I was lucky enough to take two trips to Bonaire this year. Two weeks diving with my husband in May and a week-long snorkel trip with my mom in August.

Our favorite diving was between Oil Slick and Andrea II. Saw lots of turtles and a few rays. Two highlights were seeing the same large turtle several days in row while he slept and surface for air and watching an octopus change colors as it evaded some damselfish. Also made two great trips from shore out to Hilma Hooker.






Calm waters in August, gave us an opportunity to enjoy snorkeling at Soft Coral Garden and Hidden Beach. Both are unmarked sites near the salt works, but easily found with the help of the must have book Bonaire Shore Diving Made Easy. Would not go diving or snorkeling without it!

The Fish ID slideshow and dive with naturalist Jerry Ligon at Bonaire Dive and Adventure is not to be missed. I believe they offer a snorkeling version too.

Our food favorites have always been Wil’s Grill, Catus Blue, Pasa Bon Pizza and Mona Lisa. After trying Le Flamboyant for the first time, we realize we have been missing out all these years. It was a wonderful surprise and is added to our list of favorites.

Ever since the Lost Penguin closed, we’ve been looking for the perfect breakfast place. We’re happy to have found that It Rains Fishes is now serving breakfast. The pancakes were excellent and the view a bonus. Also had great lunch at Maiky Snack and even got to meet Maiky himself. It was well worth the drive.

A visit with Michael at Chat-n-Browse is always interesting and enjoyable. I needed a phone for the August trip and he could not have made it any easier to rent and use. I had no problems making calls to China and the US. Of course the ice cream next door at Lover’s is impossible to resist.

If you have any interest in learning more about Bonaire, a tour of Rincon with Maria is not to be missed. She is listed in the Bonaire Update as Historic Walking and Nature Tour in Rincon 796-7870. (the Update is the tall weekly event calendar offered free on the island or at www.bonaire-update.com ) Her knowledge and enthusiasm is admirable. It was a pleasure to meet her and I will visit with her again on our next trip.

Your photos are fabulous! Have any more?

Thanks for the trip report. Great shots of the octopus.. Dinner at Cactus Blue topped our list. The cherry snapper was great and the owners were very friendly..