My husband and I and another couple will be some of the "dreaded cruise passengers" that invade the piece and quiet of Bonaire - although we at least have manners! We will only have one day - Jan. 26th from 7- 3:30 on the island. After reading the posts on this site we want to stay forever! With such a short time, can anyone suggest the very best snorkeling site. We need one where the water entry is easy (we are avid snorkelers but the others are not), with a restaurant or at least bathroom facilities, and would also like a little beach to sit on (not fond of rocks.) Have heard that the Plaza Resort is the best - is that true? What about Pink Beach? We love snorkeling and have heard that Bonaire is the best.

Also, do you recommend renting a car for the day or just taking a cab?

Thanks for any help.

Pink Beach is no longer much of a beach, and has no facilities of any kind, anyway.

I'd say your best bet was the Plaza. You can get a cab from the dock, although a car rental will allow you to explore the island a little (Lac Bay is fun to watch the windsurfers). Plaza is less than 5 minutes from the cruise ship dock. It has several restaurant choices, and for a small fee you can use their beach chairs also.

Snorkeling isn't too hot at Plaza, but it is a nice little beach with a bar, pool, restaurants, etc.. Consider areas in the southern part of the island (pink beach, red slave) for a peaceful isolated snorkeling experience. Car rental is your best bet since much of the island is unpopulated. If you don't like the area, just get in the car and drive a few hundred yards either way and get in the water again. Beautiful.. Just got back two days ago... ready to go back..

Ext 1, I thought the snorkeling at Plaza was super! I must have hit it on a good day. My child and I saw so many incredible fish right off shore.

Annie
Cape Cod

I have to agree with Annie. The snorkeling off the Plaza's beach is excellent, especially if you head south and spend some time in the area in front of the Tipsy Seagull, all the way down to the inlet. There's more coral to the south, including some soft corals in the shallows. The variety and numbers of fish is amazing. It's not unusual to run into a school of squid, large rainbow and midnight parrotfish, scrawled filefish, morays, and even "Steve," the HUGE barracuda. Here are photos I took while snorkeling at the Plaza:






And a painting of "Steve" -


With just one day to snorkel, I'd also recommend the Plaza. --Deborah

I just got back last week and also thought the snorkeling at the Plaza was excellent.......the best site of the 7 sites snorkeled for easy entry (extremely), tons of fish, nice beach, and all facilities necessary for a day trip. I would recommend against renting a car and going to more remote spots. First, you don't have the time, and secondly, if your companions are novice snorkelers , maneuvering around rocks to enter water can be intimidating and detract from the fun of snorkeling experience that can be had at the Plaza. Try Plaza this time and come back for a full-fledged visit another time. Have fun...you'll love it.

Deborah - what camera did you use to snap those excellent photos?

Matt

Thanks, Matt. It's a Sea & Sea MX-10 with strobe and normal lens (for these shots.) Probably either Kodak Extracolor-100 slide film or a Fuji equivalent (can't recall without digging through the slides). I've been really happy with the MX-10; it's a good camera for the money. Digital is on my wish-list, though!

-Deborah

I've never been to Boanire or Cozumel, but both are apparently fine places for snorkling/diving. I am primarily interested in snorkling. Has
anyone been to Bonaire, Cozumel and Cayman Islands?? If so, how does Boanire compare to these idlands for snorkling? Diving?
Thanks for any info you can provide.
Also..... How is crime on Bonaire? There is some talk that it has increased in recent years.

I have been to Cozumel & Bonaire, Cozumel is boat diving w/ drift dives predominantly. Usually a pretty good current not always or all places but it is effortless you fly past the walls. Bonaire is shore diving at your own pace where you want to go and unless you choose it virtually no current. Shore diving on your own (w/ adive buddy obviously) presumes a certain amount of experience and expertise but was a true revelation for us. Nobody kicking you in the head, stirring up the bottom and all those other boat dive amenities. We were there for 2 weeks and never went on a boat dive, it was heaven

Deborah - looks like I may be buying myself another present before my trip to Bonaire. The colours are so good I don't think I'll waste any more money on those underwater disposables.

Matt

Deborah awesome pictures! I believe a strobe makes a world of difference. Plus if snorkeling probably not very deep and depth causes color loss. I've seen pictures from an MX-10 which were no where near as good as these. So, take some credit yourself :-) Your clarity and color is really good!!! Thanks for sharing. Denise (I just got a digital and plan to try it uw in FL the first week of Feb.)

denise - is this a specific underwater digital camera or a land digital that you put in a waterproof case?

Matt

Matt, I used an underwater disposable only once, while snorkeling in Grand Cayman, back in 1995, and once was enough! You might also want to look at the MX-5, which is less expensive. But I really like the MX-10 because of the strobe and the ability to change lenses underwater. Just got the slides back from my recent Bonaire trip (Dec. 26 - Jan. 2.) Used the camera while diving and snorkeling, and overall, I'm really pleased with the results. While the MX-10 isn't the latest and greatest, I still think it's a good value for the money. Have fun shopping!

-Deborah

Thanks Denise - I agree that a strobe makes all the difference, but it's tricky when snorkeling. Sometimes the ambient sunlight is more than enough, and the strobe is overkill. I struggle more getting decent underwater shots when snorkeling than when diving, but maybe that's just me!

-Deborah

From the cruise ship it's only a 3 minute walk to Flamingo Watersports & Adventures. We have that day an advanced snorkeltrip running to the south and south/east of Klein Bonaire.Very good healthy coral, max 8 guests.

Since you are short on time, you may want to check with the Dive Inn. They are located right next to the town pier. They usually have a snorkel trip out to Klien Island (10 minute boat ride) planned on the days the ships come in. They have a tiny public beach (Plaza has the best private beach), shower, bathroom, etc. After the snorkel trip, its just a short walk to all the restuarnts and shops in downtown. (No cab or rental car needed)

www.diveinn-bonaire.com

Thanks everyone - you have been a great help.

My favorite snorkeling camera has been the old Canon as-6 (good to 30 ft). They usually run around $50-75 up to $150 for a complete set in excellent condition on Ebay. Fully auto and takes good land pictures too.