Hi BT'rs -
After looking at every conceivable island - I/We couldn't help it. We both agreed it had to be Bonaire again - nothing can compare to the water and the people! Since we wanted to vary our experience, we chose to stay at Sand Dollar instead of Plaza. Sabah told me that Sand Dollar's "Bari Reef" was ranked 3rd best in Caribbean - any comments? ( We snorkel only at this point). Also, where exactly is Sand Dollar located if you use Plaza as a reference point? One last ?- does it have a nice pool? I read about it somewhere - but any comments and additional input would be great. i.e. dive shop, resort course for John - maybe get him breathing underwater ;-) etc
Thanks!
Michelle

Glad to hear you are going back!!

Sand Dollar is located north of the Plaza, on the other side of Kralendijk, just beyond the 'round-a-bout', on the water side. It is at #27 Bari Reef on this dive site map: http://www.infobonaire.com/divemap.html . You can tell where it is though the number isn't shown. On this map: http://www.infobonaire.com/maps.html it is just north of the black dot which is north of Kralendijk, if that follows. I think you will enjoy SD.

Bari Reef is highly rated for fish diversity, perhaps the highest count in the Caribbean. Not exciting diving or snorkeling but great if you like to watch fish. Especially in the late afternoon when you may see baitfish balls harassed by jacks and/or see schooling squid and tangs foraging while the creolefish and creole wrasse stream home. At night, you can watch schools and also tarpon, snook and bonefish as well as crustaceans. As with some other BT'ers, it is my favorite dive on Bonaire, one that I do almost daily when on island-- and that after 20 years. (Had you guessed that yet!! :–) )

The dive shop is excellent (disclaimer: it is owned by my son-in-law) and can teach any level of course. And take you to snorkel in the mangroves, etc. Others also do these too; Bonaire Dive and Adventure is as good as any on island. And how about 'getting' you to breath u/w????

SD does have a pool, almost a part of Mangos restaurant-- it is a good one (both the pool and the restaurant!).

Can you snorkel the reef off of the Sand Dollar if you are not staying there? If so is there a fee? Just trying to get a feel for the island, this is our first time and can't wait. Thanks

Yes, you can. The only thing asked is that you tell the dive shop you are going in the water, and when you leave. That is for your safety, divers are asked to do the same, so the shop can make sure as many people come out as go in. Not a law, just courtesy from both sides. Obviously, you can just walk through and go in the water also; there is no id check. On Bonaire you can dive/snorkel most commercial (not private) properties under the same 'rule'. With divers, it is more of a permission.

There is a system of yellow-painted stones with a dive site name on them along the side of the road, the names you see on dive site maps. Where these are outside a property, as at Habitat, Sand Dollar and, I think, Divi, for instance, the site is open to diving through the property with dive shop notice required and, at Habitat, a small fee charged.

All part of Bonaire's 'Diving Freedom'.

Thanks Glen! That was a most sufficient answer! I used to dive but my husband's never been a big "water" person. That has changed since I "dragged" him to Bonaire the first time. I couldn't get him out of the water! I'm trying to talk him into a resort course so he can see what diving is like - I think he's going to this time! We'll see. Thanks again for your input. It's much appreciated!
Michelle

Bravo Michelle!

So glad you guys are going back! Bonaire does have a hold on you doesn't it? We will be back down in December, right after Christmas for 3 weeks. We only have 3 years until Ed retires, then we are down there for at least 3 months a year! We were down in November, but it was more of a working vacation as we purchased another home! Enjoy your trip and take care!

Liz

Hello Michelle - We are happy to hear you will be staying with us soon, and know you will enjoy the house reef which, I have to correct Sabah by saying, is rated the #1 reef in the Caribbean in terms of species richness - not #3. Though 3 would be spectacular as well, I am sure! Our dive staff can help suggest other good snorkel sites as well, and if you have the interest in expanding your fish ID skills, our naturalist Jerry Ligon offer guided snorkel tours. But be prepared, as whenever Jerry finds himself a budding fish enthusiast, he'll want to teach you everything. He is passionate about the reefs, and a real treasure to spend time with! Enjoy!

I believe that if a person loves to snorkel and watch fish, the best way to induce them to try diving is to point out that then they can stay down there and watch fish continuously. And in deeper water!!

First, snorkel north from the dive pier at SD and watch the fish late in the afternoon when there are lots of fish moving, all the way out to the drop off. Then try diving there.

If that doesn't convince him.....????

First, Liz, I'm so happy for you guys - Maybe when Ed retires we'll manage to hook up. We keep missing each other -
Secondly, Carol, thanks for the additional info as we will most definitely take a guided snorkel with Jerry - We took one with Caren of Sea and Discover last time and it really makes a difference to know what you are looking at! And Glen - thanks for the tip. I think this time we'll end up donning scuba gear, I mean - why not? After all, we are going to be in the best diving spot in the world! :-)
Michelle

Hello everyone, we are leaving tomorrow night for Bonaire and a group of us are staying at the
sand$ and I am trying to pack and I would like to know if there are towels and other linens (ie wash clothe etc.) please let me know.
thanks again
susan and doug

Just bring yourselves. Everything you need is there. You are going to have a great time.

Thanks I ready to go we will be leaving for the airport shortly.
thanks susan