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Trip Reports: The Truth on Getting to and from Bonaire
Bonaire Talk: Trip Reports: Archives: Archives 2000 to 2005: Archives - 2005-05-08 to 2005-08-03: The Truth on Getting to and from Bonaire
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Chuck H (BonaireTalker - Post #33) on Wednesday, June 8, 2005 - 8:34 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

I have been to Bonaire 3 times in the last 10 years. Its a great place and I feel comfortable while there. I've never personally had anything stolen but it does happen. I think that is possible just about anywhere. All 3 trips have had baggage problems or last minute cancellations. This is not a complaint but a plain and simple fact. The moderators and regulars of this board can say what they want about these facts. I have no idea if more people have good experiences or bad but its obvious there are frequent travel problems to Bonaire.

I am a very experienced traveler and diver. My experiences include Little Cayman, Roatan, Fiji, Tahiti and Indonesia among others. Like it or not, Bonaire is the only trip among at least 40 where I consistently have travel problems. Bonaire is a great destination with good diving, great atmosphere and great dining experiences. The average person is extremely friendly and welcoming but there are a few vendors on the island that could use some "how to treat customer" pills.

Yes, many of the board regulars will tell you to relax and go with the flow. I do and I plan for the problems. Many resorts are very accommodating in regard to these delays and lost baggage. However, fact is, these problems persist at Bonaire and take away from the experience. I don't visit Bonaire as often as I'd like because of these problems.

One more thing. I personally believe the shore diving is over rated (can be extremely challenging) and the boat diving (especially the incredible value) is underrated at Bonaire.

I enjoy the board and the regular members but please don't keep bashing the people that tell about their experiences just because they are bad ones. Frankly, I don't believe the complainers are any more likely to post than those with good experiences. Accept the fact the Bonaire is not perfect (especially getting there) and do whatever you can to make it a more pleasant experience for everyone.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Marcus L. Barnes (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #328) on Wednesday, June 8, 2005 - 10:04 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Sorry Chuck, I've never been very PC so I am compelled to respond. I have been to Bonaire 5 times in the last 4 years and I have never had any travel problems getting there and back. I have done plenty of boat and shore diving in the past and in my mind you get way more bang to the buck when shore diving not to mention the fact that I can dive on my own schedule and at the site of my choosing. I will leave you with this - if someone posts negative expiriences, I retain the right to respond to it with my positive expirences. People who have not been to Bonaire should hear both sides of the story. This, in my mind, is not bashing. Have a nice day.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jason Bratton (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #7) on Wednesday, June 8, 2005 - 10:14 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

I'll split the difference. Shore diving is just what the Dr. ordered for the wife and I. We love the dive at your own schedule, to our dive site of choice, avoid the crowd experience we get shore diving. It is just as big a factor for us to come to Bonaire as the reef. (And the reef is exceptional for Caribbean standards)

Getting to Bonaire is a pain in the keester. I've been 3 times - planning a 4th trip for this November - and I've had problems 2 out of 3 times. I've had luggage left behind in Curacao on the first trip (retrieved several hours later) and a 3 hour delay at the airport for departure - nearly missing my connection to get home which I buffered due to these fears. That won't keep me from returning - but it is just a simple fact that can't be ignored. Too many people experience problems - me included - for Chuck to be discounted on this point. With that, I'm planning my next trip - small inconvenience that I can live with given the rewards that await from my favorite Caribbean dive destination. PBD cure coming up... :-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By DARLENE ELLIS (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1457) on Wednesday, June 8, 2005 - 10:47 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Out of ten trips in the last five years we had only one problem of one of three suitcases not arriving until the next day and it was on American Airlines on our first trip. Flew Air Jamaica for the rest and we loved using them and the arrival times. Even our last March trip went well with all that is going on. However, I wouldn't quite trust Air Jamaica at this point in time to get me there. I am just hoping that they get their act together and get the great flight back to Bonaire! In the meantime, the next two flights are already booked on American Airlines! :-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Sue (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #101) on Wednesday, June 8, 2005 - 11:06 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

I guess I need to put my 2 cents into this debate. I can both agree and disagree with some of the posts that are here. As some of you have said maybe some of the negative reviews have turned people away and I hope the good reviews have brought people to the island.

For those who are thinking of a first time to the island - read the post and make your own judgement. You have to remember that what you see here is just a sample of the number of folks who come to the island. I have not seen a recent number of the number of visitors that have come in the past month(s) but considering that the number is usually pretty high - the number of posts you see here is low to that number.

As far as travel problems to the island - I have had my share of delayed flights and delayed baggage. BUT I have had worst problems traveling around the lower 48 then I have had going to Bonaire. If had let those problems get to me I would have stopped going anywhere, even by car.

Shore diving - where else can you go that you can even shore dive like you can do on Bonaire. Granted not everyplace is a simple walk out of the water but at least you can get out. Last summer I was down visiting a friend who was house sitting and I advised him to look into taking one of Bruce Bowker's course's on diving rough water. It was the best thing he did because it taught him the best ways to enter/exit difficult conditions. I can bet not that most would benefit from this of course too if you any shore diving.

So what is the point of my post - please, read the posts, but remember it is one persons view and does not reflect all the visitors who are coming to the island. If it was an easy island to get to there would be a Holiday Inn Express on the island.

The greatest thing that has happen to the island is this board because it does make the good and bad visible to hotel owners, business owners and the governement on what is being said. Plus changes have occured because of this board.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By John"Smack"Anderson (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #718) on Wednesday, June 8, 2005 - 11:19 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hey Chuck! Thanks for the input. I respect your right to your opinion and agree with you on some points such as "getting there" and boat diving.

On three of my four trips I have been delayed in Aruba, St. Thomas, and Newark for a day. The one time I made it to the island as scheduled came as a surprise. Now I just plan on getting there when I get there. I'm on vacation. It's all good!If Bonaire Express continues to be reliable, I think I may have this issue solved. Trip five in October may tell the tale.

The boat diving IS great, especially to
Klein where a northside drift dive can be a blast. Good value and short transport times on the boat.

Your shore diving comment has me stumped, however. Being from the NE US where heavy gear and long or steep(or both) entries to sites is most common, I find the majority of the sites on Bonaire as relatively easy. JM2C. I have little experience on other locations, so take it with a pill:-)

Dive Safe, Dive Often!

Smack

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cam (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #357) on Wednesday, June 8, 2005 - 11:47 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

It seems that lately there have been numerous complaints regarding various Bon-related issues, from travel to theft to poor services, but what I find interesting is that pro-Bonaire posters are being constantly challenged and accused of being intolerant and biased. I for one, am biased in favour of Bonaire, and, like Marcus said, feel that any complaint or accusation can be addressed, most often with a positive anecdote. But what I find most interesting, is that people seem to feel that that this site and its posters, moderators, etc. are obligated to provide TOTALLY unbiased and objective reporting...I come to this site to look at the webcams, daydream about my next trip to Bon (in Oct), and converse with friends I have met there and on this site. When I found this site, I wasn't searching "Critique of Bonaire"....that is what we have Fodor's Guides and Travel agents for...I have found that this site has been a wealth of information, graciously given by generous posters and managed by diligent, FAIR moderators. I, for one, am getting a little tired of what seems to be travellers coming to this site for no other purpose than to bash Bonaire. With all the information on this site, I find it next to impossible that one can be surprised/shocked/appalled upon landing in Bonaire that IT ISN'T CANCUN, GRAND CAYMAN or HONALULU....so if your flight was late, your selection of beer was limited, the mosquitoes feasted on your legs, there was limited nightlife, you couldn't find white-powder beaches, your favorite Ray Bans were stolen from the dash of your truck while you were diving, and the only music in your hotel room are scratched "Best of Milli Vanilli" cd's, don't say you weren't warned. Go ahead, get on this site and complain your little heart out, but please allow me to retort that I like arriving in the dark, like Amstel beer, love my little mossie friends, love going to bed early after diving all day, rejoice in getting scatched by coral when exiting a great dive site, hate Ray Ban/love Serengheti, and still think Milli Vanilli rocks (it was all a conspiracy you know)...anyway, my point is that this site (as I understand it) was created as a mechanism for Bonaire LOVERS to keep in touch and talk about all things Bonaire (good and bad). As a relatively new member, I appreciate this site immensely. If people really had a crappy time on Bon, sure, put your tale on the site and move on, don't loiter around and argue with people who truly love the island and it's experiences, both the good and the bad. Hawaii can always take more people. So ends my rant.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jim McCabe (BonaireTalker - Post #25) on Wednesday, June 8, 2005 - 11:54 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Isn't the purpose of trip reports to convey real life experiences, both good and bad, to those BT readers who might benefit from the information? Why is there a need to balance any negative experiences with a load of positive experiences? Seems like the goal with many people on this board is to promote the island, for whatever reason.

I'm curious, those who feel a need to "balance" any negative experience with a bunch of positive counter-experiences: Why?

As a Bonaire newbie (first trip a couple months ago), the most useful info from this site was the warnings and bad experiences that helped me to plan the trip, and figure out what areas to pay special attention to. Helping others' to prevent bad things from happening on their trips is the goal, no?

Or maybe there is another motive here?


 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Sue (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #102) on Wednesday, June 8, 2005 - 11:55 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Here here CAM!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jim McCabe (BonaireTalker - Post #26) on Wednesday, June 8, 2005 - 12:02 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Cam sez: "...pro-Bonaire posters are being constantly challenged and accused of being intolerant and biased. I for one, am biased in favour of Bonaire..."

So, you're admitting the accusations of bias are correct? :D

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cam (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #358) on Wednesday, June 8, 2005 - 12:09 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Sigh...Yes Jim, guilty as charged...sob...yes, it is true....sniffle.....My name is Cam....and I am....a.....Bonaireaholic....there, I've said it...we've made great strides today

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Marcus L. Barnes (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #329) on Wednesday, June 8, 2005 - 12:48 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Jim: Here's Why. If you look under Trip Reports entitled "Yikes - Bonaire Trip Reconsidered" you'll see that the author of this thread was thinking about cancelling his first Bonaire Trip based on the negative reports he was reading on Bonaire Talk. Those with positive expiriences came on line and related their positive expiriences. This persuaded him to continue with his plan to visit Bonaire. This, to me, is a good thing. My name is Marcus and, I, too am a Bonaireaholic.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mark Degan (BonaireTalker - Post #46) on Wednesday, June 8, 2005 - 1:20 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Chuck, thanks for your post. What airline(s) were you flying? We've only flown AA and have had minimal delays. One time, a few of our bags were late getting back, but we were forewarned at the gate that they were bumping a few bags to the next flight.

I'm not sure what you mean about the shore diving, though some sites can be very challenging and its best to educate yourself about the ones that have that potential. I think that the quality of boat diving anywhere depends on your DM. My most eventful dives were ones where the DM pointed out many things I wouldn't have found on my own. The worst boat dives were where the DM was disengaged or kept pointing out multiple scorionfish & flamingo tongues (as turtles were swimming by).

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By William Tweed (BonaireTalker - Post #44) on Thursday, June 9, 2005 - 12:31 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

I think a large part of the problem of negative postings occurs because some folks feel that if one new complaining thread is good, three or four or more must be better. Usually these posts have very little information and tantalizing titles. They seem to seek to provoke, they often resemble trolls. Recently, a gentleman posted numerous uninformative posts bashing AJ and complaining about his lost vacation, when it seems his AJ flights arrived on time on the island and he and his spouse were the only ones not on the plane. Now that's a sad thing, but it is in NO WAY the fault of anyone on Bonaire, so why should he bash the island? The gentleman also withheld the information from us that he had travel insurance for his trip - insurance he bought because he read this board. I may be a cockeyed optimist, but I think I would have been burning up the phone lines to Air Jamaica, and not believing anything told to me by the agents of the airline that was screwing up my trip after they had confirmed my flight.
Because this is about the only game in town as far as active message boards on island destinations, these type of postings often spread an incorrect picture of the island. The people who enjoy the island protest, and are labelled.
Personally, I feel 65,000 tourists a year is PLENTY, and I don't really care if some folks wish to avoid the island, to them I say Hooray and have a great time somewhere else. It wasn't until i'd dived a lot of different places that I came to appreciate Bonaire.

Chuck, where is the better shore diving located? We all want to know.


 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jim McCabe (BonaireTalker - Post #27) on Thursday, June 9, 2005 - 11:46 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

I guess I'll never understand why folks are so concerned that others might get an "incorrect picture" of Bonaire. (Unless of course you guys own businesses there or something :-) )

For example, I love Cancun. Beautiful beaches, great nightlife, easy to get to, perfect for me in the off season. But I couldn't care less if others get an incorrect picture of Cancun. If they like it, fine. If not, fine. Why should I care? And I also couldn't care less about discussing with others how great it is. I already know how good it is. But that's just me.

But what I do care about is recent developments in Cancun, so that I can plan my next trip. For example, when the US Gov. posts a warning because the cops are out of control and visitors are getting ripped off by them, you can bet I want to know all about it. When someone has a bad experience at a particular hotel, I sure as heck want to know about it.

I already know the good stuff. That's why I like it.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Marcus L. Barnes (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #330) on Thursday, June 9, 2005 - 12:48 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I guess I'll never understand why some folks think only negative trip reports have any value when it comes to effective trip planning.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Belinda Z (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #350) on Thursday, June 9, 2005 - 12:50 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Jim,

VERY WELL SAID!!!!!

I wholeheartedly agree with your posts - you have a marvelous non-confrontational manner that lets everyone make their own decisions based on the information provided.

Keep up the good work!

Belinda Z

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cam (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #361) on Thursday, June 9, 2005 - 1:13 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hi Belinda..... I'm not disagreeing with Jim...my rant was more in relation to those posters that complain that every time they post something negative they get beat up by the pro-Bonaire thugs...my point is that if you really had a bad experience, go ahead and post it....you've done you bit for King and Country...helping out other naive travelers that may be considering a trip to Bonaire...leave it at that...but we may have an alternate perception of the exact same scenario...you know what they say "One man's trash is another man's treasure"....take Chuck's original post at the top as a perfect example.. "The Truth About Getting To Bonaire"....pretty catchy, eh? It sounds very much like any other post which may argue his position is a lie, no? But waitaminute....whose truth are we speaking....my trip from Calgary went without a hitch, both ways..., even though we were delayed in San Juan...to me, this was no biggie...

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By James Tate (BonaireTalker - Post #48) on Thursday, June 9, 2005 - 3:12 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

THis is for mr. Tweed.When I called Travel guard I was given a feeling there might be a problem collecting since the trip cancellation was carrier caused. Through Marry's efforts at Sanddollar we will get our hotel refund I can't thank her enough. If you bothered to read my last post I explained the hours I spent with both Delta and AJ and got nowhere. I have a few smaller expenses to file with Travel Guard but according to them it could take 4 to 6 weeks.I can say one thing Bonaire must very special and I am sad that we did not get to see it.I hope all of you who make a first trip and those who keep returning have great experiences.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Belinda Z (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #351) on Thursday, June 9, 2005 - 10:25 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Cam,

I got no beef with you smile

Belinda Z

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By William Tweed (BonaireTalker - Post #45) on Friday, June 10, 2005 - 3:09 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

James, I was referring to making calls from the airport on the morning of your departure to try and obtain a more accurate picture of the status of the AJ flights directly, not second hand from Delta.
I hope everything works out well for you James. Any chance you charged the airline tickets and travel guard insurance on the same credit card? If you did, you might try to use them to beat up on the airlines and travel guard.
As always, take people's names down when you log your calls, and use the names in conversation to enhance comity. If you don't know who you're talking to, you're not actually talking to anybody.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By James Tate (BonaireTalker - Post #49) on Friday, June 10, 2005 - 9:53 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Thanks for the come back. Delta did refund the ticket money and the idea I got from the delta agent was this was the last resort .I am sure he did not with hold any information.I was under the impression AJ had just cancelled the flight that morning which was not the case delta just did not process the 6/1 notification in time. I had no reason to question the delta agent and I did not have the travel experience to call AJ direct things did not work out.I will be more prepared in the future. This whole experience has been a real eye opener. The trips we have taken were always with one air line using their planes, now I know better.I hope they do get reliable air to Bonaire some day, I would love to see it.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By William Tweed (BonaireTalker - Post #46) on Friday, June 10, 2005 - 2:34 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

AA is pretty reliable, James, Jake takes it all the time.
Even travelling AA you are changing airlines. American Eagle is not a part of AA, though the name and paint job might lead you to believe otherwise.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Freddie Hughes (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #6213) on Friday, June 10, 2005 - 2:41 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Mr. Tweed , You have mail....

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jake Richter - NetTech (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #5525) on Friday, June 10, 2005 - 2:45 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

AA and AE are part of the same network - same luggage handlers, ticketing system, and reservations. That's good enough for me...

Jake

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Marcus L. Barnes (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #334) on Friday, June 10, 2005 - 2:52 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

In 5 trips to Bonaire, I have never had a problem with American/American Eagle.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kelly Baum (GDLW) (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #2713) on Friday, June 10, 2005 - 3:04 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

A huge factor for me, and frankly I'm willing to pay a little more for it, is that flying AA/Am. Eagle, you don't have to claim your bags and go through customs/immigration and recheck baggage. I'm spoiled that way... I just want to get where I'm going, the easiest way possible with the least amount of fuss. Of course you still have to reclaim and recheck in SJU on your return flight, but somehow that seems more palatable to me.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Chuck H (BonaireTalker - Post #34) on Sunday, June 12, 2005 - 5:36 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I'm glad I was able to spark some good honest discussion about Bonaire. I'm sure there are 2 sides to every story and I was only presenting mine. Let me clear up a couple of points.

The 2 airlines I have flown are ALM (luckily gone forever) and Air Jamaica. Another couple we shared the condo with, flew with some airline through Caracus and they went out of business with no notification and they lost 2 days trying to make other arrangements to get to Bonaire.

I'm really sorry I wasn't clear about the shore diving problems. The incoming waves can sometimes be pretty large and they sometimes last for days making shore entry very challenging. When the weather cooperates, entry is relatively easy at most sites but I personally don't like all the sand and mess created trying to get in and out of the water across rocks and sand. I agree however that I've never been anywhere with a greater variety and easier access to shore diving when conditions are right. The real point I was trying to make is that the boat diving is excellent and an excellent value. I really don't think that's a complaint - its a personal preference.

The vendors I refer to are some of the car rental agencies. Sorry I don't remember the names but just use caution and research your options. I'm sure some are better than others.

I also got sick on one of my trips and had to visit the local hospital. The people were extremely nice and the prices were unbelievably low. However, communications were very difficult late at night. Certainly they can't be expected to speak every language but it was a scary situation. The doctor in the morning was extremely upset they didn't call him since it could have been a diving related problem and he's the specialist(and speaks English very well). Anyway, it all worked out but I wouldn't recommend getting sick if at all possible. (As if we have a choice) Please no offense intended to anyone. I wish I spoke Dutch and Spanish myself but I don't.

My last trip included diving with Buddy Dive and staying at Belmar. Belmar is spectacular. I highly recommend it. NO BUGS inside like I read others were having at various places at the same time.

Let me also repeat that I enjoy the choice and quality of food choices on Bonaire better than any of the other diving locations I've visited.

 


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