Ok started the morning out with a nice swim to the Hilma Hooker again, I just love this dive, no current no waves, nothing difficult, this is what vacation for a North East diver is all about right? Saw a bunch of Barracuda and Tarpon again, but I can't get enough of them. After a good 35 minutes on the Hooker, and a nice leisurely ascent up the reef the fun began,I had sighted the biggest spotted Eel I have ever seen, he had to have been 5 ft long, but he was not one for posing for photos, so with patients and a little luck he finally relented and smiled for the camera. After this dive we decided to take a lengthy surface interval and headed to the Cliff, and just over an hour later we were strapping tanks on, and off we went, this was a great dive, the cliff portion of the reef is just awesome. We headed toward Capt Don's and turned around when we hit the wreck at La Machacha, no fish hanging around the wreck so we didn't stay long and doubled back we hot to see Capt Don's memorial, I was a little pissed there was no plaque remaining but oh well. If I missed it please someone just call me an idiot and tell me were it is. After a 10 minute safety/deco stop, we surfaced a little hungry. Just a quick note the deco stop was not mandatory, but after the times we were posting it couldn't hurt, and the NE cold water training prevailed. After a quick bite at the Garden Cafe off we went for some R/R in the pool, Yea I know your asking don't you ever get enough of the water? well the answer is a resounding NO.

Later that afternoon we headed to Andrea I. To be totally honest this dive was a totally boring one. Maybe we caught it at the wrong time, I don't know but we were more than ready to call it quits after 45 minutes and move on. We did see plenty of nice creatures and some pretty cool reef, but nothing special. I know every dive can't be special but a little excitement wouldn't have hurt. I made a mental note though to try again later in the week. We didn't get to but will this winter when we return for a finale.

Our fourth and final dive of the day brought us to 1000 steps. after a leisurely trot down the steps, Oh who am I kidding, after huffing and puffing and catching our breath we started the dive with the calmest water thus far. The way the reef grows into pagoda like structures was just the coolest. If you like schooling fish and awesome looking reef structures then this dive is for you. Don't do it from the boat though, that is too easy. To truly love this dive you need to do it like the name. They are so right in the description though. It did feel like a 1000 steps coming up, my legs were burning, and I am in decent shape, I don't claim to run iron mans or marathons but with 60 or more pounds of gear on you it is not easy climbing those steps, but I feel it is a right of passage for all coming to Bonaire for the first time. After todays dives were done and salt rinsed from our tired bodies it was straight to bed. I don't think I can possibly go one with 4 a day anylonger, that is exactly what I was thinking when my head hit the pillow.

Bonaire Trip Report:

Sorry this is so late, but the summer flew by and then it was back to school.We visited Bonaire for the first time in late July. We spent 7 days at Harbour Village. My goal is to provide an honest report on our trip. I say this, because I spend a great amount of time on web boards looking for honest information in order to make an informed decision regarding my travel plans. That said, everyone has different standards and expectations when they travel. So, some background: We are a family of 5. My husband, 17 yr old son and 14yr. old daughter are divers. My 10 yr. old son and I are not, although we are definite water people.
We have been fortunate to be able to travel to many nice places. When we take our 1 week a year family vacation, I am not necessarily looking for a great deal. As a mom who cooks, cleans and runs kids around all week, I am looking for someone to take care of me. As an extraordinarily overworked and busy husband and father, my husband is not looking for things to be difficult or time consuming. As non-divers are part of our group, the entire trip is not about diving and finding the most efficient way to do that. We are looking for more than a clean, nice room with a kitchen. This is neither good, nor bad, it is simply what we are hoping to get on our vacation.
We flew Air Jamaica which was absolutely fine. Yes, there were delays in Montego Bay, but it's the Caribbean and Bonaire is not the most accessible place, so it was fine. We love Margaritaville at the airport. No problems. Arrived in Bonaire to gorgeous skies, lovely breezes and friendly people. Had no problem with luggage; got all 7 pieces, and had an extremely easy car rental experience with AB Carrental. We stayed at Harbour Village which was perfectly suited for us. Lovely beach, warm and accommodating staff, exceptional accommodations. The dive staff here were also first rate as were the boats. Negatives regarding HBV: VERY quiet. If you are not a beach bum or a reader, you will be bored. Fortunately, we fit the bill and loved it. My 10 yr. old did meet a buddy from England which was nice, but he is very content with water, sand and some snorkel gear. We accompanied the divers each morning on the boat and snorkelled so his mornings were full. We found the restaurant there, La Balandra to be very overpriced but good; the breakfast, inconsistent. We ate at a ton of other places and enjoyed them all:
Rumrunners Coco's
Lions Den Capriccio
Chibi-Chibi Bongos
It Rains Fishes Tipsy Seagull

We loved Bonaire. We spent a good deal of time exploring town and driving north. The people were welcoming and friendly. I never felt unsafe. I went to Cultimara in town on our first morning with my 10 yr. old and found it to be safe, fun and interesting and not too pricey, compared to shopping in my home town! After travelling to many places that we have enjoyed including many other Caribbean islands, Mexico and Europe, Bonaire is the only place I would consider purchasing a vacation property. That is certainly saying something!
As you can tell by the list of restaurants, we also saw many other hotel properties. Honestly, none compared with HBV. Each had its own charm, and each satisfy certain needs, but for us, I would have been unhappy if we had been anywhere but HBV. This is due to several factors: I, as a non-diver, need a beach. HBV's beach and the cove that the hotel sits in is by far the prettiest area on the island for hotels. The marina was fun to walk around, and the views of Klein were amazing. I was unimpressed by other hotel beaches. The Plaza beach was very, very rocky. Although the property was impressive, it's level of maintenance did not compare with HBV. I also did not like the Plaza's location; literally 1 block from the airport and pretty far out of town compared with the other hotels. Car rental is a must no matter where you stay. As to the other hotels, they clearly cater to divers and I completely understand that. That is the reason most people are on Bonaire although as a non-diver, I found it to have plenty to do and to be truly beautiful in a rough and tumble, dramatic way. I think future hotels will begin to cater to divers more in the future as, gasp, Bonaire becomes more popular. The other hotels are clean, well kept, with amazing diving access. The restaurants and bars are lively with underwater talk, and comaraderie. OVerall, a very warm and friendly island. If anyone has any questions, I'll do my best to answer them. We loved Bonaire: it's beauty, it's people, it's culture. Can't wait to go back!
Thanks

Glad to hear you enjoyed your trip and found the resort that is right for you on your first trip!

well said-to both of you, and thanks.