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Snorkeling Bonaire: Confused about snorkeling and the reef conditions
Bonaire Talk: Snorkeling Bonaire: Archives: Archive 2001- 2007: Archives - 2005-06-01 to 2006-03-01: Confused about snorkeling and the reef conditions
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Shandra Copeland (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #1) on Thursday, July 28, 2005 - 5:33 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

As avid snorkelers, Bonaire has always been on our list of places to go. Now that we're thinking of going, I keep reading posts that talk about how devastated the reefs are. I'm concerned that we will be disappointed when we get there. Can anyone give me some comparison of what we'll see compared to St. John, Cozumel, or Cayman?

Thanks,
Shandra

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By C Poteet (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #303) on Thursday, July 28, 2005 - 6:28 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Shandra -

Welcome to Bonaire Talk! You have discovered one of the most useful, responsive newsgroups on the Net.

We might be a good resource to begin answering your question as we are snokelers only and we have snorkeled St. John and Grand Cayman (and Kauai, Hawaii, Virgin Gorda, and Bonaire). There are many others who can give you a comparison Cozumel.

The short story is I don't think there is any way you will be disappointed in Bonaire snorkeling. Of the places we have snorkeled, it is the hands-down winner. While we have enjoyed every single place we have ever snorkeled, we've never considered any other snorkeling destination since we "discovered" Bonaire in 1999. We've been four times and we are plotting our fifth trip.

The folks who are disappointed in Bonaire seem to be so because they do not see enough "big" marine life; they want all-inclusive, large resorts with great varieties of activities; they miss night-life and a hyper-active environment; they expect a hilly, green landscape; and/or they miss large-scale, international shopping. Bonaire has very little to none of the above.

Specifically, in comparison to St. John and G. Cayman, Bonaire has significantly more and more variety of marine life (lots and lots more fishes and critters)to be seen by snorkelers; many, many more excellent snorkeling locations that are as easy to get to as stepping into the ocean and swimming a few yards; and generally more tranquil waters.

As you have read, one of Bonaire's greatest advantages is that you can find the reef anywhere from at the shore to 50 yards out almost along the entire west side of the island, and then you can boat over to the little island right off Bonaire, Klein Bonaire, for more. (Do be sure to wear some type of foot protection, we use dive booties, to get in the water. Very little sand on Bonaire, lots of rough broken coral and limestone.)

Yes, two most atypical storm events in the last 6 years caused some reef damage. You can see areas of broken coral clearly. Some areas sustained more damage than others, of course. But even in the damaged areas coral is starting to come back and we actually have seen more fish and wildlife since the storms than before. Perhaps the fishes are more concentrated or some such, perhaps like the Serengeti in the dry season.

And not to forget topside. Bonaire is a true desert island, looking a lot like Far West Texas, southern New Mexico, Arizona. Two-thirds of the island is flat, one third has mountains (700+ feet!) and has a fantastic rough-road park. In other words, don't expect the green hills of St. John or the flora of Grand Cayman.

I think you will find the island much less commercialized than either St. John or Cayman, yet all essential services are available. I think you will be pleased with the variety and quality of restaurants and will find the general ambience very different than your prior Caribbean experiences. The mixture of Dutch, native Caribbean, African, South American, American and a host of other cultures, and pretty low-key tourists, makes for a most interesting place.

Finally, because of Bonaire's proximity to the Equator, the sun is far more intense than St. John or Cayman or Hawaii, for that matter. Take and use plenty of sun protection both in and out of the water. The almost constant easterly breeze belies the ferocity of the sun.

I hope this helps and I'm sure others will fill in the gaps and offer other impressions for your consideration.

Please let this group know if you have additional questions.

Like most in Bonaire Talk, we have no commercial interest in Bonaire. We are simply very satisfied visitors.

Charles Poteet
Dallas



 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kent Gerber (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #7) on Thursday, July 28, 2005 - 9:53 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Sandra, I will throw my 2 cents in. I always thought that Cayman Island was the best snorkling. We have been there 6 times and loved it. Our last trip some older guy was in the hot tub with a Aruba T-shirt on. We talked and he said that this was his first time to Cayman and he was very dissapointed. He told me If you like Grand Cayman, then you will LOVE Aruba and Bonaire. We then tried Aruba and he is right. Will Never bother to go back to the Grand Caymans. We have now been to Aruba 6 times for 3 weeks each. Now we are going to take his advice and go to Boaire in Feb for 1 of our 3 weeks. I have been looking at underwater pictures and reading this board for a month and I can assure you that you will not be dissapointed. Its quiet and laid back but thats ok for me. I have snorkled Bahamas, Keys, Dominine Republic, Grand Cayman, Kauie, Mauie, Honolula, and Aruba. Aruba is the BEST but after Feb, I'm sure that its going to be BONAIRE!!! Kent Gerber

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kent Gerber (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #8) on Thursday, July 28, 2005 - 9:56 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Shandra, I'm sorry that I spelled your name wrong the first time. Please forgive me. Also welcome to the board. I'm a beginer also. Just got home from Aruba for 3 weeks and I just can't say enough about the Carribean Waters. So blue and so clear. My wife says that I should of been a FISH!! Kent Gerber

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ron Gould (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #222) on Thursday, July 28, 2005 - 11:39 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Please people lets not forget the DRINKING WATER! The distilled sea water is the best drinking water we have ever had. Living close to Lake Michigan we get 55d water from the tap all year around. It is good water but nothing compairs to Bonaire Water!! It's not cold but that's what they make ice for... Ron

(Message edited by ronindiana on July 28, 2005)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Corney Ann Carter (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #278) on Friday, July 29, 2005 - 7:39 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

The snorkeling depends a lot on which site you go to. For those of us who have been going to Bonaire for a long time, we are comparing snorkeling now to before the reef damage by Lenny's waves. A first timer would probably not notice. There are sites that are better than others just like anywhere else. Bonaire wins hands down for the ease and variety of snorkeling. No matter where you go you will find something of interest. We have snorkeled over most of the Carribbean and we have found no where else that allows you to just drive up and jump in and see so much. On most islands, there might be one or two spots to snorkel from shore and the rest must be done by boat. On Bonaire, there are all the dive site markers and the mangroves. Do a search at the bottom of the page for the snorkel sites that are most popular. Go and try Bonaire for yourself and you will see why so many of of return year after year.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By DARLENE ELLIS (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1576) on Friday, July 29, 2005 - 9:34 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

I have snorkeled in ST Kitts, Dominican Republic, Antigua and Aruba and none can compare to Bonaire! I was going to go to a different island every year in search of a resort that had good snorkeling without having to wait to see if a boat had enough people to sail or not. As Corney said, different sites have different topology, but one thing is for sure...The fish life is abundant everywhere!!! The only things left on my wishlist to see are dolphins, a whaleshark and a Mantaray:-)
I would also recommend doing a guided snorkel with Renee at the beginning of your trip and she will be a world of information for you and she knows where all the little critters live. Her site is www.reneesnorkeltrips.com. Most of the pictures on her site are my husband's and mine. :-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By DARLENE ELLIS (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1577) on Friday, July 29, 2005 - 9:38 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

I forgot! There is a book out for divers and snorkelers call Shore Diving Made Easy revised by Sue Porter. It describes in detail all the sites and where to enter and exit them. It is available on the island or you can order a copy here in the states from Susan Taft.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kent Gerber (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #9) on Friday, July 29, 2005 - 7:25 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Darlene, I have it all set up with Renee for Feb when we will visit Bonaire for the first time. That sounds like a very good deal to pay her to take you to the good spots and I'm sure she knows where everything is at. Kent

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By George Blanchard (BonaireTalker - Post #100) on Saturday, July 30, 2005 - 11:22 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Shandra, everyone has given you good information. I would add that Dee on the Woodwind can also provide a great snorkeling experience and she also leads night snorkels from Town Pier. We have snorkeled the Caymans and many other Caribbean Islands and Bonaire is our favorite.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Shandra Copeland (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #2) on Monday, August 1, 2005 - 5:12 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Thank you all so much for your information. We're booked and leaving in September. We can't wait!

Shandra

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Judy Trafford (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #588) on Wednesday, August 3, 2005 - 5:51 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hi Shandra & Welcome
I completely agree with what's already been said. Have been to St. John's twice, Grand Cayman twice, Antigua, Grenada and other Caribbean islands and nothing compares to Bonaire.
We stayed at the Plaza & every day saw something different. Debbie (from BT), her husband & son took myself & my husband to Andrea I (the men dove & we snorkeled). We wern't in the water 2 minutes & Debbie spotted an octopus - highlight of that snorkel trip along with many other huge beautiful fish. Didn't get to go with Renee but did meet her and have heard only good reports about her. (Will snorkel with her in Feb.) Also heard the Woodwind was excellent as well. So much to do & see a so little time. The Sue Porter book is excellent too.
I just can't say enough good things about Bonaire - it's an adventure you won't regret!
We're going back in Feb. & can't wait.
Judy

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kent Gerber (BonaireTalker - Post #11) on Wednesday, August 3, 2005 - 9:37 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Judy, When are you going in Feb? We are planning our first trip to Bonaire the first week in Feb. Were going to spend 2 weeks on Aruba where we have been for 6 years. Kent

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Judy Trafford (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #590) on Thursday, August 4, 2005 - 6:44 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hi Kent,
We'll probably be there from the 20th of Feb to around March 2nd - only 201 days to go! We'll be staying at the Plaza.
Judy

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Debbie Babcock (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1957) on Thursday, August 4, 2005 - 7:44 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hey Judy, Debbie here! Glad you have dates for February again. Guess since I will be on Bonaire from Feb 10 or 11th to around Mar. 5th, I will indeed meet with you at the airport with some Brights! :-) Definitely will have to get together for lots of fun then! Can't wait. Debbie

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Judy Trafford (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #591) on Thursday, August 4, 2005 - 12:27 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hi Debbie,
We are so looking forward to our Bonaire trip again & meeting up with you, Gregg & Brandon,
(will Tiffany be with you in Feb?) And meeting us at the airport again w/Brights - you're great.
We had the best time with you last Feb. Counting the days (months-ugh). But you'll be there very soon enjoying the diving, etc. Will catch up with you before you go.
Judy

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Debbie Babcock (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1963) on Thursday, August 4, 2005 - 4:55 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Judy, Not sure if Tiffany will go or not in Feb., it's her senior year and not sure when exams fall yet. Debbie

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By BEVERLY A FILLIO (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #122) on Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 8:02 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Debbie, or any other informed person, What is the Story on the Woodwind and Ulf and Dee The last I heard that there was a move to try to move them out of docking at the Divi I have been trying to find out what is going on but I am not having any luck. Please help !! Are they still on the Island and at the Divi? I would be horrified if they are gone and it certainly leave a very bad taste in my mouth about the "New manager" I have seen several come and go during the 18 years and in my mind, only Allister and Fritz and Jennie were the only ones who thought about the Time Share Owners and the actual improvement of the facility and certainly no having the WOODWIND docked there is a very big asset to anyone that knows the facility over the years.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cynde Loo Hoo WWNMT2 (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #15720) on Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 8:31 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Beverly, take a deep breath...Ulf, Dee, and the Woodwind are still at Divi, and it is business as usual. They worked things out with the Divi, in fact, the new GM posted to let us know that the Woodwind is still, and will be operating off the Divi dock:-)

 


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