This being our first trip to Bonaire, we did not know what to expect. Many of you seasoned visitors may grin at some of our discoveries, but anyway here it goes................

The four of us (Mom, Dad and 2 kids) all divers spent the end of July on Bonaire. Stayed at the BelMar Oceanfront Apartments (5 mins south of the airport, 10 from town) and dove with Toucan Divers.

We had our (unnecessary) challenges getting there from DFW, but so much for that. Once arrived (9:30pm) our rental car company (Coral Reef)arranged thru BelMar was waiting with our truck. We stopped at the Old Inn for a late meal (they're open until 10:00). Good lobster bisque and egg rolls.

Accommodations
Got to the BelMar @ 11:00 pm, the BelMar had staff a night watchman/guard waiting with key and assistance to the condo. A very nice place. We had a Grand Deluxe 3BR unit. All units 2 or 3 BR's have 2 baths, fully equipped kitchen, dishwasher, etc and face the pool and the Caribbean (just a few feet away!) for great sunsets. The newly completed dock and additional set of steps mad getting in and out of the water easy. The rooms are large rooms, great balconies and AC in the bedrooms.

We had rain for an entire day and a half straight - for July/August kind of freaky for Bonaire they say, but it came on our mid week day off, so at least diving wasn't interrupted as a result.

Diving
Checked in with Toucan Diving and Irene on-site ad did the obligatory orientation dive. Rented BC's and regs (with computers) for the kids - all Cressi-sub. Nice new gear, well maintained. Irene was great, a big help with suggestions for special dive sites. We opted for shore diving except for one Klein boat dive.

Water averaged 80-82 degrees and air temp about 86, always a breeze which was nice (never used the AC in the truck). Visibility on most dives was 60-80 ft. The north end was a bit rough doing our stay, access was limited for shore diving. South of town the diving was much easier, especially with 2 kids. The were both easily adapted to the diving however.

The sites
Diving off the dock at BelMar we saw spotted eagle rays, eels and squid. A bit of rubble for the first 50 yds from the dock then a slope from 15 feet to about 30 at the reef crest for some nice diving. A god night dive there as well.

We dove Angel City twice (great double reef), Windsock, Bachelors Beach and many other sites south of town. Most were uneventful compared to the above which had remarkable fish life and healthier reef.

The storm in November must have had some effect on all of the reefs as a lot of rubble sits in the shallows everywhere and the closer in parts of the reefs tend to be a bit barren compared to what you may have heard bout in the past. However, this did not seem to have an effect on the fish life. Tons of fish - snapper, jacks, tang - all in seemingly large schools. Really large triggers and parrots. Lots to see!
Did not see many large predators (Sharks, ray, etc) but the fish made up for it!

Food and Dining
Shopped at Cultimara for essential-breakfast, lunch and snack stuff. Everything you might need is there. The barge delivers the fresh produce milk and other food on wed or Thursday, so pickins can be slim early in the week just before the barge arrives.

Ate out mainly in the evenings, enjoyed Den Laman for dinner twice (excellent fish), Beefeater (son loved the curry meatballs!), Richard's and Kontiki (Lac Bay) and Old Inn. The Dome was great for a departure day breakfast.


Diversions
Lots of Iguanas, lizards and wild donkeys. Visit the Donkey sanctuary in the middle of the island fire of charge.
Go to the windward side and to Jibe City windsurfing on Sorobon Beach. Our son tried to get lessons and was told that only on weekdays (it was Sunday), so they gave him a few pointers and away he went on his own. In an hour he was like an old pro. Shallow sandy bottom, beautiful beach (WARNING - clothing optional) for swimming, laying around. Very nice off gassing activities.
Don't miss driving up to the park in the north and across to see the flamingo and the inlaid lake. Nice drive and another diversion well worth the effort.

While on our balcony twice we saw pods of 20-30 dolphins swim by heading south in the afternoons. We heard that several more times when we were not there that they were spotted as well during our stay.

Overall
we were very pleased with our first visit to Bonaire. Would likely wait a year or two to see if the reef conditions improve. Would definitely recommend the BelMar and Toucan Diving. Den Laman for dinner is a must and at least one sunset at Karels Beach bar on the water in town. Good stuff!

Looking forward to a return trip to Bonaire.