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Trip Reports: Trip Report Dec 4 - 11
Bonaire Talk: Trip Reports: Archives: Archives 2000 to 2005: Archives - 2004-08-02 to 2005-05-08: Trip Report Dec 4 - 11
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Chuck H (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #8) on Monday, December 13, 2004 - 5:48 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Just returned from our second trip to Bonaire.
Getting there was a nightmare. Our flight from Charlotte to Miami was delayed and we missed our flight on Air Jamaica. American originally wouldn't help us out because we booked the International flights over the Internet with Air Jamaica. After our third try with different agents(different story each time), they agreed to let us fly on American instead at no cost. We arrived 5 hours late but our luggage didn't arrive until late the next day.

Stayed at Belmar in lower two bedroom condo. This place is extremely nice. Porch is less than 6 feet from the seawall. Night watchman keeps things safe at night. Clean, roomy and well equipped.

We did our checkout at Belmar on Sunday and proceeded to Buddy Dive to sign up for the boat dives. Boats were all full until Monday afternoon. No one bothered to tell us that even if you prepay, you have to sign up for each trip 24 hours in advance. We did 3 boat dives a day to catch up. The boats were always crowded compared to other places we've been. Some boats require equipment be piled in the walkways. Crews were great and always asked customers for dive site choices. We always did a 2 tank morning dive and a one tank afternoon dive. Timing was excellent and left plenty of time for shore diving though we only did 3. Boat got us access to many otherwise inaccessible sites. Saw lots of eels and a few turtles. Extremely disappointed with fish life however. Water temp was 82 on all dives.
We ate pizza and loved it though service was very poor. Drank wine on the dock most nights and just relaxed.
Trip home on Air Jamaica was great but we had to overnight in Miami as there were no more cheap flights to Charlotte. Actually enjoyed staying at the airport hotel however.
Next day was another nightmare with American. The ticket agent would let up check in because our luggage was 60 lbs and 68 lbs. The limit is 70 lbs for International flights but since we didn't book the return flight from Bonaire with American, they said it was a domestic only trip. We argued until the agent got mad and just left the station leaving us there with huge line behind us. She mumbled that a supervisor would discuss the problem with us at 6am but it was only 5:30 am now. After waiting for about 15 minutes, another agent showed up and booked up without a problem. American seems to have some confusing rules that neither customers or agents can follow.
Diving was only average, worry about crime is high and cost is average. Food and selection was good. Accomodations were excellent.
I'll return to Indonesia, Fiji, Tahiti, Little Cayman, and Roatan but not Bonaire.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Marcus L. Barnes (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #211) on Tuesday, December 14, 2004 - 10:05 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Extremely disappointed with fish Life? I don't really understand that. In terms of number of species and just pure numbers of fish I don't think Cozumel or the Caymans, the other two places I have dove, can compare. There is bigger fish at these two locations but I rarely see them (i.e. saw sharks once during a week while on the Cayman Aggressor). We were on Bonaire in October we were impressed by the number of fish on the reefs. I belive there are around 400 species of fish on Bonaire's reefs. Oh well, to each their own.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Gail Thomas (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #452) on Tuesday, December 14, 2004 - 1:19 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Interesting report after your comment yesterday on the web cam thread where you wrote....

"Good morning everyone. I just got back from a great trip to Bonaire."

As Marcus sez - to each their own.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By EDNA HERRMANN (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #8) on Tuesday, December 14, 2004 - 3:26 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Dear discussion board members: your input was invaluable.
Where do I begin?

Let me start from the end and then work my way from the beginning.
We didn't want it to end, and wish we had few more days to experience the underwater fantasy land.

The trip over was exhausting since we had a night trip and then 6 hours layover I do not look at the world through pink glasses after 26 hours without sleep.

The southern part of the island, is not impressive in its above ground natural beauty. We stayed at the "plaza resort" which is the biggest resort on the island.

My mood lifted when we entered our spacious one bedroom unit, with very lovely views of lagoons and the ocean.

We hired a guide renee, for the first aquatic adventure the following morning. she certanly lived up to her repuation. After all it was more than 12 years since we last snorkeled.

We found out in a hurry that old skills ( 15 years since our last snorkel)do not fade away, and after an hour we felt like solid beginners. ( at the end of the week we deluded ourselves we are true intermediates)
The marvel were the fish, the colors, the variety , the beauty. The disappointment was the coral. We learned that in 1999 there was a hurricane that broke a great deal of the coral in shallow water, which is of course is were you snorkel.

After a couple of days we became braver. Took a water taxi to klein Bonaire, and drifted with the currant, explored marked and unmarked sites, did 2 nights snorkeling,one with renee and one with dee , and went on a boat to klein with a bunch of about 8 people and spent about 4 hours in the water. lots of fun
the biggest nice surprise was that not too far from our hotel, just south of it, between 2 piers, was one of the overall best places to snorkel in terms of fish life and some undamaged corral.
Starting the 3rd day we were on average snorkeling about 4 to 6 hours a day, and resented the limitation, such as food, sleep and food placed on our time. in short, we became truly addicted.

We took half a day to explore the northern part of the island,( renee suggestion) which is much prettier and interesting and enjoyed seeing all the flamingo in the reserve.

The island is not too built, and since we came before the Xmas season it was not crowded at all.. Nice feeling not to be in an overbuilt tourist place.

John took few hundred photos under the water. About 50 of them came out not too bad.

We cannot wait to go again. Wish I could dive, but after ear surgeries, it is not possible, not even a free dive.. Got to deal with the hand you are dealt, and I cannot complain.

I do not know when we will be back , but back we will.

.

Happy Hanukah, Xmas and New -Year

and thanks again to renee, dee and the rest of you.

Edna
and best regards from John

-----------------
Forwarded Message:
Subj: BONAIRE
Date: 12/13/2004 5:52:08 PM Pacific Standard Time
From: DREDNAH
To: jwk4@cornell.edu



Dear John and Eva,

Where do I begin?

Let me start from the end and then work my way from the beginning.
We didn't want it to end, and wish we had few more days to experience the underwater fantasy land.

The trip over was exhausting since we had a night trip and then 6 hours layover I do not look at the world through pink glasses after 26 hours without sleep.

The southern part of the island, as you remember is not impressive in its above ground natural beauty. We stayed at the "plaza resort" which is the biggest resort on the island. ( was it there when you were there last time? What year was it?).

My mood lifted when we entered our spacious one bedroom unit, with very lovely views of lagoons and the ocean.

We hired a guide for the first aquatic adventure the following morning. After all it was more than 12 years since we last snorkeled.

We found our in a hurry that old skills do not fade away, and after an hour we felt like solid beginners. The marvel were the fish, the colors, the variety , the beauty. The disappointment was the coral. We learned that in 1999 there was a hurricane that broke a great deal of the coral in shallow water, which is of course is were you snorkel.

After a couple of days we became braver. Took a water taxi to klein Bonaire, and drifted with the currant, explored marked and unmarked sites, did 2 nights snorkeling, and went on a boat to klein with a bunch of about 8 people and spent about 4 ours in the water.
the biggest nice surprise is that not too far from our hotel, just south of it, between 2 piers, was one of the overall best places to snorkel in terms of fish life and some undamaged corral. starting the 3rd day we were on average snorkeling about 4 to 6 hours a day, and resented the limitation, such as food, sleep and food placed on our time. in short, we became truly addicted.

we took half a day to explore the northern part of the island, which is much prettier and interesting and enjoyed seeing all the flamingo in the reserve.

The island is not too built, and since we came before the Xmas season it was not crowded at all.. Nice feeling not to be in an overbuilt tourist place.

John took few hundred photos under the water. About 50 of them came out not too bad. When he has it ready, i 'll email a few.

We cannot wait to go again. Wish I could dive, but after ear surgeries, it is not possible, not even a free dive.. Got to deal with the hand you are dealt, and I cannot complain.

I do not know when we will be back , but back we will.
I have to thank you for one of the most memorable weeks of my life.

Where does this email finds you?

Hope you are both well.

happy Hanukah,

Love,

Edna and best regards from John

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Chuck H (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #9) on Tuesday, December 14, 2004 - 4:59 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Let me clarify my trip report. I had a great time on Bonaire. Our place was great (one of the best I've ever stayed at) and the food was great. We had Pizza a couple of times and we ate at Richards twice. We had some great chocolate cake from the lady that runs the little bakery. (can't remember the name) Since I have more than 500 dives in several other parts of the world, I just feel the diving is average. Since there are many places I haven't been, I'll keep exploring new places. By the way, I would recommend Bonaire for someone that hasn't been diving long or someone that wants a real easy place to dive with a great atmosphere. I've seen it twice now about 5 years apart. Maybe I'll change my mind again in 5 years and return once more. I hope I didn't offend anyone - like a couple people have said "to each his own".
I hope to get some pictures posted soon by the way. I did see my first Sharptail Eel and the was fun. The picture isn't the best but its okay.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Carole Baker (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #4440) on Tuesday, December 14, 2004 - 6:31 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Chuck and Edna, thank you both so much for your reports and input. It's nice to see our board does help folks out on their first trip, too!

Chuck...maybe the bad weather of recent weeks had something to do with the marine life situation while you were there....I do hope you return to Bonaire in five years, too. She is a special place, indeed.

Edna...now you have what we call Post Bonaire Depression...PBD! The only cure is to now plan your next trip to Bonaire...then you have something to look forward to.

My husband and I share in your addiction of snorkeling. We go out for six hours at a clip and only come in for a nature call or chow...just as you did! So glad you fell in love with Bonaire. Ayo. Carole

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kathy Hall (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1805) on Tuesday, December 14, 2004 - 11:00 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Chuck, I think you overbooked yourself, and hate that for you. Next trip, go in summer and don't book those boat dives beforehand. :-) I agree with seeing the rest of the diving world, but so far, to us, Bonaire is the best. And I think it's because of the freedom....nothing rushed, the all on your own time joy of shore diving. You missed that being so rushed to meet your boat dives. Anyway, glad you did enjoy it, just wish you had enjoyed it more is all. Every report is insightful. :-)


 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jane Marie Garchinsky (BonaireTalker - Post #80) on Wednesday, December 15, 2004 - 4:44 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Chuck,
Tell us about Little Cayman. We, husband and I are interested in going there out of Boston because of Cayman Airways new direct routes. How would you contrast the reef, sponges and fish to Bonaire's?
Where is the most convenient place to stay on Little Cayman? Expensive diving? Any help would be appreciated.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kelly Newell (BonaireTalker - Post #30) on Wednesday, December 15, 2004 - 11:48 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

We stayed at the Divi on Cayman Brac last spring and we really loved it. The diving was excellent, but the food wasn't as good as Bonaire.

When we decided on the Brac vs. Little Cayman is that we hear that when the seas are a bit rough or the current is strong there are less dive sites on Little Cayman to choose from vs. staying on the Brac. If the seas are calm, it's a 30 minute boat ride over. We had a total of 6 dives on the Bloody Bay wall in 5 days of diving.

Unless they changed it recently also, Cayman Airways limits the weight you can bring to Little Cayman due to the smaller aircraft.

It's a bit more expensive as well, but either way you go, it's a great time.

Kelly

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kelly Newell (BonaireTalker - Post #31) on Wednesday, December 15, 2004 - 11:56 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

What a coincidence, shortly after my post this was on the news regarding the Caymans...

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/recenteqsww/Quakes/ussadb.htm

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jane Marie Garchinsky (BonaireTalker - Post #81) on Wednesday, December 15, 2004 - 12:45 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Kelly,
Thank you for the info. Brac sounds like it might be more to our liking. Probably easier to get to as well.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Carole Baker (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #4443) on Wednesday, December 15, 2004 - 3:14 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Boy, the "Ring of Fire" has been very, very active of late....usually see volcanic action in conjunction with/around the same time as the earthquakes. Definitely very active lately. Hope everyone is OK. Carole

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Lee Johnson (BonaireTalker - Post #17) on Wednesday, December 15, 2004 - 5:17 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hi, Chuck:

Sorry you didn't have the best time diving. What sites did you dive? I too have felt that way at times about Bonaire so I tend to like the dives listed in the guide as intermediate or advanced. These I like a lot Dives on the east side tend to be very good.

Just don't expect to see a lot of grouper or many large ones. Go to Roatan for that or Cozumel. You'll see a lot more lobster in both of those places as well.

Boat diving on the east side is like boat diving on the North Side of Roatan. You'll see some big fish, and a lot of them.

I've been to Roatan as well and like that quite a bit too. Crime is really quite low on Bonaire in general. It's probably higher on Roatan and I've always been told to stay away from Coxen Hole at night (just go to the West End).

All that said, I love Bonaire. It's a happy marriage of a lot of things for me. And the people are the nicest anywhere.

Lee

 


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