I got the bright idea to spend a night in Atlanta each way from Wisconsin to break up the flying time. It sounded reasonable to leave on Friday evening instead of Saturday morning at 4 am and then return later (at 4pm) on Saturday to give us some time to spend on our last day in Bonaire. It was a mistake. Just the moving of all of our luggage became a headache. With two large scuba equipment bags, a large suitcase (with lots of things we ended up not needing) and two carry on bags it was a pain to load and unload them from the baggage claim to the hotel limo, etc. And security was also a hassle.
We stayed at the Airport Marriott and there was a cheerleader competition going on during our trip down and a Irish dance competition on our way back...so needless to say things were a bit crazy. The porters were terrible and when we called for them to help us with our bags and they did not show up they were laughing at us when we showed up in the lobby with our bags in tow.
Anyway...word of warning skip Atlanta.

Hi Lynn, that didn't sound fun, hope it didn't detract from your after holiday relaxed feelings!
I just wanted to ask (as this is my first trip to the Caribbean, and also for diving) what you packed and ended up not needing? If you don't mind sharing then your pointers might just save me some suitcase space and tired arms!
Thanks in advance

In answer to your question of what to bring and not bring you basically need to keep in mind that you will be probably be doing one of three things..diving, eating or sleeping. For diving you need your equipment (if not renting this) and a bathing suit...which for us took up 2 large dive bags. For eating I brought a clean nice (not dressy) outfit for every night as I new we would be going out to dinner every night. One would have been plenty as you only have it on for a few hours at the most. Next time we go I am packing 2 bathing suits (just so I do not have to put a wet cold one on), 2 shorts, 3 t-shirts (that I would not mind losing as you leave them behind in the open truck), one nightie, one semi-nice outfit for dinner, sandals & beach shoes. For sundries I would bring a toothbrush, small travel size toothpaste, washcloths (non provided in hotel...is this a Dutch thing??), small shampoo/conditioner, larger bottle of Aloe Vera (for sunburn), small can of bug spray, Ivy Dry cream for bug bites, sunscreen, a few zip-lock baggies, camera gear, sun glasses and a good book. A small flashlight is kind of nice for finding your way back to your room after night dives (or you can use your dive light.)A very simple bag that holds the passport, ID & tickets is nice as you are asked for these frequently while flying.
My husband brought 3 of the longer guy type swimsuits that did double duty as shorts when we stopped for lunch, etc.. He wished he had brought just enough coffee for the first morning before we went shopping.
Serious divers would probably bring just the dive gear, a swim suit & a smile!!!
Have a wonderful trip...I envy you!!