We have been talking about going to Bonaire for a number of years now, and have decided that this just might be the time. We are thinking about 2 weeks in Feb., but have thought maybe a week in Curacao and a week in Bonaire might be nice. Coming from Toronto, we can hop a charter flight and get hotel and even possibly all inclusive for 1 week in Curacao and then hop on a small plane for the next week to Bonaire for the 2nd week or visa versa. We love to snorkel and have found that a lot of the northern Caribbean have lost their appeal. Not much to see anymore because of tourists and hurricane damage. On Bonaire we would probably like a kitchen to cook meals and definitely an ocean view and pool. I am assuming that anything with a beach is more $$. Is there an agent you can go through or are there suggestions as to accommodations costing approx. $100./day to check out. We really do need somewhere to start our search and your help is greatly appreciated. Also car rental. Maybe forget Curacao and just spend 2 weeks on Bonaire.
Thanks

Bev - forget Curacao and go straight to Bonaire - oh wait - I'm biased.

Here's a link that might help you with your search. For $100 per day you can certainly get a place that would fit the bill.

info bonaire website

I hope this helps. You can also go to the accomodations page and check out some of the other discussions. If you find a few places that you like you can ask the question over there to see opinions about the various places.

Good luck - and when you decide to go please make certain that you put your name on the list.

Bev

We have twice had a two week holiday with a week in Curacao and a week in Bonaire. I second Mara we have only done Bonaire trips the last 6 years. Curacao is ok, but Bonaire is home! 3 weeks and we will be back for 18 nights.

Bev..Welcome to Bonaire talk..I really have to second the advice that Mara gave you about skipping Curacao. If you really want to go there, I'd however save Bonaire for the 2nd week (save the best for last).
Unfortunately I am NOT as optimistic as Mara in that you'll be able to find oceanfront rooms in Feb with a kitchen & pool for $100 per day!
At any rate here's another site for you to review & do your homework. Have a great trip!
http://bonairesite.homestead.com/

Can I third that? I do think Cur is worth doing once but for us 3 days was plenty and haven't been back, except to get on divi divi flight to Bon!

we actually discovered bonaire on the back side of a one week curacao, one week bonaire...our intial impression was that the snorkeling in curacao was certainly easier - protected coves with glass like water...turns out though that you are actually snokeling the reef in bonaire and that makes a big difference;)

bonaire is less expensive than it may sound and most places have facilities to do a little cooking and that helps with costs and convenience as well...

ya don't sound like you after the shopping or nitelife that curacao could offer - skip curacao;)

ps - if you do decide to try curacao, check out the southwest end - maybe the bahia inn...

Thanks to all who responded. We have finalized our trip and although we didn't get the $100/night, we will be spending 15 nights at Eden Beach. We arrive on the 17th Feb. and leave Mar4. Getting very excited about our 1st trip to Bonaire and can't wait to get there. We are not divers but love to snorkel. We will be renting a car for the 15 days and want to snorkel around the island. Any suggestions about anything would be greatly appreciated.

Bev -

We, too, are snokelers and after four trips (soon to be 5) to Bonaire, we can tell you that you are in for some world-class, memorable snorkeling.

Our snorkeling experience began in Kaui, then the Big Island, Gran Cayman, St. John, Virgin Gorda and then we discovered Bonaire. None of the other locations even comes close to the diversity, quantity and quality of Bonaire snorkeling.

And don't overlook some topside exploration. Especially we recommend a trip (plan on most of day) to the north end of the island and Washington-Slagbaai Park. Rugged, rough and thoroughly worth every rut and bounce.

Those few who are disappointed in Bonaire are usually looking for extensive shopping, active nightlife, green rainforests, all-inclusive resorts, lines of cruise ships, and miles of sandy beaches. Those who know that that is not Bonaire and that its beauty derives from exactly that fact fall hard.

Do plan on aggressive sun protection. Unless you have been that close to the Equator, you cannot appreciate how fierce is the sun. And do take some sort of foot protection (we use light-weight dive booties) to get into the ocean. Most entries (unless by ladder at a resort or from a boat) are over rough ironstone and broken coral.

As you've noticed by reading Bonaire Talk, you have a number of fellow Canadians who have discovered Bonaire. Although the tourist base includes a lot of North Americans, you surely will meet folks from several countries.

Please do favor us with a trip report upon your return.

Bon bini na Bonaire y buen viaje!

Charles Poteet
Dallas

Bev. We are coming from Toronto too and will be there all of February at Coco Palm Garden. We purchased the shore diving guide to Bonaire in advance of our trip. It is a great little book which you should be able to get upon arrival. It provides info on diving and snorkelling sites. What route are you travelling from Toronto?

Carey

we will be at coco palm feb 11-28 also. we windsurf and snorkel hope to meet up w/ you at their weekly "social hour"
ron & joyce
Kalamazoo, mi

hope all of you remember to get to gibi's on tuesdays at 630. see you then.