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Accommodations: Divi Flamingo: Attn Carole Baker , Robert Deal, or Anybody
Bonaire Talk: Accommodations: Archives: Archives 2000 to 2006: Archives - 2001-07-12 to 2002-10-06: Divi Flamingo: Attn Carole Baker , Robert Deal, or Anybody
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Susan Gobbo on Saturday, February 2, 2002 - 1:58 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

We're planning a first time trip to Bonaire in April and are considering staying at the Divi. We've got two kids 10 and 8. I've read so much about Divi and your names keep popping up. I gather that you own or go there often. Our family loves to snorkel but we've never found a destination where there is much to see just offshore. Bonaire sounds like the place. We also want a quiet and friendly atmosphere.

Can you help me with some questions:
1) Is there really a great reef just offshore of the Divi? Can you swim to it? If we're just snorkeling, will we see a lot or do we have to dive. Can't seem to get the courage to dive-maybe I'll try on this trip.
2) I see the beach at Divi is small. Is it crowded? And is there enough shade umbrellas?
3) The travel agent is booking us in a studio room. Are the studios under construction now?
4) Do you think it's worth going on the boat dives as snorkelers? I'm wondering if everything will be too deep on the boat dives.
5) Any recommended excursions?-Mangroves, flamingoes, night snorkeling-scary?
6) One child has a severe allergy to peanuts. In case of a bad reaction, we would need emergency medical facilities. Is there a hospital near the Divi? Any comments on it.

I sincerely appreciate your responses. We went to St.Croix last year and were so disappointed in what was supposed to be offshore snorkeling. I think Bonaire will be different. The snorkeling gets such rave reviews, I can't wait to go.

Robert Deal, your photos are great!!! We really enjoyed them!!!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ann Phelan on Saturday, February 2, 2002 - 6:29 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

I was there as a guest in Aug. and have dined there 2 times since as well as having re booked some nights there in Aug. I also have been familiar with the Divi Properties since I came into the travel industry. With all of that said here is my take for what it is worth:


The beach is small and sometimes not much sand but it is nice. I never saw it during the day as I was out working or windsurfing. The kids can walk into the sea from the beach and snorkel ALL around. I had an oceanfront room and I woke at 5 AM every day to watch the day waken and the fish swim beneath my room on the healthy reef off Divi. It was lovely.

As far as snorkeling elsewhere, you could park at Windsock and walk in, drive to Plaza and pay afew bucks to have a chair or two and snorkel at the nicest hotel beach on island.

There is chap named Erik (maybe others) who do kayak trips to the mangroves. That is on my next list of to dos..I heard the snorkeling is great.

Take the kids to Lac Bay and have a lesson with Ruben (The Place) or Ro (Jibe City). They are the younger of the teachers and a lot of fun. Sit and have cocktails or juices while the kids learn..watch the Bonaire Sailing Team wow you with aerials off the beach.

Divi is so close to town. You can walk it easily. It is very low key and nice.

There is SOOO much to do and SO much nicer and more laid back than STX. I have not snorkeled Buck Island there but can say the underwater life in Bonaire is magic.

We didn't even get to my fav. part of sharing: Eating..another time.

Annie
Cape Cod

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By thomas brossard on Saturday, February 2, 2002 - 9:25 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Snorkling does present some problems but like Annie said there are good opportunities at Bonaire. Divi is a very nice Resort & the beach while postage stamp sized, very nice. The oceanview rooms are nicer than the condos but lack the amenities (frige, stove, etc) & o/f view.

Annie, I have to ask (as I read your comment & others in the past) has the Plaza done something to their beach over the last couple of years to make it the nicest Resort beach on the island? Because when we stayed there it wasn't worth a hoot, poor entry no sand, etc. I'm no disputing your opinion, mind you, just wondering what or when it changed. Was it post lenny?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ann Phelan on Saturday, February 2, 2002 - 9:30 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Thomas, I was there in Oct. and my beach snob Mom loved it..I guess I mispoke not seeing all the hotel beaches but it seems to be the largest and indeed quite nice. Now, we cannot compare to the beaches I have seen in other islands such as Palm, Antigua, Mayreau but for Bonaire I really thought it was nice.

There was lots of sand, the entry by the beach shop was good enough for my 78 year old young Mom with ambulation difficulties..she loved it, Thomas.

Annie
Cape Cod

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Josie on Saturday, February 2, 2002 - 3:29 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Snorkeling at Divi is good, easy access, neat stuff to see within 25 feet of entry.

We've snorkeled off dive boats --- just check that where they're going is shallow enough to see. I'd also do a snorkel trip with Rene on the Woodwind (right from Divi). You can get half day, full day (I think) or with lunch etc. There's sign-up and info right at the Divi. We're planning on that for our trip again next week.

We've had three trips to Bonaire as snorkelers only. I got certified to dive there this summer, and my husband is taking a one-day resort course this month. I'd do that to see how you like diving. Cost is about $75-80, I think, less than a day, and if you love it you can continue to dive with an instructor at the shop you did your course with for two weeks.

Thomas, based on my checking out the beaches, I'd also say the Plaza had the best at any of the resorts. I also love Windsock, which is public and pretty nice. We enjoy the snorkeling there a lot.

In addition to the little beach area, the Divi has a sunning pier with lounges/umbrellas, that is nice. You can sun there and watch the kids snorkel next to you practically.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Corney Ann Carter on Sunday, February 3, 2002 - 2:12 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Take a snorkel trip on the Woodwind. It is based at the Divi. Do a search on snorkeling and you will find a lot here. You will need a vehicle to reach all the wonderful shore sites to snorkel like Karpata and Margate. The rooms with cooking facilites may not be as nice but it sure is great to have cooking facilities available.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Meryl Virga on Sunday, February 3, 2002 - 7:09 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Susan,...Divi,Plaza beach,flamingo beach, batchlors beach, windsock, ole blue,1000 steps, outfront Buddy Dive, Lions Den, Bari reef off of Sandollar, out front Captian Don's, Plus many boat dives that you could snorkle from..plus as Annie said...Mangrove's, kayaks, Lac bay...There will be plenty to keep them busy if they like being in the water!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Meryl Virga on Sunday, February 3, 2002 - 7:14 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hospital is in town...I would visit it when I got there to make sure they can accomodate your childs problem...do you carry epinephrine in case of allergic reactions? We went to the hospital on our first trip since Steve runs and took a bad route and was bitten by some local dogs..(he was in "their" territory....but we were told no rabies on the island...and he just got a tetnus shot...it only cost 25dollars and we were in and out in 20 minutes....Also...the boat dives to Klein (small island off of Bonaire) or other dive sites are so close to land that the snorklers could swim to the land if they were tired...boat morings are usually very close as is the reef...The site out front of Jakes house, small wall...the cams are only in about 15 feet of water...(Jake correct me if I'm wrong!)..you'll have a great time!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Susan Gobbo on Sunday, February 3, 2002 - 11:29 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Thank you for the responses!!!!

The more I read , the more I can't wait to explore Bonaire. It's just a matter of which hotel- but it seems that I can't go wrong with either Divi or Plaza.

It's hard to believe how great the snorkeling is! It sounds like a snorkelers paradise.

About the allergy-yes, we do carry epenephrine (Epi Pens), but we would need further medical treatment if peanuts (even a tiny amount) were ingested. I am going to try to contact the hospital to find out the extent of their emergency facilities. If anyone knows how I can contact them, that would be really helpful. I'm going to try to post that as a question on the BT site.

Thanks again!!

Susan

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Linda Richter - NetTech on Monday, February 4, 2002 - 9:44 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Keep an eye out for anything labeled 'pinda' which is peanuts. Pinda Saus is fairly common with some of the Indonesian food like Gado Gado.

Typically food is not cooked with peanut oil. I had to ask someone to bring me some from the states.

The hospital is 'San Francisco'. Phone 001-599-7-17-8900. mailto:hospitaal@bonairelive.net (and yes, two A's)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By DARLENE ELLIS on Monday, February 4, 2002 - 12:15 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I went out on the Dive Boat as a snokeler and was sorry I did. They went to a place with a very strong current and they knew ahead that we were coming. The Wood wind is a Trimaran and Renee does a guided snorkel that is well worth it.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Glen Reem on Monday, February 4, 2002 - 7:02 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I believe that most of the dive boats have a crew member staying aboard while a dive guide goes with the divers--so snorkelers can be watched and helped if necessary.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Robert Deal on Tuesday, February 5, 2002 - 10:59 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Susan:
We just got back on Saturday, and I see that already many of your questions have been answered, but I'll add a few comments, anyway:
The "house" reef at Divi is very good, and quite accesible...even more attractive (for the kids, especially) is that there is very good snorkleing along the shore and around the stone pier...This is particularly true for finding fish life, which loves to hide in the little nooks and hiding holes in the rip-rap that forms the base of the pier. Jessica and I would snorkel there for hours at a time, finding octopus, peacock flounder, lettuce nudibranchs, bristle worms, red-lipped gobies, trunkfish, etc. Off the beach, approaching the reef shoulder (25 ft.) we find barracuda (12 schooling together one afternoon), French angelfish, queen angel,etc. And of course everywhere, the ubiquitous parrotfish in various species. So the snorkeling is good, and as mentioned above, it is good everywhere.
The beach is small, but sufficient, with plenty of shade umbrellas available. Ann Phelan has given you the take on that, and quite accurately.There is also the sunning pier which borders the beach, as Josie mentions. No where on the island do you find the "traditional" endless strech of travel poster beach. It doesn't really happen on Bonaire.
In lieu of snorkeling with the dive boats, I would do it with Renee on the Woodwind...cost is comparable, and result would generally be much better. Renee is great, as testified to by some many other.Sign up at the Divi, she picks you up from the Dive II pier right in from of the tiomeshares.
For us, with Jessica (age 9), the big advantage of the Divi studio rooms (which are the timeshare units which we own) is that the pool is quite literally just out the door...easy to let her go by herself, quick easy back to the room for a snack, or bathroom, etc. The room renovations are mostly completed...new air conditioners are installed, so room construction should not be a problem. Frits and Jenny, the new management team, are really dedicated to making things right, so any problem you may find does get attended. It is nice to have the little kitchen for breakfast and lunch, and we do most dinners in as well. Especially with a daughter in tow. All that said, there is no question that the Plaza will be more upscale, but it depends on where you want to put your money for the vacation. We prefer the ambiance of the Divi. Each to their own.
FYI, we used the Plaza Aquakids program for Jessica again this year, with great results! This year again, she was the only child enrolled at the time we were there, and was one-on-one with the instructor, 8:30 to 12:30 daily for 5 days, for $120...hard to beat! Snorkeling, fish ID classes, crafts project, and field trip to the Donkey Sanctuary on Friday...and on top of this, she also did PADI Bubblemaker, gearing up and going into the pool (full mask removal, replace, and clear on the first try, says proud father. She is already excited about getting a Jr. Certification when she turns 10.) So, you might want to consider that, no matter where you stay. Gives you some time to yourself, too....
Please feel free to e-mail me directly if you want details of anything, or have questions.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Susan Gobbo on Tuesday, February 5, 2002 - 1:14 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Robert,

Thanks for the info. Divi sounded just like what we were looking for so we did book it. Most posts recommended the Ocean Front Deluxe room so we ended up booking that before I read your post. I hope we made a good choice.

I thought the pool right was behind the Ocean Fronts or maybe there are 2 pools. I agree about the kitchen being handy. They said they would have a fridge on reserve for us. I'm not sure that it's a definate-they said they're on a first come first serve basis (?). I hope we can buy a cooler there if the fridges are unavailable.

The other thing was that we couldn't be sure if we would get a renovated unit. I suspected that the timeshare studio units would be renovated but not the rental studios and we didn't want to chance it.

Anyway, maybe once I get a map we can change the reservation. All in all, the Divi sounds like a great place. It seems bit smaller, more homey, with a relaxed atmosphere. I agree, sometimes the larger resorts are not as nice. The house reef sounds great as does the service, management and excursions. The walk to town is a plus too. I still find it hard to believe that one can snorkel from shore and see so much. I think we finally found the island we have been looking for.

Back to the excursions, I don't know how many we'll be going on when the house reef alone sounds so fabulous. Do you recommend any excursions for snorkelers? Or any other around the island places to see? Sounds like the Renee trip is a must, as is a trip to Klein. How about the mangrove trip?


Thanks again. It's so nice how peopole are so helpful on this site. Planning a trip if usually so stressful. You never know what you're getting until you're there. This site helps so much.

I appreciate the E-mail offer as I'm sure I will have more questions. Could you post it here for me.

Susan

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Robert Deal on Tuesday, February 5, 2002 - 1:57 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Susan:
There are two pools, so you are OK there, and you will be very happy with the delux ocean front room...I think that that is Darlene Ellis' favorite location! The hotel-side pool is located right behind the rooms, so it is close, also. The Chibi Chibi restaurant will be immediately to your right, as you face the ocean, and the Calabas restaurant area is next, as you continue down the walkway another 100 feet. There is an entance to the beach between the Chibi Chibi and the Calabas, and another after you pass the Calabas...then the Casino, and you have reached the timeshares and the Dive II pier, and the gate that lets you out onto the road to town (sort of a verbal map)
Another plus, by the way, is that they are going full-bore on the construction of the promenade along the shore on the road from Divi, past the customs pier, and connecting with the existing promenade to downtown. This may well be finished by the time you arrive, which will make the walk into town all the more pleasant. They were really moving on this (island time has been temporarily suspended for the project, it seems), so you may see it in all its new glory.
As for my e-mail, just click on my name...it is posted in my profile.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ginger Hart on Tuesday, February 5, 2002 - 2:11 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

We have booked our second trip to Bonaire (Feb. 28th-March 8th)and are staying again at the Divi. We had an ocean front room and really enjoyed the view. We looked into a studio - but were informed that renovations are not yet completed on those. So we have reserved a mini fridge.
Just to add to the snorkeling comments - I dive, but also love to snorkel - and while snorkeling there in Aug. I got up close to a eagle ray and swam along with it for quite some time!
Enjoy!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By DARLENE ELLIS on Tuesday, February 5, 2002 - 4:44 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Ginger, I swam with a Spotted Eagle Ray for at least 10 minutes two days in a row when I was at the Divi in September! It was an incredible experience and it was right out in front of the cement pier!!
Sue, I just recently posted a (long)trip report for our January trip and it describes the snorkeling in detail. I have been to the Divi four times in the ocean front rooms and love it there. Instead of renting a car, we sail with Renee and the Woodwind daily. She likes to show you the best of shallows and deep and knows where all the little critters live. I think you will be very happy with your decision.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Linnea Wimberly on Tuesday, February 5, 2002 - 6:27 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Ginger, the rental studios and the timeshares are the same units. When a timeshare is not being used by its week's owner, it is available to be rented out as a studio rental.

While you are there, check them out, you may end up buying a week or two for yourself. That's what I did after spending a week being cattle-herded in the water on Grand Cayman and then a week on Bonaire where you could dive without having someone's fins in your face. And if you want to shop, you can without being pressured to buy.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Hazel Scharosch on Tuesday, February 5, 2002 - 10:31 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Wow, Susan - sounds like you and your family are in for a real treat! I just have one comment to add to those above: Aquakids is totally worth it, even if just for one day.

Okay, two comments, then I'm done. We took a dive boat out to snorkel at Klein. Travis, who is 9, spotted our first-ever turtle. However, it kinda spooked him. The boat we were on could not tie up at the mooring because two other boats were already there. The captain gave us the option of traveling around and sitting on the boat while the divers dove (perhaps we could stop at Klein on the way back) or jump off the back of the boat from where we were. We opted to jump. His final piece of advise for us was to "be sure to swim really fast after we jump" because the prop would still be running and we could smack into it. YIKES!!! The water was very deep and scary compared to our 12' YMCA pool. We jumped off and swam for our lives for about 100 feet, then Travis spotted the turtle.

If you snorkel at Klein, be prepared for what we encountered. If your kids are good, strong swimmers and are not spooked by deep water, it will probably be fine. When we return to Bonaire, we will try Renee and the Woodwind. Havefun!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By DARLENE ELLIS on Wednesday, February 6, 2002 - 2:10 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Susan, Your last message is exactly why I won't snorkel from a dive boat!!! Renee and the Woodwind is nothing like that. I am a huge wuss when it comes to the ocean and thanks to Renee's guided snorkels I have become a mermaid!!! If you are nervous, she will calm you and she really keeps an eye out for newbies. When she has a full boat, she hires an extra person to trail the end of the group. Her old timers become an extra set of eyes if they are needed as well. If she sails some where new and even thinks the current is too strong, she will get in the water and check it out herself before letting anyone off the boat.When you go over to Kline, she does a beautiful drift snorkel and she explains everything you can expect before you even get off the boat. In the three years that I have been sailing with her, I have never seen a child that hasn't enjoyed themselves.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By DARLENE ELLIS on Wednesday, February 6, 2002 - 4:01 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Sorry, I meant Hazel!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Susan Gobbo on Thursday, February 7, 2002 - 10:17 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Thanks again!! Your comments and info are appreciated. Renee's trip sounds like what we would want. Does anyone know how much it costs? Is it usually available?

Susan

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Susan Gobbo on Thursday, February 7, 2002 - 10:20 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Thanks again!! Your comments and info are appreciated. Renee's trip sounds like what we would want. Does anyone kow how much it costs? Is it usually available?

Susan

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Robert Deal on Thursday, February 7, 2002 - 4:47 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Renee's trips run $35-55 per person, depending on the trip (BBQ all-day trip is $55) but she will often take us on with Jessica at 1/2 price, or with some reduction. Snorkling off a dive boat runs about $20, I think.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Judith Deutsch Bennett on Thursday, February 7, 2002 - 10:55 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

In past years I was able to buy a 3 or 4 trip snorkel package for going off the dive boats (at Divi and at Sand Dollar). The trips came out to $15 apiece. Renee's trips were too expensive for me for daily snorkeling.

My husband is a diver and I usually go out on the dive boat to snorkel on 1 trip a day

I've always snorkeled off the dive boats, almost always alone, always with a horse collar. I still remember the first time I snorkeled off a dive boat off Klein Bonaire. Someone encouraged me to do it instead of staying behind by myself. When I pushed off the boat and put my face in the water it felt as if I had stepped off a 4 story building. The divers were below, streams of sunlight pierced the water, the corals waved and hundreds of fish of many colors swam below. It was lucky day for viewing and I've been addicted ever since.

All this is to say that there is something to be said for snorkeling off the dive boats.

JudyDB

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Susan Gobbo on Friday, February 8, 2002 - 10:58 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Judy,

What is a horse collar?! I will be going with two children, ages 8 and 10. They are fairly good swimmers. Do you think dive boat snorkeling is approprite for them?

Susan

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Carole Baker on Saturday, February 9, 2002 - 1:52 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hi, Susan....gee, I was away from the BT board for a short while only to find someone crying out my name! LOL. I think everyone has answered your questions about the Divi...you can snorkel right there...the reef is at your toes...beach is small, intimate and not crowded...unbrellas and chairs, the hospital is closeby, no boats are necessary at the Divi for snorkeling.....yes..you swim right there, too....it is heavenly and there are millions of fish right there inches as you enter the water at the Divi beach. Renee's Woodwind snorkel trip is excellent and she is right there at the Divi. Everyone has covered all of your concerns. I know you will love the Divi...it is not a fancy 4 star resort, but its intimacy more than makes up for the 4 stars. You might be able to switch to a studio unit still, check with Divi or your travel agent. Yes, we own a timeshare unit in Bonaire at the Divi....we bought it our first day on the island on our very first trip to Bonaire! That is how wonderful Bonaire is. We own a timeshare with Divi in Aruba, as well, but do not visit Aruba any longer...we use both weeks on Bonaire now. We can't wait to return again this May for two weeks.

Have a wonderful time in Bonaire...brings lots of sunblock as you will be in the water constantly...you will become one of the reef creatures for sure! Now you have to sit back and wait until April....ah, the anticipation!!!Carole

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Susan Gobbo on Saturday, February 9, 2002 - 7:32 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Carole,

Hi! Thanks for the info. Hope I didn't embarrass you by calling for you. As you can tell I'm new to this site. I gathered from posts that you owned at the Divi, as did Robert Deal so I figured what better way to find the real info on Divi. There were so many choices on where to stay.

We concluded that the Divi sounds wonderful-so does Bonaire. I still can't believe how marvelous the snorkeling is going to be just from shore. We are all so excited.

Amazing-you bought a timeshare on your first day! Now that would be great. I don't think my husband loves the snorkeling thing as much as I do- but you never know.

You're right, all of my questions have been answered so now I'll just sit here and keep reading this site and looking at all the photos until April. Seems like an eternity.

Another right again, I think at least I will become a reef creature in Bonaire.

Thanks again!!!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Carole Baker on Saturday, February 9, 2002 - 9:11 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Embarrassed? Heck no! Actually it was quite flattering to have someone seek me out for an opinion! Just be prepared to spend hours on end in the water right there at the Divi.....I go in with my snorkel gear and cameras and don't come out for about six hours or more. Not kidding, either. It is that invigerating and relaxing. I can't take myself away from the "live show" underwater by the Divi's rocks and reef. You might see a sea turtle or two and a huge fish which has yet to be positively identified but was quite impressive in his girth and looks in addition to all the other creatures previously mentioned! And don't forget the birds, too. It is so fabulous. Eating lunch or dinner at the Chibi Chibi is a treat, too...not only is the food good, but you are literally hanging over the water and can watch the show below you...some folks feed the fish, but I don't think that is such a great idea...might screw up the whole system for the fishies. Be certain to spend a day in the Park...take the long route and go slowly and soak it all in. Bring a cooler with drinks and snacks. Enjoy the goats, the donkeys, the iquanas, the birds and, especially, Bonaire's people.

There are tons of shore access snorkeling spots on Bonaire...not just the Divi...explore and enjoy all she has to offer. Your kids will haunt you to move there after a few hours of enjoying what she has to offer.

I wish we were headed back down in April, but, alas...we must wait until May...it is well worth the wait and anticipation, however! Carole

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Glen Reem on Sunday, February 10, 2002 - 12:27 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

...'huge fish which has yet to be positively identified...'

Tell us more.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Carole Baker on Monday, February 11, 2002 - 9:34 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hi, Glen! I don't think we ever came up with a positive ID on this big boy....he was in about 15-20 of water towards the bottom circling around a huge boulder under one of the dive boats at the Divi Flamingo (not far from the old dock)...lower jaw was ajar and jutting out with tons of huge sharp, pearly white teeth dwarfing the upper jaw and teeth. He was about six feet in lenght, two feet girth with three feet in height with a school of fish swimming underneath him. Whiteish in color...just huge and circling around and around the rock....we said "hey, fella, that rock is ALL YOURS!" and proceeded to swim in the opposite direction! A few months ago some folks took stabs at what type of fish it might have been, but I don't think we ever nailed its identity on the head....he is NOT in any of the books I own....just huge! Looked like an albino grouper, but soooo much bigger than a grouper. There were a few other folks swimming in the area that same day and confirmed our sighting and could not identify him, either. And, but of course....I did NOT have one of my cameras "in hand" at that very moment...and this was definitely a "Kodak moment" for me! Otherwise, it just seems like another "fish story"! LOL. Any takers??? Carole (shutterbug)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Carole Baker on Monday, February 11, 2002 - 9:39 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Susan, one thing I did forget to mention to you that you "must" do.....arrange a night snorkel right there in front of the Divi....you can do it on your own or you can speak to Renee' or Janice Huckaby or someone else in the area to see if they might be able to guide you thru your first night snorkel on Bonaire. You can rent the equipment right there at the dive shop. We have some tales to tell about our "first ever" night snorkel which still make us chuckle to this day! (we did not have a guide with us, obviously). Now we know what to expect and what to look for and when, etc. I hope you at least "entertain" this idea...the kids would just love it as well as yourself. Carole

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bill Grondin on Tuesday, February 12, 2002 - 2:24 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I've been diving and snorkeling Bonaire since 1989. Bought a week the first trip. It is awesome. You won't regret your choice. When snorkeling, don't overlook the steps to either dive pier, as well as under the pier itself. Also, when night snorkeling, don't be surprised to see a flash of silver in your lights. If you spot the fish, it will be a tarpon, and maybe more than one. Nothing to be alarmed about, but they can be up to 5 feet in length and a little unnerving if you don't know what it is. They use the light to feed on small fish. I'll be at the Divi 2/23 thru 3/9 this year, and can't wait!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Chet Wood on Tuesday, February 12, 2002 - 3:23 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Bill,
My wife (Jean) and I will also be on-island the 23rd thru 9th; but at Sand$ (our 5th cosecutive year). There are a couple of BonaireTalker get-togethers scheduled for the time period: Tuesday evenings at Gibi's Terrace Restaurant, Lac Cai on Sunday 3 March, and (unfortuneately for those of us leaving on the 9th), a pot-luck/BBQ party at "The ReefCam House". You can view a listing of These Events and other BonaireTalkers visiting BONAIRE during Feb/March at our web-site (available thru my profile). Maybe we'll see each other in a couple weeks, maybe on flights in or out (or both) if your flying American.
Chet

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Linnea Wijkhof-Wimberly on Tuesday, February 12, 2002 - 4:27 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Susan, a horse collar is also known as a Mae West. They were the original bouyancy control devices. They are similar to the yellow things that are demo'd at the start of your flight.

Sarah, I forgot to bring the Quito stuff to work this morning. I'm not a morning person, so I will try to remember to stick the stuff in my purse tonight. Casa de Sol sounds very similar to Sol de Quito in size and atmosphere. I think they are in the same area, near Old Quito.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Robert Deal on Wednesday, February 13, 2002 - 10:54 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Carole (and Glen): From Carole's description, and my own encounter with this fish (or his cousin) while I was there at the end of January, I think we are talking about a cubera snapper. Quite big, nondescript grey-white color, large girth, looks at you open-mouthed showing large teeth similar to a dog's canines. I found him on a couple of dives out front of Divi; on one occasion posing under the big anchor, but I didn't get a chance at the photo. That is my call on the ID.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By DARLENE ELLIS on Wednesday, February 13, 2002 - 12:23 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Could the fish be a Dog Snapper? Renne always speaks of a huge one that likes to hang out under her boat.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Robert Deal on Wednesday, February 13, 2002 - 6:11 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I think they are one and the same...cubera and dog snapper.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bob Taradoina on Friday, February 22, 2002 - 5:23 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hi Everybody!
My wife and I will be on the island the last week of March and 1st in April. I know that Easter is that time and wondering how the Holiday is going to be celebrated? We'll be at the Divi timeshare again, and has the timeshares changed much since last year. We have the end unit near the dive shop. Can't wait!! Bonaire is our perfect vacation and dive spot.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Carole Baker on Saturday, February 23, 2002 - 3:24 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Robert & Darlene: Thanks for the help on the big fish ID....whatever "he" is, he is impressive! Next time I will find him with camera in hand! That would be in May....can't wait. Thanks again for your help. Carole

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bob Taradoina on Wednesday, February 27, 2002 - 4:10 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

My wife and I are coming to Bonaire in April and wondering how the theft is for the rental cars in the hotel/restaurant parking lots. Are the parking lots now becoming fenced in? I understand about diving off shore but has it changed that much in one year. We'll be staying at the Divi and so far none of our cars or the property has been vandalized.

 


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