We just returned from a visit to Bonaire, specifically to do lots of snorkeling. Believe all the praise....it's great. We especially enjoyed 1000 steps (go right for best views) and the fabulous underwater garden of coral and ferns. There were lot of delightful fish, too. Water was crystal clear. We had to skip Karpata as it was too rough. Andrea I and II were both great and the fish are so close to the shore that's it would be perfect for beginners. Brilliant, iridescent iguanas sun themselves right on shore too. Nice clear waters here too. Klein island was super and the views in close were just as good as the ones further out. Lots of interesting sights all along the beach where water-taxi lands. Back on Bonaire, my favorite was Tori's Reef where it's a easy entry and great varieties of fish. Margate Bay was another winner with sightings of octopus and lobsters! Close to shore is best with lots of fish and coral. Invisible Beach is last recommend and here we were fascinated with the variety of eels as well as a wide variety of fish. These are the best we experienced. More to explore next time!

Marlene!!! Thanks for the report... I agree that the snorkeling is great - its like a giant personal fish tank!

Was the current much of an issue on Klein Bonaire?

Thanks for the report.

We try to go to Bonaire twice a year. Been going since the eclipse many years ago. Last December was SO disappointing due to the storm from November that took out all sea life and coral, not to mention many docks etc. How much has it recovered? I know the coral that was not knocked over was covered with sand and died for the most part...we want to go again this December if it seems somewhat back to normal. Give me your thoughts, please. Thanks, Tina

Tina, we were there for 3 weeks in February and snorkeled most days. While much of the coral was damaged, we saw more fish and other critters than we had ever seen before. And, the coral at the Klein sites is fine. Snorkeling on Bonaire is still better than doing anything else!

Thanks Bonnie. Where did you find the best and cheapest restaurants? The food is so expensive when it is quality. Mona Lisa is our favorite but so costly.

Tina, check out the dining sections of Bonaire Talk and InfoBonaire. This year we tried different restaurants and enjoyed some of the less expensive ones as much as the pricey ones. We also figure that in the restaurants that give huge portions, we are paying for dinner and lunch the next day. So getting two meals makes the price seem more reasonable. Am I sounding like a senior citizen here? Oh, well. We do take part of our meal home rather often. And, since we have a kitchen we eat a lot of our meals in.

The storm was Omar, and it happened in Oct/08. We just spent 2wks on Island, and saw some damage in the shallows, but not as bad as some are saying. We are divers, but also snorkel. Below 25fsw the damage is not noticeable.

Tina, try local eateries for value, and places like Bobbejan's, Pasa Bon Pizza, Ribs Factory. The food is good, and reasonable... Ron

OMG we went for TWO weeks in April (went last year as well). We had a great trip even though we got stuff stolen from two times on this trip. Once was in the backyard of our rental in Kral. Once while at Windsock on Good Friday by the locals. Last year we caught a guy breaking in while we were sleeping at GRI. The fish were awesome as usual, love to shop at Bon Warehouse & Cultimara. Our favorite for food Was Bobojans. The ribs are fab and cheap. Had them several times on the weekends. Got to play hide and seek with two huge midnite parrotfish at Wayaka. Had a huge breakfast at City Cafe for under $10, too much to eat and good food. Buenos Aires cafe has a half chicken, rice and salad for about $8 and serves bkfast as well. The Genesis shack owned by Junior on W - F-Su had great and reasonable food up at 1000 steps. Even a hammock to snooze on. Great lunch of fish/chips & burgers at Windsurf bar. And awesome gal Melveena at the Rose Inn in Rincon for lunch with iguana soup and HUGE plates of food, around or under $10. Also, don't miss Maikey Snak off the beaten path to Windsurf with oo la la goat soup. Good food. We stay with a kitchen when we go, but miss BoBojans already. mmm the sampler platter is great too.