We planned a trip to Bonaire and then hurricane Lenny hit Bonaire. We enjoyed our week but the shallow water snorkeling was not as good as we expected. We are going to give it another try this May for a week. How will the weather be and what about the currents in May? We have been snorkeling for about 25 years and are starting to get up there in age, 64 and 56. The best place we snorkeled last time was in the Slagbai Park and I can't remember its name. We had it all to ourselves and there was a large school of Jacks in a shallow area.
We also enjoyed the Airport (Windsock) which was not badly damaged by Lenny. Pink beach and some other prime spots were a mess. Also, the car break in epidemic seemed to be at a peak and we were afraid to leave anything on the beach for fear it would be stolen. Has this subsided? We are looking forward to the trip to get Bonaire at its best this time as we have snorkeled many places around the world.

Hi Tom: Like you,I am an older snorkeler [68] who will be in Bonaire in May [specifically May 2nd to May 9th at the Dive Inn.] Does that overlap your trip? I have snorkeled in many locations around the globe [Red Sea, Great Barrier Reef, Santa Cruz Island, Bermuda, and a number of spots in the Caribbean and Hawaii but not Bonaire. Our one visit there was by cruise ship a couple of years back and we chose to go to the park which was very enjoyable.

Bill

Tom, you can expect good snorkeling in May. Water and ambient temps should be around 82 degrees. The best snorkel spots in Slagbai oark are at Funchi and Slagbai. If the watrer is calm these are fairly easy entry and usually good visibility.

Sign up with Renee early in your trip for other good sites. Ask her to take you to het "Special Site", you will not be disappointed. Also, a trip with Dee on the Woodwind should be taken. Finally, snorkels from the Divi house reef South to Plaza is very nice and also North to the container pier for another good site.

Say hello to Harry and Babs for us William! We will be at the Dive Inn May 12-26th in #3 seaside... Ron
We love that place!

Ron, you have mail.

Bill

Bill, and Tom:

My wife and I will be in Bonaire May 5-12. I am 56, experienced in free-diving (to 30-40 feet) but mostly like to snorkel with dives up to 10. I'm looking for a snorkel buddy for off-shore stuff. I think we might have a match from the postings . My wife might go along but she is a bit afraid of the water and so we'll probably do a guided tour through Renee.

In any event, We'll be at the Bellafonte Chateau de la Mer, and I would be eager -- really eager -- to meet anyone to avoid snorkeling alone (I do it often alone but it drives my wife sick with worry). So, can someone help out here?

Please write, and perhaps we can arrange something. My private email is bruce.butterworth@att.net

Bruce Butterworth

Did get a nice response from Bill, but am looking for someone who is willing to go outside of a group. This is both for safety and to put my wife's mind at rest. I'm good for quite a bit of time in the water, quite fit for 56 (can run 7 minute miles) and can snorkel and breath-hold but really want water at about 20-30 feet right off shore. my email is bruce.butterworth@att.net and we're at the Bellafonte Cheateau de la Mer, just north of the airport. eMAIL NOW OR CALL AT THE HOTEL AFTER WE ARRIVE