We were in Bonaire from July 13-20 and had a total blast -- a great trip! This was the second trip there for me and my husband, but the first trip for our friends Matt and Joe (brothers).

Matt, John (my husband) and I flew to Aruba from Philly via UsAir, and Joe from Charlotte vis UsAir. From there we caught Bonairexel (the 5 p.m. flight). It was a semi-tight connection, and unfortunately they made Joe take a later flight (something like 9 p.m.) because they had overbooked (even though we had confirmed the day before). He had a good attitude about it all, though, and just told us to set up his room and luggage, get the truck, etc.

We stayed at the Belmar, and it was absolutely awesome -- the best place I have ever stayed on a dive trip. The condo was jaw-droppingly nice, the view was INCREDIBLE, the staff was friendly and helpful. I would recommend it with no hesitation at all, and I'll certainly be back there.

We were worried about Emily, but it didn't affect us much. On Thursday we did a couple of dives (they advised us to be out by 5 p.m.). We bought some groceries and some candles in case of no electricity, but that wasn't a problem. The next morning we went to the National Park because the water was a little choppy, but by 2 p.m. we were back in the water.

The typical day began with coffee overlooking the balcony, then loading up the truck and packing a lunch, and then off for some diving: Karpata, Oil Slick Leap, Andrae II, 1000 steps, Invisibles, etc. We'd head back in the afternoon, rest for a little while, and then back into the water for a dive or two. My favorite moment was at Oil Slick Leap. We swam to the right, and were about to turn around to go back, and Matt spotted the tail of a green moray in the reef. We were all just hovering looking at it, when the moray came totally out and gave us a thrill of a show. He looked at each of us in turn, slowly, as if to ask us what we were doing down there. Finally, he just danced around a little bit and headed back in. The other thrill was finally spotting some juvenile truck fish -- they were so CUTE!!

One morning while having our coffee two schools of dolphins came right in front of the Belmar. They were leaping and playing -- it was truly one of the most amazing things I've ever seen. Absolutely breath-taking.

Only two "bummer" things happened on the trip. One, on the second dive with my camera I think I had some sand in the o-ring of my housing, so my camera got water-logged. I realized later that the camera would still take pictures, but the LCD wouldn't work (and so I couldn't frame things underwater), and the zoom wouldn't function. So not too many pictures, and the ones I could take after the water were pretty lame. But if you're interested, here's a link: Mary's Photos. I'm sad to not have more pictures, but I'm not heart-broken about the camera. It was old and I've been wanting a new one anyway.

The only other thing was that someone rammed into the rear light of our truck at some point when we weren't in it. Not too much damage though (only about $44). As an interesting aside, we've heard a lot about car theft, so we never kept any valuables in the car while on our dives. However, this cheapo $5 watch that my husband had broke while on our trip (big surprise), and we just kept it in the truck in plain view between the two front seats. No one even touched it. This isn't to say that I would take a risk on something of value, but only an interesting observation...

Leaving was truly agonizing, as I know you all have felt, but it was a fabulous trip. One for the record books. I'm sure we'll be back!

Best,

Mary

Oh, one other thing -- if you do look at the pictures you'll see a couple of ones of a little smurf toy. This is part of a gps game that I play called "geo-caching" -- like a treasure-hunt game. There are several caches on the island... If you're interested in learning more, let me know or check out the Geocaching Web Site.

Best,

mbo

Hi, Mary and welcome to BT! Sounds like everyone had a great trip....can't imagine how anyone could NOT have a great trip on Bonaire!

Loved your photos....I can actually see the "pain" on your face when you discovered the waterlogged cam...ouch, that hurts!

Your sunset shot is soooo intense! Absolutely gorgeous. We have seen a few similar ones while on Bonaire, too, but when they are as intense as this one it is truly a treat to enjoy.

When will you return??!! It's the only cure for the dreaded Post Bonaire Depression which has probabably hit all of you by now! Ayo. Carole

Mary
Totally enjoyed your trip report and the photos which are so indicative of the great disarming ambiant colors of Bonaire above and below the water line.

Mary, great trip report! We stayed at the Belmar for the first time on our last trip, and you're right, it is fabulous isn't it! Great photos...I'm hoping that your friend did not get bit by that iguana...they do bite you know! Did you check out the resident iguanas at Belmar? they hang on the wall all day

Mary! You guys were in the Park the same morning that we were. It seemed that we were the only ones around for miles. And we were back in the water by 2 as well. Glad you enjoyed your trip!

Nice pictures and report! Thanks for sharing!

Mary, thanks for the report and the great photos. Aqualung should buy your mask, fins and snorkel photo for advertising purposes.

My dive buddy Bob T. see: http://www.oldbonairetalk.com/newsgroup/messages/23830/177400.html#POST209017

would love to dive with your Smurf:-{)}

Thanks for the nice responses, everyone! Just reading everyone's friendly replies underscores my need to go back -- for a lot longer than a week next time! Okay, so I'm 40 now, how long to retirement?

Mary, nice pics. Sorry about your camera, but I look at it as a chance to upgrade. I love the smurf. I took a travel bug named Diver Down! diving in Bonaire last Christmas Day. There are a few pictures at the link. The one with the French angel is not a trick, it really swam into the frame as I was backing up from placing the slate.

T minus 11 days to the next trip!

Mary,enjoyed your report and pictures! Thanks, makes me more excited to go to Bonaire in the next few weeks.

Thanks for the nice comments Debbie and Mark! Mark, I had noticed your picture of the TB on the geocache site -- nice! I love the angel fish pic.

I heard from a friend that the TB that I dropped off in Bonaire is already headed back to the states! I can't believe it! I would think he would much more enjoy being in Bonaire -- I know I would! My profile name on geocaching.com is mbo, so feel free to check out my profile. I love caching -- it's such a fun way of exploring new places.

Debbie, enjoy your trip in a few weeks. I'm envious!