I will be in Bonaire the first week of Aug and would like to know what the weather is like that time of year, also aver. water temp. I have been looking at the posts on this site since I found out I was going and you all have me really excited. Even tho I only snorkel I know it is going to be awsome. Katie

Only snorkeling in Bonaire is incredible!!!! There is an abundance of fish life in the shallows. Please check out my trip reports. Part two is some pictures and about my snorkeling experiences and that is all I do! You might like to do a guided snorkel with Renee from www.Reneesnorkeltrips.com or do a sail with the Woodwind that has two snorkel stops.
I was there in September once and it is very hot then, but there is a nice trade wind. I don't pay much attention to the water temps but I would advise a 3 mil shortie. I am in the water so much and I get cold easily so I now wear a 2 mil for my first snorkel of the day and put the 3 mil shortie on over it for the rest of my snorkles. It really depends on the individual. My husband never gets cold and only wears his swim trunks, even on night snorkels.
My husband and I are headed back next week and I just can't wait! Have a blast! You will love snorkeling in Bonaire!

Katie -

Unlike some places, snorkeling is not a secondary sport in Bonaire. It is world-class and well respected.

We've snorkeled in Kauai, Hawaii, St. John, Gran Cayman and Virgin Gorda. None come even close to the quality of snorkeling experience in Bonaire.

As you have read this newsgroup, I hope you have picked up on three very important considerations of which all first-timers are not aware.

First, you will need some type of protective footwear to get in and out of the water at most shore locations because of the fact there is little sand on Bonaire and the beach is rough limestone and broken coral. Second, you will need serious sun protection, both in and out of the water. Unless you have been that close to the equator, you cannot appreciate how intense is the sun.

Third, start planning your next trip now...it's that good!

Charles Poteet
Dallas

thanks for the info. Can not wait to go - only 5 more months - hurry - hurry - hurry. Katie

Katie, also work on breath-holding skills before you go.....there is a lot to dive down and get a close look at. Before I moved back to the states I was snorkeling almost every day at Playa Lechi, visiting seahorses and frogfish in 15-35 feet of water, not to mention all of the other 235+ species :-) If you are the eco-education sort, do a fish ID or behavior session with Caren Eckrich (Sea & Discover). It's money well spent!

And don't just snorkel at the listed dive sites. For instance, the whole length of the sandy bottom area between the small piers just north of 'downtown' Kralendijk and the south jetty of the marina is wonderful snorkeling. I took my 9 year old granddaughter there and she was identifying fish in 6 inches of water along the shore.

Just wait how easy it is to see so many fishes in such beautiful warm clear water. So many places to snorkel and lets not forget Klien Bonaire!

You are all getting me sooooo excited about this trip, and to think I almost said "NO" and was going to do another cruise. Looks like Bonaire is a real addiction! Katie