We just completed our first trip to Bonaire and really enjoyed it. We are avid snorkelers and traveled with our two young kids (2 and 6) and my parents. We stayed in a two bedroom at the Sand Dollar and agree that they are in more financial problems then they admit, but overall were happy with the accommodations. The pool was perfect for the kids and they spent hours swimming.

We spent three full days sailing with a Minnesota friend who happen to make Bonaire her winter home this year before moving on to Panama (that was one of the reasons we chose to visit Bonaire this year). We snorkeled every day (multiple times!) in front of the Sand Dollar (both the rocks and the remains of the concrete pier) and loved the abundance of fish. Highlights included three kinds of eels, a scorpion fish, porcupine fish, two kinds of adult and baby flounder, and scrawled filefish. It was the perfect spot for our 6-year old daughter to learn to snorkel and she loved it. We also snorkeled no name, pink beach, windsock, Andrea I, 1000 steps and Karpata (saw a sea turtle). For coral, Karpata was my favorite. We even did a first-time night snorkel and a 5-ft green moral eels nearly scared me to death! Things sure look bigger at night!

We also traveled nearly every corner of the island by car and found the area around Gotomeer to be extremely beautiful. The kids loved the goats, donkeys and lizards...and we visted the Donkey Sanctuary twice. They have done a nice job there. (BTW...we rented a car from AB Rentals, and while it all worked out, they clearly were not organized and had paperwork and communication problems. I would try a different rental company next time.) We also caught a slide show at the Divi Flamingo and Dee Scarr's show at Captain Don's, which was very enjoyable.

And what's a vacation with kids without a visit to a grocery store and laundromat? We made daily trips to Cultimara (the bakery was wonderful), but also visited another 5 small markets and the Warehouse. Our little Sand Dollar grocery store always helped in a pinch for odd things, like lighter fluid (we used the Sand Dollar charcoal grill several times!) We also enjoyed local food at Gibis Terrace and the kids had fun with the parrot at City Cafe (we ate there for both lunch and dinner).

Although they spoke no English other than "cone or cup" we made friends with the girls working the counter at the ice cream shop (next to Sand Dollar Grocery) with our nightly visits!

The only downsides...I did have a t-shirt and shorts (and a half used water bottle!) stolen at Karpata. Unfortunate because there were picnicners just 100 ft from our car, but they didn't respond when the car alarm went off (I was just entering the water, so there wasn't much I could do.) I'm sure the thief hid in the abandoned buildings near the site, and we parked closer to the building. I didn't think anyone would want the t-shirt and shorts, so didn't think to take it with my down to the shore.

It was discerning to learn that there had been thefts at the Sand Dollar complex during our stay, but we have learned on other adventures to be safe and hide our valuables. The small room safe was appreciated, and we never left cameras, purses, etc. out in view. We also realized that the patio doors/screened porch door were easy safety breaches and did our best to shore them up (i.e. we put a beer bottle on the porch door handle because the air conditioners are so loud and it would startle a thief.) And, my parents made the decision to sleep on the coach in the living room (even though it was warmer and less comfy)instead of having the kids sleep out there because it seemed safer to have them in a bedroom.

The only other issue was the mosquitos. We're from Minnesota, so we KNOW mosquitoes. Ours come super sized and are as mean as they get, but I was surprised at the number of mosquitoes that swarmed our condo throughout the night. We had an evening ritual of killing the buggers, but it didn't matter there were always more. Not sure how/where they were getting in, but the kids were the primary target and they looked like they had the chicken pox. Even spraying them nightly with bug spray did't keep their cheeks, necks and arms from being all bitten. Mosquito netting over the beds would have been an easy solution.

Overall, it was a great trip. We met fun people, experienced a beatiful underwater world, enjoyed relaxing family time and ignored our voicemail and email for a full two weeks! What more can you ask from a vacation?

Thanks to Jake and crew for the good advice on Bonaire Talk prior to our visit. It armed us with valuable info that saved us time and trouble.

Great report! We leave on April 13 for our second trip and are really getting excited. Your report helped lots! Where is the Warehouse grocery? (We were last in Bonaire four years ago and only shopped at Cultimara).

Susan, I think...if you are driving north out of town towards the resorts (Sand Dollar, Lions Den, etc) and you hit the roundabout, go east (in island) and it will be on your left a ways up the road (past the 7/7 store) It's always fun shopping at new places. It didn't have near the items, but had different stuff, than Cultimara. For things like Chips Ahoy and Oreos (and salsa chips to go with the Salsa you can buy at Cultimara) stop by the Sand Dollar Grocery right past the roundabout.

Susan...I believe the Warehouse is on Industrial Avenue (correct name?) which is the same road Lisa Gas is on. This is the road that starts at the Parking lot area of the Divi Flamingo. It is the same road China Nobo is on. It is not much past Lisa Gas on the same side of the road (the right) if you are driving from the beach road side. It is air conditioned and carries a lot of wonderful items. We enjoy shopping at the Warehouse. Prices are not too bad, either. If I am wrong on my location, I hope someone will correct me! Carole

Carole, you are correct on the location...actually, there are two "wholesale" places, one across the street from the other. We prefer the one on the left (when coming from Divi), especially for wines and liquors. Also, they often carry Argentine beef (frozen) and have a good price on the whole wheels of Oude cheese.

Thanks everyone! I feel much better prepared for this trip to Bonaire thanks to all the wonderful BTers! Susan