I read in previous posts - late 2005 - about energy surcharges at the various resorts. Are these charges now common place at all the resorts? I am interested primarily in the Divi as I will be there in late May for 2 weeks.

Carl, I do not believe Divi has the surcharges. It is the smaller hotels that sometimes do this when someone runs the AC all the time and it's usually spelled out on those websites as well or they are told when they check in about the charges.

Yes, Divi is charging now. I had dinner with the Gafner's and friends Saturday nite and they are staying at the Divi presently. There is a per unit charge of either 6.50 or 7.00 per night, forgot the exact amount they told me and they were told when they booked their reservation there. Not all resorts charge this as of yet. I would suggest you email them and inquire to be sure of this. BTW, their BBQ on Sat. was very good and was pleasantly surprised and had live entertainment too! We actually ate right on the beach as they had some tables set there. Held every Sat. They said it has been started the last few months. Had a large assortment of foods. All good, mahi-mahi, bbq chix, london broil, ribs, yellow rice with spices, beans, cole slaw, potatoe salad, salad, desserts ( 3 kinds, a flan, apple pie and some cheesecake thingie) corn on cob, and some other side dishes.

Debbie, thanks. I thought Carl was talking about the extra charge that some small hotels charge after your stay if you have used the AC more than X amount of hours per day. I THINK Cap Don's is also doing (or will be soon) the flat per day surcharge if I remember correctly from a BT thread a while back.

Thanks for the information. Will plan accordingly.

Hey Debbie: It was great to see you at the airport. We just got home and I am still unpacking but yes the Divi has a $7.50 a day energy surcharge, a $5.50 a day room tax and a $1 per person tourist tax.

Seem to have raised everything on the island and I was shocked at the number of cars that are on the streets now.

This year there seems to be the most drastic change I have seen in one year. The hills are glowing with homes and the places to eat have all seemed to have been "discovered" and they are doing all sorts of special marketing tools.

Part of me is very sad about that . But knew it had to happen

Thanks for the official scoop on that, Beverly! It was good seeing you at the airport too. We were the last plane out of Phila. before that snow storm came in and sure was glad to get off the ground before it hit. I stopped by the timeshare dock a few times, saw an ocean triggerfish there snorkeling, but must have kept missing you.

Yes, February was a real busy month on Bonaire, folks and vehicles everywhere. I just kept going further south to avoid all the hustle and bustle when I was diving. I love the south dive sites and found out that Red Beryl is a really good one this trip for either diving or snorkeling.