Apologies in advance if this has already been covered...

Any recommendations on the best sites for new snorkelers? I guess I'm looking for somewhat easy entry and gearing up, and perhaps not a TON of fire coral in the shallows. Thoughts? Thank you!

A couple that I thought were very easy but also very good were:
1) Entering at the inlet channel at Tori’s Reef – just sit on the rock ledge, put your fins on and slip right in. Following the ledge all the way down to Pink Beach we saw something in every nook and crannie (capped off by a huge free-swimming green moray just feet from shore).

2) Walking to Witch’s Hut from 1000 Steps then just going with the current back to 1000 Steps; easy in, easy out. So much to explore everywhere from the cliff shore out to deeper (20-30ft) spots.

Tom -

We concur with the above recommendations (although the current can sometimes be a bother a 1000 Steps). We would add Eighteen Palms, the area off the beach at Plaza Resort.

Easy walk-in or ladder entry. In our experience, some of the best and easiest snorkeling on Bonaire. Plus probably the largest beach (by Bonaire standards) on the island.

Once on island, do check with any of the dive shops regarding currents, fire coral, places to go, ease of entry, etc. Regarding the latter, I'm sure you have picked up from reading this newsgroup that you will want some type of sturdy-soled bootie or beach shoe for navigating over the rough shore rock. We use a medium-weight dive boot and fins with straps at the heels; work perfectly.

We have snorkeled several places in Hawaii and other Caribbean locations. None comes even close to Bonaire. What a treat you have in store!

Charles Poteet
Dallas

As a new snorkeler myself, I loved going in at the Divi beach. Easy entry/exit. And so much marine life to see.

Depending on where you are staying, right off the dock in front of you may be a good option. If the sea is calm, we love Karpata. Oil Slick is very easy (in and out via a ladder.) And one spot I love not for coral but for fish is Windsock.

Lac Bay is a great place, but then again, any place on the island should be wonderful, after all, it is Bonaire.

Thanks so much for all the suggestions! My wife and her friend are "practicing" so that they will be comfortable in the water. They are in for a treat!

Just received Susan Porter's book, 5th edition. My earlier copy was dog-eared and ratty so it was time for a new one. TONS of good info there. 3 weeks till Bonaire!!!