Hi Folks!

My girlfriend and I like to visit Bonaire over xmas for 2 weeks. As we never have been there can someone from you guys help us out with the following informations:

- what is a good place to stay. At the see or very close to the see. We don't need luxury but a quite (no big street) and nice place is a must. Guesthouse or private property are also welcome.

- For diving what do you recommend, to rent a car and drive to the dive spots or do it by boat and guided?

- Windsurfing any recommendations where to rent the gear?

All other informations are very, very welcome!

See you soon in Bonaire

markus

Markus:

Welcome to the board. The answers to your questions actually already exist on the board. Simply use the Keyword Search function to find information on the topics above.

It is also a useful exercise to read through the archives to see what others have already posted.

Good luck in your search. Learning about Bonaire can be fun!

As Brain suggests, the archives contain much information (see especially the diving, accomodations and trip report topics).

In terms of lodging, it depends on what you are looking for (and what your budget is). My favorite (for my tastes) is the Carib Inn but there are many, many great choices.

An option that is very clean, quiet and affordable (but no pool and not directly on the water) is Happy Holiday Homes. There are also many other good choices -- small and large. http://www.infobonaire.com/ also has some good information -- including lots of lodging options.

In terms of windsurfing, you might also look at http://www.bonairewindsurfing.com/ -- I think there are two main windsurf shops.

In terms of diving, my strong preference is to rent a car and shore dive as that best meets my goals (uncrowded sites, my own pace, etc.). But many others prefer boat...

Markus, all good recommendations. I've removed your duplicate post under Community Chat, as others have responded here.

Markus,
We have been to Bonaire several times. We have stayed at Lion's Dive, Eden Beach, & Sand Dollar.
Lion's can be $$, Eden is a good price and Bongos is a nice fun beach bar. The hotel part could use a little updating. Sand Dollar is very nice. We have dove with Bon Bini, Wanna Dive, and Sand Dollar dive shop. Shore diving is really the way to go as you get to see the island for your surface time. Wanna Dive has the most relaxed policy we have seen but there are so many dive operators... Good Luck making your choices...

Robin

Markus,

My family and I will be there from Dec 22 - Jan 5 and many (10+) friends will be joining us Dec 29 - Jan 5. I believe that this will be my 9th trip to the lovely island. I have stayed at Lion's Dive, Buddy Dive, Hamlet Oasis, Bel-Mar and rented a home. For that time of year I would just start sending messages to people and see if they have anything available. The holidays are VERY popular and places seem to book up fast.

As far what I have like - I LOVE BelMar and have thoroughly enjoyed the others as well. It all depends upon budget and personal preferences. We cook and eat out a lot so all inclusive does nothing for us. Shore diving is what it is all about so as long as I can have a drive through tank rental I'm good to go.

Best of luck to you.

Mara