We just got back from our first trip to Bonaire, which was a smashing success, thanks in large part to the good folks on this board. (And a special thanks to Cynde Lee for posting our street cam pics. We are the "nice couple" on 9-15-02 :-) Also, thanks to whoever suggested that we try baby shampoo as a mask defogger. It worked MUCH better than any commercial product we'd previously tried. And, of course, thanks to everyone who answered my questions on accommodations, mosquitos, and anything else I may have asked. Thank you all!
I'm dividing this report up into 4 different parts. This one contains general info, not related to Accomodations, Dining, or Snorkeling (the other 3 parts).
Flights:
========
We flew American from Sacramento to DFW, DFW to San Juan, and American Eagle from SJU to Bonaire -- and did the same (in reverse) coming home. Only one leg was not on time, DFW to SJU, which was an hour late due to mechanical difficulties (had to switch planes). No luggage problems coming or going. 3 of the 6 legs were overbooked (DFW - SJU, SJU - BON, and SJU - DFW). We actually volunteered to be bumped on that last one, but there were too many no shows, so we didn't get called. :-(
While travel went about as smoothly as possible, it still isn't an easy route. Going to Bonaire, we left a bit after midnight local time, giving us a few hours on & off "sleep" via the DFW segment, and a wee bit more DFW - SJU. Still almost like staying up all night. Coming back, we had to get up at 3:15 AM Bonaire time, not getting back to our home and ready for bed until about midnight Bonaire time. The latter is easier to do, though, since at least we had a good, if partial, night's sleep. However, we did find ourselves pretty hungry at times. Having had to skip breakfast, we didn't get a meal until the SJU - DFW flight. By the time of the DFW - SAC flight, we'd been up some 14 hours, with only one meal. (We thought perhaps customs might allow the CA oranges & WA apples we'd bought in Bonaire through SJU, but no dice.)
One more note: The AE flight out of Bonaire that leaves at 6am. We arrived at the airport at 3:45, and there were already 23 people ahead of us. By the time we were all checked-in, we had only 15 minutes to spare at our accomodations (allowing for travel time to & from the airport). If we had been at the airport by 3:30, we feel we could have had at least another 15 minutes, enough time to eat breakfast as we'd planned. So, at least on weekends, I'd suggest getting there EARLY (or just eat breakfast before, and plan on spending a couple of hours at the airport).
Car rental:
===========
We rented with AB Carrental. There was a slight glitch in that we'd arranged a special rate via email with someone, but she failed to inform the people at the counter that night. So, our first experience with Bonaire was slightly upsetting. However, we came back the next day, spoke with a manager, and she straightened everything out. Everyone was very nice, and we'd rent from them again. Really hated the Toyota's passive alarm system; couldn't figure out its pecularities even after reading the manual!
Gas was expensive. We spent about $50, and didn't do that much driving. We also ended up giving the car rental folks some free gas (had to give it back to them with 3/4 of a tank or more), but what else is new?
Driving:
========
I just have to make a remark about this.  I don't think the drivers on Bonaire are nearly as bad as those on Aruba, but I must say, they really don't understand the concept of speed limits. I tried to drive about 5-10 kph above the limit (yeah, I know, THAT isn't the concept of a speed limit, either!). And I was always being passed, by cars going 20-30 or more above the posted limit. I find it ironic that on such a small island, where many people operate on "island time", everyone seems to be in such a hurry to get somewhere.
Theft:
======
Happily, we experienced nothing in this area. Sadly, the people in a unit next door to us did have a break-in one night. While they were sleeping in the bedroom, someone broke in and stole a LOT of stuff (including a baby carriage!). I'm sure being prepared and cautious helped us a lot, but so did luck. While it wasn't that bad (since we didn't get hit!), this petty theft problem did have a small negative affect on our enjoyment. It would really be wonderful if something could be done to "cure" it, once and for all.
Weather:
========
We were told by someone that June is the windiest month on Bonaire -- I believe it! It was very windy almost everyday we were there (I think there was one relatively calm day). The wind has several positive effects, such as helping you feel cooler, and (we're told) making the mosquitos less prevalent. But it also has negative effects, namely more surge/waves, and (especially in the shallows) reduced visibility.
Groceries:
==========
We visited 3 of the grocery stores (Cultimara, Bonaire Warehouse, and Consales Bonaire), and the Venezuelan fruit stand. Cultimara was definitely our favorite, due to the large selection and credit card acceptance. Also, we were a bit upset at Consales, since we'd picked 25 apples, and the cashier said we had to buy 5 more, or put 5 back (they were on sale for 10/Naf5.40). Cultimara had no such problem with a similar purchase. Also, only Cultimara had fresh, non-fat milk. Prices on most items were higher than what we pay here in CA, but that's to be expected. Some things were a lot higher, so we just avoided them (e.g., we got shelf stable OJ instead of fresh). And some things were probably cheaper than here (some bakery items, for example). All in all, for only 2 weeks, food price wasn't a concern for us.
The fruit stand had the best prices on fruits & veggies, but the selection was limited. We went there several times, though, as the quality of the food also seemed very good.
Slide shows:
============
We went to Dee Scarr's "Touch of the Sea" slide show at Cap't Don's, Cap't Don's "Rings of Memory" show (also at Cap't Don's :-), and Exposures Photo Shop's "Week in Review" show (at Rum Runners Restaurant ... at Cap't Don's). I'd recommend the first two; the "Week in Review" show was mainly for the divers diving at Cap't Don's (though there were some good u/w photos). All shows are free, but your time is valuable. If you can see only one, see Dee's. If you can see two, the Cap't is an interesting chap, and has lots of stories to tell.
Photography:
============
We rented an underwater camera with strobe and macro lens from Buddy Dive's photo shop. (Sorry, can't recall the model of the camera or the case.) The photos turned out a lot better than those cheap disposables that we've rented in the past, but then we expected that. (It's the strobe that makes the biggest difference, I'm sure.) Having had no other experience, most of the pictures were less than satisfying. I had difficulties knowing what was actually in the frame, and in fact completely *missed* a great shot of a Blue Spotted Coronetfish we stumbled on (the only time we saw one). Also, it's tough to get close enough most of the time while snorkeling, so a zoom lense would have been really nice. (The purpose of the macro lens was unclear, and no one could tell me if I should use it or not. The manual suggested to use it when the subject was within 2' - 4', so that's what I tried to do. I have no idea if it had any effect or not.)
The rental price was $27.50 plus tax for 4 hours (8 - 12). It was only about $14 more for another 5 hours (i.e., the whole day), but conditions were so bad that day due to the strong winds that we didn't want to bother spending even more money. We bought our film and had it processed at Paradise Photo (in Les Galeries Shopping Center). For 36 photo exposures, the processing price was about $23. The film itself (200 ASA Fuji) was $7 or $8. All in all, it was about $60 for 36 photos, so it was probably not worth it. Slides might have been a better idea. |
By Ken Brown on Thursday, June 27, 2002 - 6:10 pm: 
