We're planning a three week trip to Bonaire end of feb. and have few questions:
basically we want to dive, relax and explore the island(s).
a)we may also stay at another island for some days (aruba?)
b)or do a sailing trip?
c)we want budget priced accomodation near or at the beach, diving centre in range

any infos are highly recommended!
thanks
juergen

Juergen...
Glenn & I spent two weeks at the Divi (south of town) in November (with a side trip to Curacao). The time share units are serviceable, with a small kitchen & utensils, etc. We found that a nice alternative to eating all meals out. It is also within walking distance to town & has a nice house reef & dive operation.

To the north of town is a cluster of hotels with in house dive operations-Captian Don's, Lions Dive (Bon Bini Dive is awesome, got certified there), etc. Beaches are tiny at low tide and may dissappear completely at high tide.

Skip Curacao, unless it's just for a day trip. Too industrial for our tastes. Cruise the trip report section of BT & you'll find some great reccommendations!

Have fun!
Deb.

Juergen:
There are a lot of accomodations and you need to check them all to see which one meets your budget (try InfoBonaire.com).
Bonaire is not known for it's sandy beaches, it is known for the shore diving as the wall is quite close to shore. Shore diving means you will need to rent a vehicle...a double cab truck is what most use.
If you want to sail and visit the "islands", try Las Aves Islands on the "Seawitch" which is reported to be great (if they are available when you want to go).
Aruba is OK (to crowded for me)and there is no direct way to get there from Bonaire since AA cancelled all of their flights. I agree with Deb on Curacao - unless you want to shop for a day then take the ferry over and back.

Alan

We're partial to Sand Dollar. We have been going there since 1995. They have very complete studio, one, two and three bedroom units all with complete kitchens. Everything you need is right on site.

please check out our web site http://www.CocoPalmGarden.org (German) or http://www.CocoPalmGarden.com (English) - we have budget accommodations and it is just a 2 minute walk to the little Bachelors Beach

hello!
thanks for all the help - we see things clearer now. curacao is wiped off the table.
sand dollar may come into question, but usually we prefer smaller hotels......
our main concerns are now reduced to places with:
- good snorkeling possibilities from the beach
- restaurants in closer distance
- access to internet
we're fine with basic accomodation since we won't spend much time in the room anyways.
anybody has an idea?
also we think about making a trip to venezuela for some days - how's that?
greets,
juergen

Juergen, there are two options for public internet:

Bonaire Live in town near Cultimara and De Tuin Restaurant open into the wee hours. BL is cheaper. The connection can be slowwwwwwwwwwwwwwww...Hotels have connections but $$$.

Re: small hotels I will defer to the group as I have only stayed at Divi, Habitat and Plaza as well as a private condo. There are some small little places that are very affordable. One is Yacht Club Apartments and one is Bonaire Townhomes. Email me if you need help.

I do recommend at least a scooter if not car.

Annie
Cape Cod

Juergen,
You might want to check out Hamlet Oasis - it is located next to Captain Dons, and if you have any furhter questions about the reort you may contact me directly. www.hamletoasis.com

Check out the Lion's Dive. A small complex (31 units)-all have kitchens. It has a small manmade beach, and a dock and dive shop, so you can snorkel right off the dock. Small pool as well, and a great restaurant. We've stayed there twice and love it.

We are going to Bonaire later this month. Normally I would never recommend a place I had not been to yet, but the people at Bonaire Beach Villas have been so wonderful that I can't wait to meet them and suggest you check them out. They have been absolutely great - even the owner has e-mailed us several times offering his help and suggestions. As I said, we have not been there yet, but you couldn't ask for nicer people to work with in planning your trip.

Hi,
We are going to Bonaire next month for the first time and are staying at Aqua Viva apartments. The owner Miguel has been very helpful and nice. The apartments are reasonable. We won't know for sure until we get there -- on Feb. 6.
Terri

Terri,
I’m compiling and distributing a list of Bonaire Talker’s who plan on being on-Island during February and/or March of 2002 (just in case someone wants to meet other BTr’s or try to set up any get-togethers). I see from the above, that you are arriving on 6 February; if you want to be added to the list and receive the occasional E-mails, let me know either by E-mail, chetwood@scubadiving.com, or by posting, your departure from Island date. Go to “BonaireTalk: Everything Else: BonaireTalkers in Feb./Mar.” for more information and view of the list.

how about geting to Bonaire alone? what will be the best place to meet people? the best place to stay? can you book a diving trip for one person?

Gisela... There are a lot of great places to stay on Bonaire. My wife and I like the Carib Inn and have stayed there every year for the last 7 or so years. They have the same rate for one person in a room as for two, so a single person is not penalized.
As far as meeting people goes, folks tend to congregate down by the water at the Inn's gazebo in the evening. Over the years we have met several other couples there that we now arrange to meet with each year. This year there will be 3 other couples that we met at the Inn all staying there at the same time as we are.
The boat dives are led by a divemaster that you can follow or not - your choice. If you want to buddy up with someone on the boat and dive with them that's fine.
I can't speak for the other operations on the island, but I would expect them to be similar.