I've read several posts that mentioned folks having trouble finding the entry to the Andreas snorkel sites. We will have the book that has been recommended, but wondered if there were additional hints someone could offer, since this seems to be a frequent problem. I think some folks also mentioned having trouble avoiding touching the coral upon entry, so hints on that would be useful too.

I've been cutting and pasting lots of snorkel tips into a list I'm going to bring with me. Wish I could meet all these helpful, friendly people whose posts I've been reading, but I "hear" your voices when I read the posts, so I feel like I already have Bonaire friends.

Easy to find, Jan. Head north past the resorts and out of town following the shore. The road will make a 90 degree turn right going east, then another 90 degree turn left heading north again. The next street(kaya) on your left will be the entrance for Andrea I&II. It is mark as suck with a yellow rock. Turn left(west) there and you will see more rocks marking each one. Turn right for Andrea II or left for Andrea I. Just watch and follow the yellow rocks.

To clarify, I think the posts I read describing the difficulty folks had finding the entry, were not about finding the place to park, but rather, about actually figuring out how to find their way into/through the water to the snorkel area.

Jan, the book explains how to get there, where to park, and the best entries into the water(described in detail) for both Andreas. Ha! I just looked on the website for BSDME, and the entry for Andreas II is there...once you see the "stick" it will make sense

It really sounds like you are preparing well for your trip, and I'm sure you are getting excited

(Message edited by cyndelee on February 12, 2007)

AAAHHHH!!! I misunderstood.

Andrea II is simple. Walk straight down the boat ramp into the water.

Andrea I entry is a bit harder to see. Walk north past the large rocks at the end of parking area. At the last palm fron umbrella you will see a rock formation jutting out from shore just above the surface. Immediately to the right of that is a channel through the coral to enter and exit. Watch your step as it is often slippery near the waters edge. Look for that same rock formation when you exit.

Well here's the link! Andreas II

Correction!!!!

The channel is immediately to the LEFT of the rock formation! You would think being left handed, I would not make such a mistake

When you get to Andrea I, have a laugh on me.

Smack...is that from BSDME? lol!

No Cynde, I remember my last dive there all too well. There was a fisherman standing on that rock so I wasn't going to enter right next to him. Paige and I entered further south and it was a tight fit getting out over the top of the coral. Thought I was gonna get scraped up good on that entry, and was more worried for the coral than anything else. I'll never forget where to enter that site

(Message edited by smack on February 12, 2007)

Jan..Try checking out this site also..
Maybe this will help on the shore dives for you
http://www.shorediving.com/Earth/ABC/BonaireN/Andrea_I/index.htm

John, lol (or maybe NOT lol!)

LOL, Cy!

Thanks for the detailed entry instructions. I think they will be a big help.

We are getting more snow here and more is forecast through the week. It is wonderful to be thinking about Bonaire. I will try to keep those warm and sunny thoughts in my head as I go out to clean off my car.

Jan,

The problem as to the easiest/best entrance at Andrea 1 has been solved as well. The BNMP has painted the large boulder which provides hand holds (and shows the channel) bright yellow like the dive markers. It can't be missed!

Thanks Susan

Smack, I can't believe I called you JOHN

Jan, here is another suggestion. Take a Woodwind snorkel trip. The 2nd stop is Andrea I or II and you can make it between both sites if there is enough time. Go on Wed. when the trip is until 3:00PM to allow ample time at Andrea. You will not be disappointed.

I agree with George! We took a woodwind Wed sail and snorkeled between the 2 (myself and 8 yr. old daughter). It was awesome, we saw turtles, a huge grouper in a cleaning station, squid, all kinds of cool stuff. Either by boat or by shore don;t miss this site!