Hello,
Are the any hotels with sandy beaches on the island. We want to be close to snorkeling and possibly dive shops.
But since we also want to get some tan and nice beach is required.
Thanks.

http://www.sorobonbeachresort.com

Welcome to the board. There are very few sandy beaches on Bonaire. Some of the resorts have small beached but don't expect wide sandy beaches. Eden Beach has about an good of a sand beach as I know of. As for Sorobon, clothing is optional there, just something to keep in mind.

Check out the Plaza Resort. There's a nice sandy beach and good snorkeling.

So, Where do people swim then?

In the ocean. The shoreline on Bonaire is mostly coral rubble, small stones and some larger rocks. If you are wearing good soled booties it's not an issue.

Natalya, in the ocean ;-) If there is no sandy beach, there are docks that stretch out over the ocean...:-)

If you go to www.infobonaire.com and click on accommodations and they have resorts listed with ameneties. Once you've narrowed your search down, ask about specifics for those places and you will get a lot of feedback...

Sand Beaches:

Sorobon (on the windward side, no dives shops but good snorkeling)
Eden
Divi
Plaza

The sun dock (on the right) and dive dock (on the left) at Belmar. This is what most of the docks are like at the resorts that don't have sandy beaches (and the ones above, Divi and Eden have docks)...Does the Plaza have a dock?

Harbour Village has an excellent sandy beach with easy snorkeling. The dive shop is right on the beach.

Thanks Ronn, I only looked at the "middle price range" accommodations, I knew there were a couple more!

Cynde & Natalya -

Yes, the Plaza does have a dock and as of last August the dock had a ladder for very easy ocean entry. Of course you have to be careful going in because you likely will step into a flock, swarm, pride, fleet (?) of indigo blue tangs.

We personally think the area in front of the Plaza's property is some of the better snorkeling on the island. And they do have probably the largest sandy beach on Bonaire, but remember that is to be taken in context. This is not the Turks y Caicos or Gran Cayman.

Charles Poteet
Dallas

Charles, thanks. I knew the others all have docks (as I've seen them up close and personal) but have never ventured to the Plaza!