I wasn't sure where to post this, so I picked a very popular thread, hoping for lots of info. My hubby and I have been to Bonaire twice-both times in the Spring. We are considering a trip in early November. What is the water temp like then, and how is the weather? I know Bonaire is pretty arid, but was wondering whether it is rainier that time of year. We live near Detroit, and have done the American/ALM-Miami-Curaco-Bonaire. Have not had problems, but am a bit concerned about reading about ALM again on the verge of bankruptcy. Also, we recently came back from Provo through Miami, which was a NIGHTMARE. We barely made our connection (with over an hour and a half between flights!). We're considering Air Jamaica out of Chicago, but that of course, also means an extra night hotel on both ends, plus flights.

Any assistance would be most appreciated.

Mary...we go to Bonaire every November for the past 6 years....It's a wonderful time....It never seems "rainy" to me! We use Air Jamaica and they did lose our luggage for the whole trip last visit...but they gave us a very nice reimbursement (after a few letters) but the service and connections have been wonderful...

Mary,

We live in Grand Rapids. The last three times we've flown Air Jamaica out of Chicago. Becasue of the early flight time, we spend the night, at a "Park and Fly". (Stay at a motel, they store your car, and drop/pick you up at the airport.) E-mail me if you would like more details.

November in Bonaire is the end of the rainy season, we.ve been there twice in November. One time it rained a lot, but not for long each time. The second time, it didn't rain at all. While you never can be sure about the weather we like Bonaire in November. We bought a timeshare during the week of November.

As for the water, you can expect it to be in the low to mid 80's.

Mary:

Small world. We live between Kazoo and Battle Creek. We recently went to Bonaire on AA. We flew out of Grand Rapids at 9:30 am, to ORD, to San Juan to Boanire. Arriving at about 9:30pm. All went well. We have flown through Miami on ALM, on several previous trips to Bonaire. We now prefer AA. We try to avoid Miami now at all costs. WE wonder if the problem with ALM is compounded by Miami. Miami always seems to be near critical mass.

Curiously, we went to Provo last year with freinds, who also just got back from Provo. They live in Clarkston, and go to Provo almost every year.

Others will ahve to address the conditions in Novmeber.

All of us who live in Michigan are experts at finding nice, warm places! Thanks for the info; any additions would certainly be welcome.

Hi Mary:
Have been to Bonaire 5 times. Used to fly ALM, but now avoid it and Miami at all costs. Last ALM trip we were delayed 12 hours going down and coming back, was stranded in Haiti for 3 hours. (was not even a scheduled stop) Never again. Fly Air Jamaica out of Chicago and have had good luck.

Mary,
We're leaving 4/18 from Metro, flying AA through Chicago to San Juan through to Bonaire. We found the flights through Expedia.com We leave Metro at 9AM and arrive in Bon at about 8 PM. We found that flying on Thursdays saved quite a bit of $.

Meryl,
Did you once write that you paid your departure tax early? If so, where do you do this? Thanks.
John