I'd appreciate views on renting a kayak instead of a vehicle for a week and using it as the main means of transport to snorkeling sites.

Is this feasible from most of the accommodations?

Where would one keep his kayak at night?

Any other thoughts?

I think, unless you're a very strong kayaker, that you would be severely limited in where you go. Although Bonaire is a small island, if you want to explore the northern and southern sites, you would need a car.

I too think it would be very hard to kayak your way around.... If you are happy with only few snorkel sites just south and north of Kralendijk, you should be able to make it from most accommodations (no idea as to where to leave the kayak at night though.... either close to your accommodation or at the rental place I think...). However, since most of these sites are so close to shore, kayaking is not the first option that springs to mind. Some fearless people cycle - I personally find that too hot, but think it's feasible. Personally, what I like most is renting a Vespa with a basket/box to store your snorkel gear. Gets you everywhere - snorkeling, restaurants, shopping, etc! Sun protection and hat are essential for the rides despite the cooling breeze though.
Enjoy!

Go for it. My wife Laurie and I kayaked and snorkeled all over the West side of Bonaire and Kline Bonaire and snorkeled for a week. We did a 360 around Kline and had the best time snorkeling without any problems. Pulled the kayak up on the beach and hit the water. Peter

We just returned from Bonaire 4-22-05 and it was very windy down there the whole week. Some days the waves were not that bad depending on where you were but when we visited 1000 steps and OL' Blue and the waves were almost too high to snorkel so I don't know if I would want to be getting around the island via kayak. There is no way you would be going on the North or east coasts via kayak, HUGE WAVES!
I would recommend what Mary said and rent a car or better yet get a truck and haul your kayak to some calmer spots. I guess after the windy season is over it would be different though.

(Message edited by limpit on April 24, 2005)