Hi Guys,

These threads go on forever and I'm at work right now so I don’t really have the time to go through them all. I'm also terminally lazy so I'll ask directly and can just come back here to check.

My wife and I plan to return to Bonaire this year for our first anniversary in late July or early August (we were married on the 13th and spent our honeymoon at The Eden Beach Resort).
Although Eden Beach was really nice we fancy a change.

As I can arrange our own flights this year I would like to arrange some decent (good standard) accommodation for two weeks somewhere near/ish town and a decent dive centre. A good house reef helps too.

Has anyone got any suggestions? Would it be cheaper to rent a villa?

Thanks for your time,

Mick

Someone a lot nicer than I am will probably chirp up and answer your questions, but... you're too lazy to research for yourself (there's even a "keyword search" button on the bottom, but noooo, you can't be bothered), but you want US to take OUR time to answer you???

Well, as I said... I'm not gonna. But I'm not nice.

I wouldn't have quite put it that way, but this board is intended as an exchange of information. It is easy to find, and interesting to read. To plan a trip, you have to work. I used this board for my first trip to Bonaire and found it invaluable. I would suggest you take a little time and read through some of the threads. I think asking BT's to repeat everything so you don't have to do anything is a little beyond the call of duty. Just my opinion.

Ladies, back off please! This board is intended as a means of us helping each other. As some of us are busier than others, it is the duty of those with more time on their hands to help. End of rant.

Mick, north of Eden there is Sand Dollar, Buddy Dive and Captain Don's. To the south there is Divi, Carib Inn and Plaza which all fit the requirements you mentioned.

Being a S.N.A.G. (sensitive new age guy), I am willing to help you even more as you will see.

If you:

(1) Pay my airfare out of Newark
(2) Pay for the lodging and dive package at any resort listed above.
(3) Pay for the truck rental and insurance
(4) Provide a housed digital camera

I will be happy to go in your place:

(1) Fly to Bonaire
(2) Dive 3 to 5 dives a day
(3) Drive that "beater" recklessly
(4) Take many underwater photos that you may share with your friends
(5) Post a Trip Report (up to 600 words) using your screen name.

I am there for you Mick. Let me know soon, so I can schedule the time off.

See, I said there were nicer people than I.

And I wasn't jumping on anyone...just giving an opinion.

Like Beauregard Bales said north of Eden is Sand Dollar, Buddy and Captain Don's and south is Divi, Carib Inn and Plaza. I have stayed at the Sand Dollar and enjoyed it, I have dove Buddies house reef and enjoyed it and I am staying at Captain Don's starting next Tuesday and I know I will enjoy that. But, I will go Beauregard Bales one better.

If you:

(1) Pay my and my wifes airfare out of Denver (can't go without Bubbles ya know)
(2) Pay for the lodging and dive package at any resort listed above.
(3) Pay for the truck rental and insurance


I will:

(1) Go as your personal dive master/instructor
(2) Lead a dive at any dive site you want (closed sites being the exception)
(3) Personally scout out dive sites for your enjoyment
(4) Throw in fish id, naturalist and nitrox specialty certifications at no charge.

So whadya think,good huh

Aquaman

Beauregard, Aquaman... you just don't understand. This is a busy man here, he's doesn't have the time to call and make those arrangements for you!

Now, Mick: all you have to do is post your credit card number here, and I'm sure everyone will be glad to help! I might even take a nice(r) pill and join in! :D

WOW, I had no idea I would cause such grief!!
My Brit humour obviously touched a few Yank nerves?? ;-)))

Thanks Beu and Barry for the info, I'll go now and do some research with this first hand "expert" advice. If I had the money I would be glad to do as you ask for such understanding and support ;-))

Have fun all and be sure that I will drop in from time to time to ruffle a few more eagle feathers.

Cheers from Sunny Amsterdam,

Mick

Mick, If you don't want to rent a truck while on Bonaire I would suggest Plaza, Divi or Carib Inn as they are closer to town, Divi being the closest. These three are within walking distance and all have good dive shops, facilities, dive masters and boats. Hope this helps some.
Andy

Heck if he pays, I'll do all the bookings...

Aquaman

Mick, I like you before I even met you. Have FUN!!!Cheers from a Sunny Groningen

Since I obviously don't have the high overhead of my competitors, but operate out of my home, I can offer a better deal to you, Mick: For the simple price of airfare down and a rental vehicle, I am more than happy to arrange your vacation to your exact requirements. A huge bargain at twice the price, wouldn't you say?

And, I won't throw in any sarcasm, all services provided with a smile on my face and in my emails.

Plus, the service will come with years of experience in dining out so I can recommend the best restaurants for your palate, places to go and people to see, and all this for a fraction of my competitors price.

What a deal! I know you are getting out your checkbook or charge card now, but wait! There is more. I will also throw in a set of Ginsu steak knives (unopened) AND a Bonaire Talk T Shirt, so you can look like a Bonaire Talker despite your lack of energy and inclination. (ouch, gratuitous cheap shot!) ;-)

I'll be looking for your reply in my email box.

With sunny wishes from New Jersey and Bonaire,

Carl

I always find it interesting when BTer's react so negatively to people asking a question that research can answer. I look at it that answers maybe change with time and therefore nothing wrong with asking again (and again) for up to date info/opinions. . . .

And if you don't like the question, why bother to answer at all? :-) :-) :-)

Mick I sent my recommendation and reasons for it to you by email ...

Mick, at the bottom of the page, do a keyword search for each of the accommodations that Beau suggested, and it will take you directly to threads about those accommodations and you can read about specifics of each one.

Have a great time on Bonaire!

I find it interesting that when a BT responds by saying, spend a little time and look at the wealth of info, and ENJOY reading the reports (as I have), they are labeled as noncooperative. Not my intention in the least.

Mary, the first sentence of my post was in jest. Wish I had ended it with:-)

I know that. It seems, though, that when differing opinions are expressed, there is sometimes a lot of criticism expressed. I always try and take my time to express what may be a descending opinion. Thanks for your comment, though.

So Mr, Bales, would your first sentence of the aforementioned post be a...

Beau Geste?

I think some of the perceived snippiness towards demanding posts is due to silver platter syndrome, and the implied caste ranking of the poster that their time is more valuble than other people, who should respond pronto.
It's one thing if you don't know how, it's quite another if you just want everything on a silver platter.

Aww c'mon guys, don't fight. I didn't want to start a thread war ;-)

I did do a search before I posted and looked through dozens of threads that slowly degenerate like this one has. Most threads are full of "chat" and therefore difficult to find meaningful information. I thought it might be quicker to "ask again" is all.
Surely I cant be the only one looking for recommendations from you, "the experts" and perhaps my post could help other lazy people too?

This also gives those "posters" who run small businesses like Carl the opportunity to tout for business which is also what I was looking for.

Thanks to you all (even the mean ones among you),

Mick

Mick, I have nothing but time. I am an informational junkie FREAK so I know EVERYTHING. ha !

Elkadia is a great house if you are interested in renting. It is south of town, and is beautiful. I believe it can be rented by Sunrentals. They have many homes for rent, but Elkadia is the only one I have personally seen. It is spectacular... the views... ahhhh.

Where was I. Oh yes. Also definitely noteworty is the Divi. Of course it depends on what you are looking for. It's a little more "resorty" than other places, and of course with that comes amenenities. (spa, nice restaurant, goody shop, casino). Keep in mind though, that Divi is not a resort in the typical resort fashion. It's small and has a distinct Caribbean feel. The Belmar is fabulous also, but with less amenities. I have stayed at Divi and will be staying at Belmar in Oct.

If you have more specific questions, please feel free to email me. kbaum@newarkohio.net

Anniversary....how about the Blue Moon?