around Bonaire as a result of the Christmas holiday?( we went to Europe 2 years ago and it was way too crowded and touristy for our tastes)

Everywhere seems more crowded than normal, but see Linnea's comment.

2. Are there many places where one can learn to scuba dive?

Contact the dive shop you are planning on using (see above) and ask if you can reserve a spot for a class. It helps the smaller ops plan in advance and that way you can start right away! It also helps insure that you have whatever forms you might need (including a doctors clearance, in some cases).

also, about how long does it take to learn to dive?

Four or five days seems about average. Another option may be to do your pool and book work locally and just do your check out dives in Bonaire. That tends to cost a tad bit more in total but takes only two days and you avoid using vacation time to do the class.

3. I've seen some pictures, and it doesn't seem as if there are many sandy beaches, just rocky ones. Are there sandy beaches, and if so, where?

Lac Bay, Baby Beach (sort of), some in the National park and a few hotels have them (as mentioned above).

4. Is this the rainy season there, I mean is there a likely chance there will be rainy days?

Also, it does not matter if it rains when you are already underwater!

Any extra recommendations and advice would be greatly appreciated, this site seems very encouraging and supportive.

Yes, enjoy yourself! Check out the Bonaire WebCams http://www.bonairewebcams.com/TheWorks.php , http://www.infobonaire.com/ and your hotel's website.

Thank you in advance!

It would probably help if you asked the specific questions you have in the other sections of the board that have a topic heading that pertain to each question.

Diving questions in "Diving Bonaire"
Where to stay in "Accomodations"

etc.

have fun!

thank you all very much for your advice, i will look over at the other sections for better reference.

Stay at Eden Beach....it has a small beach and a Bongo bar....learn to Dive at WannaDive in Eden. You will love it there. Tell everybody at Eden, WannaDive and Bongos Wally sez HI....and then run!!

I stayed at buddys in august. they were fantastic