I am just getting over a long and tiring fight with Colon Cancer and want to treat my wife and my two kids (10, 13 non-divers but snorkelling nuts) to a snorkelling/dive vacation. I was thinking about Bonaire because of the fabulous shore diving/snorkelling. Can anyone recommend a good resort that has programs for the kids (not sticking them in a video games room) and that has fantastic (kid accessible) snorkelling?
My wife and I would probably be happy doing a dive every other day as long as we were sure the kids were having a ball. Otherwise we're happy as clams to just hang out together snorkelling over a reef.
Appreciate any info you can send our way.
Thanks
Neil

Welcome to Bonaire Talk Neil! I too am a cancer survivor and I also helped my mother in law through her battle with cancer as well. You need a nice relaxing vacation. I hope your vacation with your wife and kids is a great one filled with a lot of wonderful memories. I haven't made it to Bonaire yet myself so I can't really answer your questions for you. I am sure someone will come along with the answers you are looking for. I just wanted to welcome you and if you do choose Bonaire, I am sure you will love it.

Take care,
Lisa

Way to hang in there Neil. Recommend you use the Search Bonaire function at the bottom of the page. I entered kid's snorkeling programs and a bunch of stuff came back. You won't regret choosing Bonaire; even though I'm a diver, there is also great snorkeling on Bonaire. Take it easy. Marcus.

Neil,

Bonaire is a wonderful place for a nice relaxing vacation. I have found it much more relaxing than anywhere else I have ever been. Heck, I still cannot get out of the Bonaire "state of mind"!

As far as kids programs, I know there is one often mentioned on Bonaire Talk, whose name I cannot remember that is accessible to anyone on the island that specializes in teaching kids how to snorkel and identify wildlife. As far as resorts go, the Divi Flaming appeared to have the most things to keep kids occupied, although we only visited there once on our recent vacation. I know others will jump on and ID the best for the kids.

Bonaire is an amazing place to visit. If your kids enjoy wildlife, especially the underwater world, they will love Bonaire. I hope some others jump in on the kids activities. I know there are programs out there, but just cannot remember any of their names!

I hope you get to enjoy Bonaire!

Your kids are old enough to take advantage of several programs:
Toucan Divers Aqua Kids program out of Plaza Resort
BonBiniDivers Sea Lab program - they are located at Lions Dive Resort
Sea N Discover - Caren Eckrich - has a special classroom at her home and takes groups out in her van to places all over Bonaire.
Bonaire Dive and Adventure has the Ocean's Classroom program - out of Sand Dollar Condo area

Congrats on winning the battle, you deserve a vacation I'm sure.

Neil -

Bon bini na Bonaire Talk!

We have consummate respect for your successful struggle and we rejoice in your new life. You and those that stood beside you deserve Bonaire.

For kids activities, excellent on-property snorkeling and a kids program (the Aqua Kids program Linda mentions), you might consider the Plaza Resort Bonaire.

We have no ownership in the property, we are simply customers who have been satisfied there on all four trips to Bonaire. We like the excellent snorkeling, the grounds, the real beach(sand beaches are few and far between on Bonaire), the unusually large rooms, the very good breakfast buffet and the diverse (mostly Dutch) clientele.

We are snokelers and even though we have snorkeled quite a few (certainly not all) of the locations on Bonaire, the area right in front of the Plaza has been one of the best for quality, variety and quantity of marine life.

And, for you divers, we have heard very good things about the on-property dive shop, Toucan Dive. Of course, you need never go on a boat to go diving if you do not want. In front of the Plaza the drop-off is about 100 yards from the beach.

Neil, regardless where you stay, y'all and the kids are going to love Bonaire. What a place to celebrate the first great vacation of the rest of a long, healthy life.

Charles Poteet
Dallas

I think the programs Linda has listed are probably your best bet...don't think Divi has any "organized" kids activities, per se'.

You will LOVE Bonaire! Good luck and keep us posted as to where you will be staying. Ayo. Carole

Don't forget a sail and snorkel on the Woodwind would be a fun way to spend a morning. Also Renee with renee snorkel trips does guided snorkels for as much of the day that you desire and at your convenience for a very reasonable price.

Hi Neil
I know you asked about snorkeling :-) and much has already been said, with which I couldn't agree more. I just thought your kids (and maybe you, too) might like to explore windsurfing at Lac Bay as well. Could be fun!
Enjoy Bonaire and the vacation there - whatever you do!
All the best,
Heike

We were just in Bonaire last month with our two boys who are 12 and 14. We stayed at the Plaza for our second time and totally enjoy it. We didn't use the hotels kids club but snorkeled in different places up and down the island all week. In the afternoons we usually spent time on the beach at the hotel and the boys could snorkel by themselves at the hotel. Highly recommend you go out with Renee for a morning of afternoon. She is so knowledgeable. Also do the Woodwind with De & Ulf. Its a day our boys won't forget. They also snorkeled at night in front of the Plaza. Anyway, have fun, your kids will never let you go back to Bonaire again without them. They'll be hooked for life!!!

Neil, Welcome to the boards.

For what it is worth, some of my favorite snorkeling adventures on Bonaire have been on the reefs between Sand Dollar and Captain Don's. I also enjoy snorkeling at Oil Slick Leap. All of these sites have very easy entries/exits. I hope you and your family enjoy your trip together.

Also congratulations on your recovery! Wishing you many happy - healthy years to come.

We love the Plaza, having stayed there the past 2 years and will be there again in February. Your 13 yr old might not enjoy Aqua Kids - the youngest kids are 6. In 2003 my 6 & 10 year old were the only ones for a few days. This year, the 11 yr old got her dive certification & the 7yr old was the "old hand" in Aqua Kids. Don't get me wrong - it's a great program, but your kids are starting to hit the upper age limit that I think it's geared to.

We haven't done it, but I heard good things about a guided snorkel of the mangroves.