Hi My mom and I are heading to Bonaire in a week. I bought the book Bonaire Shore Diving Made Easy, but how do you find those spots? Is there a map available that has all of the sites on it?
Thanks
Jen

Hi Jen - there is a map that you can pick up at any of the car rental places or even I believe as you are waiting on your luggage. But for most of the sites, you will find them by the yellow rocks on the side of the road.

Wow - that came out pretty small. Let's see if this one is any better.

The rocks are yellow, I especially liked the areas from Angel beach down to white slave. There is a place that is not marked except by a hand build rock wall that is a foot high and five foot long that has a "beach" where it is sandy.

Swim the reefs about 2pm and the fish are eating and not too concerned about who you are, wonderful and colorful parrot fish, turtles and the like. I may be able to google earth the sport.

That side of the island had some rock/coral reefs that you will need foot wear unless you have hard feet.

I spent the better part of my week on the southwest part and it was wonderful.

The Andrea 1/2 is mostly for diving but I belive you will not be disappointed in the fish, reef systems and corals. Again rocky but navigable.

Either the Andrea 1 or 2 does not exist due to homes so go to the other, it has a boat ramp access down to the water.

I was just there from May 24-June1. When I get time I will post a trip report.

Lac Bay was good but I found the better part as I followed the sand bar around counter clockwise to the 11 o'clock position, I saw rays.

Thanks

Never mind my spelling, brain too fast for typing, been on the mainland too long!

Thanks for the info. I guess I'm wondering if there's a spot we want to go to from the book do we just drive around until we find it? or is there a map someplace that we can find the location of many of these spots. Can't wait to get there. This will be our second year. Last year we didn't venture out too much but wanted to try some different spots this year.

Jennifer there are maps available at the car rentals, at the airport and probably at most of the resorts. They may be available in town at gift shops. The maps have the dive sites marked with numbers/names so you can make your plans. The yellow rocks with the name of the dive/snorkle site are easily seen.
The map we have has been used and refolded so many times that we are going to have to get a new one when next on island.

Have a good time with your mom and feel blessed you are able to do things together.

Andy

This might give you a first impression:

http://www.bonaireislandinfo.com/island_map_enlarged.html

I have many clients and friends who love snorkeling with Renee Leach. Last Winter a client who was not a good swimmer tried her luck at snorkeling. Under Renee's care and professionalism she truly experienced and LOVED snorkeling. I do recommend a guided snorkel with Renee.

I agree with Ann. I had a snorkel with Renee and she was great. She was patient, understanding, helpful, knowledgable, and fun. I wished I could have snorkeled with Renee the entire week.

If you email me your snail mail address, I will have an island map sent to you and you can look up the sites and plan ahead..also agree with the choice of Rene... http://www.infobonaire.com/reneesnorkeltrips/

Thanks for the offer Michael we are leaving on Friday so I'm not sure snail mail would get it here in time. I will look for one when we get to the island.

We snorkeled twice with Renee last and already have two trips set up with her for this year. We are also planning on doing a day on the Woodwind over to Klein.

Thanks for the help. This will be the 6th year my mom and I have done a mother daughter trip and it is really great!! Can't wait to get back to Bonaire.
Jen

If you have time, take the short road in the National Park and snorkel Wayaka II. Amazing French Angel fish come right up to the shore. The videos I took there were fantastic. A very memorable time. I'll see if I can manage to attach a photo or two.....

If you have time, take the short road in the National Park and snorkel Wayaka II. Amazing French Angel fish come right up to the shore. The videos I took there were fantastic. A very memorable time. I'll see if I can manage to attach a photo or two.....

Hey, I KNOW those angelfish too. Up at Slagbaai.
Went up in March. Didn't know they grew them so big up there!! wow.
Get yourself a rental truck if you can and just follow the rocks. We did all the ones marked Excellent in the shore dive book and snorkeled from Wayaka I, II and III without getting out.
Andrea 1 and 2 are next to each other and can do both in one trip there. The whole island is so small and wonderful, that even if you miss a yellow rock, there's only like 50 more (big smile)]
Took a water taxi for $15 over to Klein Bonaire, and were the only 2 people there. Had some pretty good currents over there unfortunately.
P.S. On cruise ship days, don't go to windsock. It's packed. Lots of turtles at Andrea though!
Saw our first octopus!
Oil Slick Leap was awesome around 3pm.

Hoping to buy some property over there SOON.

Sorry, not sure if I have overlooked it, but La Danias Leap to Karpata is one of my favourite snorkels on Bonaire. On all occasions, I saw turtles (and very close up too). It's a drift snorkel (can't leave the water until you reach Karpata).

Sarah

Two of the best snorkel spots that I found were:

1 - Drifting from Witch’s Hut to 1000 Steps

2 - Exploring all the ledges at Tori’s Reef then drifting to Pink Beach.