Im getting so tired of reading reports of Bonaire theft on other scuba boards. Why dont people report about problems on other islands? Why is it always Bonaire. The first thread has posters saying they will take large groups elsewhere and others say go to curacao. Not good pub for Bonaire

gas theft (long thread)


jet-ski decapitation

first thread
http://www.scubadiving.com/talk/read.php?f=1&i=546350&t=546350

jetski
http://www.scubadiving.com/talk/read.php?f=1&i=546477&t=546477

Jason, I have never heard or seen a jetski while I have been on Bonaire....anyone else out there care to comment? I believe they are "banned" but there are a few which might still exist. I know Linda has commented on this area for us before. Some are owned by yachts owners or something along those lines. I know I have this all messed up, but I have never heard of jetskis being a problem in Bonaire.....comments? Linda...want to jump in here again and help me??? Carole

We just got back Aug 1st and yes there was a jet ski and a water skiing boat that were hauling ass within feet of the dive moaring at 18th palm (Plaza)

TPS

think I saw two jetskis.

I saw a jet ski this past trip, I feel sure though that if jet skis become a big problem at dive sites, something will be done about it, especially if the safety of divers is jeopardized.

ps: I love Bonaire..

I am a lurker who loves Bonaire. We just returned from our fifth trip and I can confirm the Jet Ski problem. We were also at the Belmar recently unit 22 and I saw the Jet Ski's myself. The dive people got really upset and were screaming for them to get outside the bouy area everytime they saw them, sometimes they yelled in Dutch so I don't know what was being said. It happened more then once while we were there but the worst of it was when there were three children in the water working on their OW Certification with Erica at the Belmar and one sped past right over their heads as they were ascending. I don't thing the poster was trying to bad mouth Bonaire just make a point that it may be becoming a problem and as they said "be careful and aware".
Regardless I had a great time and I am already planning next years trip!

We go twice a year and we have never seen a jet ski...maybe its the time of year? I personally would be upset if it became a habit on the island...although I doubt it would....Bonarie's reef preservation goes to great lengths to keep it in it's pristine state. I love Bonaire and no matter what ANY negative article states will not deter me from going or loving Bonaire....Let those people stay home...More room for us!
Linda...when you get home and settled in, as Carole asked, we'd all love to hear your info on this.... Hope your trip was great.

There are maybe a half dozen jet skis on Bonaire, plus occasional ones brought in temporarily on megayachts.

The Bonaire marine ordinances are pretty strict about jet ski usage, so if anyone experiences a problem, call the harbor master's office (Havenkantoor in the pink pages of the Bonaire phone book) and report the jet ski, giving as good a description as possible - ideally with the NB registration number that each jet ski must have to legally operate in the waters. Photos or video would be great evidence as well... The harbour master's office has more leeway in fines and seizures than the police does, incidentally.

Jake

We did a lot of shore diving especially in the area where this person said they had problems. First of all we NEVER locked the car, we didn't leave valuables in the car - except by accident one time and one of our friends forgot his watch -lucky for him it was still there when he returned. One thing we did notice was that there was a patrol vehicle pass by a couple of times so whether they had increased patrols at the time (May 2001) I don't know. I think the number of times there is a problem is minute if you compare it to the number of divers diving Bonaire at any given time.

The crime debate seems to be getting interesting.

We have some crows who cry about what crime there is as if it is worse than East L.A.

We have some ostriches who just stick their head in the sand and ignore the problem.

We have some pigeons who defend Bonaire and deny that anything could be more perfect than their little spot on the ground there.

We have some flamingos that see the facts but devoutly return year after year - keeping themselves and their flockmates as safe as possible all the while.

What kind of bird are you?

Let's face it, #1: Crime is present, so stupidity is being punished on a regular basis. #2: We only have ourselves to blame if we don't act to encourage enforcement of the laws that exist.

I did read the referenced off-site threads.

Leaving any money at all in your dive vehicle is pretty stupid. Better to either leave it safely in your room or simply take it down with you. You dive with your car keys on you, don't you? Fortunately the Neth. Ant. Guilder comes in plenty of coin demoninations, so you can easily avoid any chance of surfacing with soggy bills...

As for jet-skis, Jake's note about the harbor master, police and boating rules underscores that the real problem may simply be that visitors who witness violations, or even just unsafe conduct, are being too lazy and are not caring enough to seek redress from the proper authorities.

I have not seen any tales of woe accusing the police or harbormaster of not properly pursuing reported violators, investigating possible criminal acts, or enforcing the law.

As for the alleged gas siphoning, I have now read about two kinds. One is the "my gas cap was locked" tale, which tends to center on the Budget franchise cars. There is not enough data to levy an accusation of a conspiracy here - but it would be easy for the police to investigate and stop if it was something systematic. The other kind is this new "they cut my fuel line" case. I am not convinced that anyone would go through the trouble of finding the fuel line and cutting it when a jimmy-stick (for the lock) and a length of garden hose would be quicker. Besides, at sites like Jeff Davis there is a reasonable rate of traffic going by. Part of being savvy - and thus avoiding crime - is parking smart; either park with the gas cap facing the road or park where your vehicle won't be likely to even be noticed by a potential pilferer.

Could the cut gas line have been from a road hazard like a cactus spine or coral shard?

I won't go to the extreme of telling anyone not to go to Bonaire, nor will I take it off my list of favorite places. However, I won't wear rose-colored glasses about it either.

:end of rant

-LS

Leif:

I believe the cut gas line is really the big filler tube being cut behind the body of the vehicle. I had rented a pickup that had that done to it so when you filled it at the station, the pump nozle could actually push the tube away from the filler hole and gas would splash out onto the ground. They cut this tube, reach up with the hose, siphon your gas, and most of the time you don't notice. Now the vehicle is set for regular siphoning.

Regular siphoning huh? So, Its like they have a "fleet" of vehicles to take gas from. Interesting.

Regarding the Jet-ski situation, we've seen at least two travelling by our condo during our last visit. Jake tells us those are most likely private units, as none are rented on the island. We have reported it, and encourage others to do so.

Regarding theft. Common sense is the order of the day - to echo what several others have said previously. Taking turns as "tush hog" ( non-diving personnel on the shore excursions is perhaps one method of ensuring the security of your goods.

Clownfish.

even with "shore support"..the vehicle is sometimes parked away from the divesite..ie Jeff Davis, Webers Joy hmmmmm,, don't most of the vehicles have a lock on the gas cap ????? I thought the island voted NO on the ski- doos ? I think some enterprising young person would start a babysitting business..hey I'd be happy to pay someone alittle something to watch my " stuff" while diving...oh dear guess that starts some little racket ...there must be a solution..can we figure it out before Feb when I come ? smile

You know I just read both of those RSD threads, and there are some really good points made. I'm usually the first one to say that it seems that theft on Bonaire gets blown out of porportion. But really, what has been done on Bonaire to combat this problem (I'm seriously asking)? Has the government or police done anything to address this problem?

It seems strange to me that they wouldn't have. I'd be very curious as to what percentage of revenue comes from tourism as well. I'm sure its extremely high, so the government should have plenty of incentive to crack down.

Maybe we should ask where the tires go after they are stolen? Someone either needs them or they are sold to someone else to resell to us??? Could it be a thief ring? Nah, not in Paradise...

When I went out on a snorkel trip with Renee from the Divi a couple of weeks ago, we experienced jet skis at Klein. She said she hated them and they do tend to scare the fish away, not to mention they are dangerous around snorkelers and divers!

I'm from Los Angeles, so I'm used to locking everything in site! I don't ever assume anyplace is free from crime. But Bon still feels safer than where I live!

I have booked a Dec'02 trip to Bonaire. But, Im starting to have some reservations about doing so after reading some of the negative reports on theft and vandalizm. Some questions:
It appears that the majority of thefts and vandalizm happens to those who are renting vehicles who need them to get to the dive sites.
Is this the case, or does it happen Island wide?


My dive vacations have taken me to Cozumel, the Caymans, Nassau, Freeport, North Carolina, New Jersey, etc. where this issue was never one to worry about.

Do the hotels provide security storage in rooms or at front desks?

I have spoken to several folks who have made trips to Bonaire and they have never mentioned this problem.

Looking for some answers, much thanks,

Joe,
We have been to Bonaire twice in the past year and are planning another vacation for the near future. Please do not cancel your trip due to the reports you have read. The petty thefts that occur are no worse than would occur anywhere in the world. Leave your rental car UNLOCKED and windows down so that if someone wants to check out your personal possessions they may. Do not leave any valuables in your car that you would not want to lose. We had one incident in 40+ separate dives and only lost a couple pair of shorts, one pair of shoes and sunglasses. Bring only cheap things in your vehicle that you won't mind losing if by some chance you are struck. By the way, the dive we were hit on was Andrea II which is off the main road. Don't worry, go to Bonaire and have a blast. You'll love it!!!
Debbie

Joe, I'm going to be completely honest with you.

Yes, some divers have had items stolen from their rentals at dive sites. There have been reports of vandalizm, spare tires stolen and fuel. Noboby wants to go on vacation and experience any of the above, BUT, I do believe that the problem is slowly disappearing as tourists are becoming so much more judicious. Further, the theft problem on Bonaire, IMO as a regular visitor to the island, has been blown out of proportion. You mention Cozumel; my partner Hugh had valuable items stolen from his room there on his first trip. In the 6 years we have been visiting Bonaire, we have never had anything of value stolen. One has to take precautions wherever you are in the world, that's life. So scrap those reservations, come on down and enjoy.

Debbie,
Sounds practical and thanks for the words of advice.

Are there security boxes at the hotels?

Joe

Joe,
I can only speak for Buddy Dive, and there is a very small safe in each room. Enough room for passports, wallet, plane tickets, etc. We have never had any problems with anything left in the room and we had six expensive underwater cameras, dive computers, etc. I hope this answers your question. I wish your concerns were my problems right now, than I would be planning a nice December vacation instead of being layed up with a broken ankle. At least I can relive happy memories of our July visit to Bonaire while I lay here reading all these posts.
Debbie

Joe:
Divi Flamingo has safes in the rooms (new ones in our two timeshare units this past vacation). Quite secure.
We have never had (in ten years of visits) any thing stolen or vandalized, either from our room or the vehicle, including gas, but we are always careful. Maybe we have been lucky....Yes, it does happen occasionally, but usually everyone writes to say when it does happen, though usually people do not write to say when nothing happens---isn't that the case?

I will be staying at Lion's Dive and they have room safes. It looks like a great place and the dive operators are practically at their door step.
Thanks for all your input. I know I will be enjoying my stay there. I will be part of a group from UnderWaterWorld, Horsham, Pa. USA.

They've done this trip on three previous occassions.

Debbie, hope that ankle gets better real quick.
Thanks Robert & Sarah.

Counting the days,

Joe

We've been going to Bonaire for ten years now and have never had any problem with theft. We've always stayed at the Carib Inn and they have safes in each unit (I believe most hotels do also). Don't miss going to this wonderful island!!! We won't be going next year and that makes me very, very sad. Carol Collins

I have spent spent 11 weeks in Bonaire since Aug. 25, 2001 and had no problem. I have stayed at: Divi (two times), Habitat, Sand Dollar, Lighthouse, Coco Palm/Casa Oleander, Belnem, Hato, Antriol and Kontiki. In each place I locked up during the day and used common sense. I did not always have a wall safe available for my use.

I have driven all over the island, snorkeled and windsurfed without any problems.

I have lived in Antigua and have been traveling throughout the islands since 87. I use good common sense and have had lovely experiences. Bonaire by far feels good. It has been a warm and welcoming home away from home for my 10 year old and I. On that note, I have never been ANYWHERE where I felt comfortable having my child wander off to play with a friend away from my view. In Bonaire, I do....it is so peaceful and magical. Sure, it has it's problems..it is not paradise..no place is perfect.

Have fun and enjoy the ride and come back for our PBD Support Group!

Annie

My two cents..

I love diving at Andrea and aldo far from the main road, we usually get the visit (sometime twice an hour) of local friendly police and Park security.

Keep doors unlocked and windows down and down leave any valuables in the car and you will enjoy a great trip.

An American's perspective. A Chicago native, no less.

Anyone who wishes to stress over the "crime" on Bonaire, is free to do so. I know it seems to get a surprising number of mentions on the RSD website www.scubadiving.com message boards. Why those same posters don't mention the current crime stats of their own hometown neighborhood is a bit beyond me. I think that some folks forget to pack their common sense along with their swim trunks when they leave the country. Just because Bonaire is a tiny island with relatively few people, the complainers expect that the human condition is somehow different there than EVERYWHERE else on the planet that people take residence. Therefore no form of crime against tourists should occur because Bonaire's economy is dependent on tourism dollars/guilders.

I actually DO understand the faulty reasoning and poor logic trail of that argument. I don't agree with it, but I understand why folks might jump to that conclusion.

My life dream, now that I'm suddenly single, is to win the lottery, buy a property on Bonaire to live out my days in paradise, and start a "dive patrol" company. My vision is small structures at each shore site, with storage lockers, which would be manned dawn to nightfall by locals. Each "hut" would have a cell phone, creature comforts for the "guard" and allow a small franchise-type over the counter sale of beverages, snacks, emergency dive gear repairs etc. Perhaps then the complainers would shut up.

Until then I'm still returning this November for 10 days of glory underwater and plan on it being another memorable adventure. I am happy to tell everyone I meet what a terrific destination Bonaire is.

Just my thoughts on a sunny Thursday. Oh, and 69 days and counting!!!!!!!!!!!!

That’s great Randy, perhaps we can hook up our two businesses. I’ll be opening the Divers Jitney service providing transportation to all divers and snorkelers to any dive site and return trip. That way they wont have to leave their vehicles at the dive site thus avoiding any issue with theft or vandalism. I’ll have a small barrel of water (with a lid) on board to rinse your camera and a cooler full of economically priced beverages for that post dive/snorkel relaxation. Of course I’ll have plenty of free advice on where the best spots are, where to go to dinner, etc. etc.

However unfortunately I still don’t have that winning ticket so I too will return at the end of November for a week of not being out of the water long enough to let my ears dry snorkeling fun, along with my wife who I think is beginning to be almost as obsessed as I am

Glad too know I’m not the only one walking around with such plans. Hope you find your way to Bonaire one day...for good!

Money. A friend just returned from his first trip to Bonaire. He and his wife shopped at Cultimara and then walked out to their car. As he was starting to pull away, a boy about 12 years old ran up to the car yelling. His english wasnt' great, but my friend was able to quickly figure out what the commotion was all about. He had dropped a $5 bill and the kid picked it up and returned it to him! My friend said thanks, took the $5 bill, then handed it right back to him.

He loved the diving, the meals, and the sun, but his favorite event on Bonaire was this tiny piece of honesty. Not a bad memory.

Scott

Fat chance that that would happen anywhere in Mexico that I've been - or even most places in North America

Peering into Randy's future...

After counting what was left of his super-mega-lotto-jackpot, Randy, still a multi-millionaire even after paying his taxes on the winning ticket, invested in his dream of building a string of public facilities to make diving in Bonaire better than ever and to eradicate the spectre of petty theft from Bonaire's shores forever.

His first million went for a grand villa on the hill so that he could watch his dream come true.

The second mil bought enough legal assistance and lobbying to convince the government to allow him, as a private philanthropist, to build 50 "diving huts" on Bonaire's public divesites.

The third and fourth million were exhausted designing and obtaining the construction material and labor to build the facilities.

The fifth million was burned up paying defense lawyers to fend off the legal challenges of environmentalists who alleged the huts would pollute, conservationists who feared scaring away wildlife, and the existing resorts who claimed the huts would take business away from their just-barely-profitable dive operations.

The seventh million was slowly whittled away by payroll costs for administrators, recruiters, consultants, etc. while waiting for these many contentious issues to be resolved.

The eighth million paid for insurance, taxes, government fees, security services, maintenance, etc.

Three years after Randy won the lottery, the first hut opened. Shortly afterwards, Randy invested $200,000 in a PR campaign to remedy the damage done by certain caustic insults hurled around on a dozen scuba-interest websites by one M. Greenberg, after she had been escorted away from the hut at Pink Beach - apparently after getting into a fistfight with a group of divers over the rinse tank etiquette (namely, whether one must wait until the party already at the tank has completely finished or whether two or more dive groups can share the tank at once if it is large enough.)

Another $100,000 was soon spent on a biochemist to examine and "certify" the 50 rinse tanks after it was rumored on an Internet bulletin board that the locally employed attendants were using them as urinals.

After his accountants (NOT A.Anderson, thank you) reported that his remaining fortune could not sustain such unexpected operating costs as a free service for more than another 90 days, Randy instituted a $5 per diver charge for use of the divesite facilities. He personally sent hundreds of e-mails pointing out that this was no more than some of the resorts were already charging to use their facilities at just their own house pier.

In the following month the dive shack at Karpata, including the short pontoon walkway that Randy had built as an entry aid - was bombed to smithereens. Responsibility was claimed by a group calling themselves the "Pink Flamingo Liberation Army." Their news release pointed out that the increase in diver traffic had scared away the resident turtle population and that the newly imposed charge to use the man-made entry was an affront to the eco-friendly diving freedom that the group vowed to defend.

To prevent further attacks, Randy's facilities manager decided to fence the area around each hut and hired 24/7 security, forcing the enterprise to raise the price of use of the facilities to $10 per diver per dive. Since the fences walled off most of the best access points, divers were outraged at this further loss of "diving freedom."

The added stress of now surly divers prompted the staff to unionize and demand higher wages and better working conditions. Doubling of salaries and the additional costs of air conditioning the attendant booths again doubled the admission price per person per dive site.

At this point, the island government saw the opportunity to solve all sorts of unrelated problems by imposing a new tourism tax on the dive shack operation. Ticket prices increased by another twenty percent.

In the coming year the number of divers going to Bonaire steeply declined; many said they would rather do totally free shore diving in Holland than pay for shore diving in Bonaire.

Suffering from an 80% decline in revenues, the operation again raised prices and also eliminated 24/7 service, going to a 50 hour per week schedule with no night diving options.

The following year the operation went bankrupt. The huts were torn down and their walls were donated to other islands to be sunk as anchoring material for artificial reefs.

Gradually life returned to normal.

The moral of the story: If it ain't completely broke, trying to fix it could make it a lot worse.

P.S.: Snorkelguy's business got sued by the car rental companies, fined for pollution when - to improve profits - it switched from pickups to 15 passenger vans, and it went under when it couldn't keep up with its rising insurance bills.

My apology to you, Randy and Snorkelguy - I support your intent and have daydreamed about how to make a 2nd career out of being a resident Flamingo myself, but in my career I actually get paid to see the black cloud behind every silver lining. I mean, who knows, that pink Dive Bus seems to be a great thing. But if there were dozens of them crawling up and down the coast? Besides, I like that Bonaire has a few negative points; keeps it from being too quickly "discovered" by the tourism industry, which would overrun and exploit its virtues and leave it a hollow, souvenir-like shell of its former self.

Keep dreaming, though, of your next trip...

-LS

Honestly...
Scott, your anecdote about the $5 bill is classic. The young man probably had no idea that he was reinforcing our collective perception of how wonderful Bonairean people are, as a lot. Had the effort to return the $5 bill not been given so freely, the tourist may have left thinking he had been pickpocketed. He might then have reported it on a message board like this one, causing a few dozen potential travellers to decide not to make Bonaire one of their desitnations. This in turn might have pushed Bonaire over the edge into a serious tourism decline, with losses of revenue feeding reductions in services, leading to greater losses of revenue, in a vicious downward spiral costing millions over several years.

On the other hand, the story we now have may indeed encourage a few people more to make a visit to Bonaire; leading to a trend, leading to a general improvement in the flow of money into the local economy, leading to better conditions for both citizens and tourists alike.

Amazing what $5 and a little honesty can do!

-LS

At Cultimara, the cashier ran out in the middle of the street calling after me and handed me the cheese I had forgotten. :-)

Humans are basically good creatures to one another face to face. (We don't fare as well over a great distance...)

Correction

When I win the Jumbo-Mega-Multi-State-Lotto I’ll sped every penny of it on tort reform and live a happy man in poverty in one of the abandon shacks. However I’ll be added to the Interpol’s most wanted list for contributing to the demise of the endangered species, the North American Litigious Purse Shark. The economy blossoms under the “New Deal” and Randy’s business returns from the brink. After several years Randy opens more Dive Shacks across the Caribbean and soon turns his business into an International Franchise operation with 33% of the profits going to marine preservation and 33% of the profit going to help feed and school children of the Caribbean Islands where they are located. Nearing retirement Randy cashes in the business and buys every available plot on Bonaire and donates it to the Marine Park, which is appropriately renamed “Randy’s Bonaire Marine Park”. The Nobel Prize is awarded to Randy in his sunset years which he spent in an adjacent shack to Snorkelguys, both realizing their dream to one day live on Bonaire. Bonaire remains a paradise for eons due to Randy’s generosity however the Cubs still fail to win the pennant.

…All in good fun Leif…

Dreaming about Bonaire helps me make it through the day. I think it’s because to me it represents something more than a small island.

However I think I could make a go of it with an Italian Ice cart in Kralendijk! Raspberry…Strawberry…Lemon Lime…

Snorkelguy (the other Scott)

P.S. Scott, Love the story about the young man.

Hi Leif & Scott,

Just for the record, my current idea is my backup plan. My first plan was to win the Lotto, buy up 1000 acres in a desolate region of Montana, surround it with a 15' high electricifed barbed wire fence, have the perimeter patrolled by rabid ground squirrels and live in the middle of the complex in my house. Then rename the whole shebang Randall, Montana and live out my days in peace and quiet. LOL

Seriously, Leif, you are absolutely correct, and if a tourist stubbed their toe doing a shore entry they'd post how dangerous the supposed safe and easy shore diving was on Bonaire.

And believe it or not, that $5 incident happens everywhere, even in good old Chicago. It's just that good news is NO news and people tend to dwell on the 1 bad thing that happened to them once, rather than the thousands of positive non-events they experience every day.

.....although... not much diving up there in Montana, maybe I'll make Bonaire plan A instead.

Oh, and 68 days and counting....

My ultimate plan would be New Zealand in the Summer & Bonaire in the Summer with a twice a year jaunt to Australia for all you can eat Morton Bay Bugs (Slipper Lobsters) feast.

Yes I did mean summer and summer.

Have a great trip Randy! I’ll be there soon after you are.

another tale of niceness.a week ago we drove to rincon to priscas.we missed the turn and asked a young man for help.he promptly jumped on his bike and told us to follow him.sadly they were closed..on vacation.undaunted he jumped back on his bike pedalling furiously to lead us to another place for homemade ice cream and asked for nothing in return. that is bonaire!

I hope you at least offered to buy him some ice cream...

Faith

offered and gave him a tip

I am so blown away by the writing talents of both Leif and Snorkelguy! I laughed, I cried...5 *****!!

I hope I get to meet you both someday on Bonaire. I was just there in July for the first time, and am going back in Nov for 3 wks till Dec 22! If either one of you are going to be there at that time, please let me know. I don't get to meet too many intelligent people here in Los Angeles. Very entertaining I must say!

Mercy:

I'm surprised you think there is an intelligence vacuum in L.A. Uh, like, NOT! (Oh-my-gawd! Did I just speak in Valley-ese?)

I see you are taking TWO trips to Bonaire in one year - we are SOOOOO jealous. I presume the second is simply the cure for your return from the first?

Back to the original title of this thread, here is my latest theory:

People write hateful things about Bonaire because they secretly covet the experiences that the lucky few who are there right now are having. Consumed by this burning envy, these conflicted souls lash out with copius bile at the perceived source of their pain; not realizing that they are not really disenchanted with Bonaire, but are actually suffering from an extreme and most unpleasant variant of PBD.

There are literary anologues to this neurotic manifestation. For example, "Those grapes were probably sour anyway!" said the fox, as he sulked away in the verdant leaves of Aesop's prose.

Fortunately, this sub-classification of PDB has a name: Post Bonaire Depression, with Severe Unsatified Craving for Kralendijk Syndrome. This can also be described simply with the acronym "PBD SUCKS."

Let's help unfortunate souls suffering from this dreadful condition by reminding them that they have it... When unfair and spiteful criticism is being leveled at Bonaire by a recent returnee, simply reply to their missives with a gentle reminder to assure them that you know how they feel. For instance, "Yes, Mimi, I understand, PBD SUCKS." We can also ward off the onset of the condition by constantly reminding each other to be watchful of its symptoms.

Therefore, to Randy and Karen and Snorkelguy and everybody else and especially Jason, who so wisely started this thread, "PBD SUCKS!"

-LS
"Hello, my name is ___, and I'm a Bonaireaholic."

Ok, I'm lurking on this thread but I've got to say that Leif's last post was way cool. LOL

I'm going on the 21st of this month for my first time and I don't want to get PBD (although it seems to be an obviously inherent risk)...

I guess I need to look into real estate because apparently this place is truly paradise!

PS: I've not been to the Scuba boards but it sounds like Mimi's all over it. I would enjoy a trip report from her after visiting a place like, Say - Calcutta, India - eh,ehm - that would be entertaining - ;-)
Sometimes - people just don't appreciate the obvious..........
Michelle

Hi Michelle,

First off, the Scuba Board most often the source of Bonaire info, that is until you find this site, is www.scubadiving.com and then their message board. That site is sponsored by Rodales Magazine (Scuba Diving) and has a sister site, www.newdiver.com for people new to scuba.

Both sites are actually excellent sources of info on all things scuba or travel related due to the wide cross section of divers that post there and the terrific knowledge base that represents. Many of us will never be able to afford to experience all the potential destinations and it's very helpful to weed out those that do not meet our interest, skill or budget levels.

That said, like every other chat board, there are a few unique personalities you run into and some folks who if you gave them a free ingot of gold, would complain that it was kinda too heavy to carry. And unfortunately sometimes the ones who scream the loudest have the least to say.

I hope you find Bonaire as wonderful a place as I and many others have. Is it going to be everybody's "cup of tea", not a chance. Underwater there's not enough current for the drift diving crowd, too few wrecks for the shipwreck tech gang, nearly no pelagics for the big animal experience folks and mighty few sharks for those of that bent. Topside the casinos are tiny, there's no sand beaches stretching for miles, there are no mountains to climb, jungles to explore or big cities to enjoy. All of which are sought out by a large percentage of the diving and tourist community. The lack of which is why I LOVE BONAIRE. I hope you will too. I just hope to run into some of my fellow posters when I'm there on Nov 6th - 16th. Just look for the 53yrs young balding old fart hanging around Buddy Dive with the big grin on his face, and it may well be me.

Dive Safely

leif..great explanation.certainly makes sense to me.the only immediate cure is planning the next trip.

Oh my, is Mimi back under a different name? There is a "Eugene" (no real profile or pict) over in Community chat "inquiring" as to how safe Bonaire is. Odd though, for someone "merely" making a personal safety inquiry their opening paragraph sure was written in a manner to stir the inflammatory pot.

Jake,

Could we get rid if this posting group? The whole title "Why do people hate Bonaire" is very misleading and starts people off with a negative impression about beautiful Bonaire

I do agree that Zale's have a very valid point. The title is very negative & misleading.

I agree also. Maybe the title can be changed to 'Why people love Bonaire' since that has been the bulk of the postings past the original.

I like this thread, name and all.

Jason rasied a very valid point in starting it. Elsewhere, and once and a while here, Bonaire gets the short end of the criticism stick. Sometimes it appears it is without adequate reason. This has prompted a good stream of debate and follow-up chatter about both the underlying minor annoyances some of us experience on the island and the degree to which they are sometimes blown out of proportion in this and other forums.

I would submit that Jake should let this thread stand as is, and that it be allowed to take its own course, mostly so that prospective Bonaire visitors can read it and form their own conclusions.

-LS

And if they read beyond the first couple of messages they see the real Bonaire... The title of the thread was one selected by the person who created, and changing it would be a form of censorship, something we generally avoid except in extreme and libelous/slanderous circumstances.

Jake

Bravo, Jake.
-LS

Leif...how did you know that I live in the Valley and like...I'm TOTALLY a Valley girl?! Oh my God!! It's true though I am!

Yes, I feel very lucky to be able to return to Bon just 4 months apart! I own a biz that hardly requires any time and that I can do anywhere on the planet...just a good old Internet biz. But I am actually going back under the guise that I'm helping Ann Phelan out at the King of the Caribbean windsurfing competition Dec 11-18. Like I needed an excuse to go back to my newly found paradise!

I agree that the title of this thread can be changed but don't get rid of the messages! It has been a hoot to read and if you notice, it has more responses than any other thread on this board!

Thanks Jake! I appreciate an open forum without censorship.

Mercy, we’ll be in Bonaire until Nov 29th. I hope to get a group of Bonaire Talkers together when we’re there in November. I’ll post something a little closer to the date, unless someone else does first. Always a pleasure to meet fellow BTers.

Leif, "Hello, my name is Scott, and I'm a Bonaireaholic." I’ve be suffering PBD now for 26 months… (you crack me up)

Oh jeez Scott, your leaving the day I'm arriving! Oh well, have to be next time I guess!

Scott:

Some recent reports include details about people simply "missing the return flight" [Oops, how did I manage to oversleep? Oh well, another day in Bonaire...;-) ] This simple trick would extend your stay so you could do a snorkel with Mercy...

Mercy:
Hmmm... (a) synchronicity shared by all BT'ers, (b) your funky email address, (c) my hacked access to the CIA spy satelite that is watching you via infrared, building-penetrating scans right now! or (d) a random lucky guess. OK, option c is just me kidding. (OR IS IT?)

... at some point further dialogue down this digressive path should probably jump over to the "chat" topics...

-LS

Hey Scott....I KNEW someone was watching me! No, I'm not paranoid...why do you ask?

Wow, I think PBD in the extreme is taking over....