Hi,

My husband and I are planning our first trip to Bonaire, and it looks to be overlapping with Dive Fest. Is this a good time to visit for snorkelers, or will it be really crazy? We could probably switch to later in the month for our trip. Thanks for the help. (If this fits better in a different topic please move this)

Hi Beth,

We have been there once during the dive fest and did not find it particularly crowded.

"Crazy" has never been an issue on Bonaire and we usually go the busiest weeks of the year - Xmas/New Year. We may see a few more divers and snorkelers and are less likely to have a reef to ourselves, but it's never truly crowded.

I think the dive fest is in part something cooked up to promote business during a non-peak period. Should be plenty of room for snorkelers and divers. Enjoy!

David

I think the "crazy" time is during Regatta week in September or so. We "discovered" Regatta during our first ever trip....we now schedule our trips in May/June when it is "quiet"! LOL. You should be fine. Have a great time!! Carole

I was there in September for Bike Week (don't know if this is the same as Regatta). That was crazy and not in a good way. I ride a motorcycle at home but found the bikes downtown rather obnoxious.

Bob, I recall tons of bikes all over the island during our first trip (REgatta week), too. Loud and going 24/7. Not certain if the events are the "same" but there was lots of "action" when we were there. Our second week started after Regatta and we then realized how "quiet and serene" Bonaire really was.....we were relieved, to say the least! We now know Bonaire is NOT like that all the time. Carole

Loudest is probably Bikers Weekend which is the first weekend in September 2-3 days of rides and a day on either end for the warm up.

Regatta week is probably the busiest with lots of visitors from Curacao, Aruba and Venezuela. Usually held the second full week in October starting Sunday to Saturday. It is busy downtown along the harbour moorings as well as out at Sorobon. It always seems very festive and lively with something going on each night.

Despite Bike Week, we had such a good time we returned for two weeks in January. We will be back.