We are planning a first trip to Bonaire and one of our party, a good sport, is not a diver. We're interested in finding accommodations with a nice beach on which she can hang out and swim, and possibly snorkel. There's not a lot of information on this on the websites. I'd appreciate suggestions from those of you who know the Island and its accommodations.

welcome to bonaire talk chris. bonaire is not known for miles of sandy beaches but you can find them if you look. carib inn has a small one and eden beach also has one (look at the webcams)...there is also good snorkeling at carib inn but i'm not familiar with the snorkeling off eden beach. harbor village also has a nice beach but i've never used it nor snorkelled off it. some of the dive sites (1000 steps, andrea I and II, witches hut, and ole blue to name a few) have beaches where she can relax while you dive. also, the obvious ones like donkey beach and pink beach. that would work out well for you since you'd have someone on shore watching your stuff.

you will love bonaire.

Hi, Christopher and welcome to Bonaire Talk! I'm partial to the beach at the Divi. It's very small, but it's a great place to hang out. It's also great snorkeling and a wonderful spot for an afternoon lunch.

PS. Hi, Pat !!

Christopher -

Bon bini na Bonaire Talk.

You might wish to check into the Plaza Resort as an option.

By Bonaire standards, it has a large beach area, lots of sun and a fair amount of shade under the coconut trees, and some truly frist-class, easy snorkeling and swimming. In fact, even though we always rent a car on Bonaire, we spend a disproportionate amount of our snorkeling time in front of the Plaza (18 Palms Beach) due to the variety and quantity easily-accessible sea life.

There is a nice pool, a beach snack and drink bar, and two restaurants on the grounds.

While not divers, we have read and heard a number of good reports from the house dive shop, Toucan Dive.

We have been to Bonaire four times and have always stayed at the Plaza because of the excellent snorkeling, the great buffet breakfast, the attractive grounds, the outsized rooms and the opportunity to visit with the mostly Dutch guests. The disadvantages are that it is a bit out of the main stream of activity (we count that a plus), right across from the airport (some folks are bothered by the middle-of-the night KLMs, we're not), characterized by sometimes rather indifferent service, a relatively large property (some folks like very small settings)and the fact that it is one of the higher priced properties on the island.

We know you'll get a variety of ideas and opinions from Bonaire Talkers and we hope you are able to take advantage of them to make a fun decision.

We would be most interested in a trip report upon your return if you are inclined. The experiences of first-timers are some of the most informative.

Charles Poteet
Dalas

Thank you all for your comments. Even though it doesn't have a beech, we've been leaning toward the Belmar. It does have a pool and the dock. And it has kitchens which we prefer. How would you rate this resort for hanging out while your buddies are diving?

Hi Christopher,

Belmar is really nice and on the south side of the island away from it all. There is The Great Escape across the street where your friend could go over and enjoy a drink and mingle with the guests there. Your friend could also drive/walk, it is not too far to walk to Windsock beach just down the road a little bit and snorkel/swim too. There are some shade trees there. Belmar is relatively small, so your friend may want to venture out a little. You could always drop your friend off at Windsock and pick him/her up after your dive too... Me, sometimes, I just like to sit and relax, read a novel as well. Hanging by the pool is always nice if you enjoy the pool thing. Me, I have to be in the ocean somewhere, anywhere when on island. There are a lot of Belmar folks here on BT that I am sure will chime in, I have never stayed there, I have my own place at Lighthouse beach, but have visited there and it is very nice and well run from what I have seen.

Hi, Christoper....Divi Flamingo has a nice, intimate beach and one of the best dive operations on the island. Fantastic snorkeling right there on their Calabas Reef and the diving there is not too shabby, either. Dining and all sorts of amenities are on premises, too. Check out the Divi Flamingo Beach Resort...the hotel side or the studio units/timeshare side which is ususally available to non-owners/members, too. Good luck! Carole

The BelMar is great, true it doesn't have a beach but it does have two piers for sun bathing, diving and snorkeling with steps that go down into the water. The pool area is also nice. There are palapa style umbrellas at the pool and on one of the piers. The 2 bedroom apartments are nice and plenty large enough two couples. The master BR has a king size bed and the other one has 2 twin beds that can be made into a king. There are also 1 BR and 3 BR apartments and the 2 penthouse apartments. The kitchens are fully furnished. They staff at BelMar are nice and professional, that includes housekeeping, grounds keepers and the dive shop. They have just recently changed from Toucan Dive to Buddy Dive as their onsite dive shop, but both are good dive operations. The only down side is you are a little far to walk to town. The Great Escape is across the street and there is a nice restaurant there with internet connections.If you can't tell we like BelMar a lot and will be back. Have a good time on Bonaire and enjoy the people and the magic underwater. Andy

My 82 year old Mom returned to Bonaire for Easter and loved it. She stayed at a larger resort in 2001 and did not love having to walk so much..she also felt it was too big and impersonal. We chose Divi this time under the care of Sara Matera. It was perfection. She had room 206 and loved it. The beach is VERY HOT as the sea wall blocks the wind but the beach is sandy and nice for entry. It was Easter Week so full of local kids and kids from Aruba but she still had fun. They often gave up a chair for her to enjoy. She also loved the little dock to swim. Too many choices for great hotels in Bonaire but few with sandy beaches.

Studio's at Eden Beach also have a kitchen.
And they have a Beach.

Succes with your search!!

Chris, I would suggest you look at Casa del Sol, a three bedroom home right on the water with its own private beach and reef right out the back door. We stay there often and know of others that have found this little gem as well and its perfect--so much so many folks that stay there and go no where else. There is a lovely sandy beach, coral close in that is perfect for snorkeling, and of course the reef only about 50 yards out. And unlike most of Bonaire, other than the coral caps that are immediately behind the house, the beach and ocean are all sand. There's tons more I could add but the house is listed with Bonaire Partners and they have some picture on their site (www.bonairepartners.com). Take a look at their site and you can find Casa del Sol. If you would like to know more or would like some pictures (I have tons)just email me and happy to help. Good Luck. Gary

Gary,
We are staying at Casa del Sol starting this Saturday for two weeks. Any additional pictures you could send would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Jim & Roberta Trotter

Jim & Roberta...pics are on the way. You're going to really enjoy the place.

Hello Gary, Thanks again, for the pics, wish we could just go to sleep and wake up sitting there on the beach right now. Oh Well only 4 more days to go. (.: Have a good night Roberta & Jim

Divi always has my vote.Close to everything. More social.
The snorkeling is wonderful,small intimate beach with easy entry.
My favorite dive is the house reef.
Divi has a great dive shop and 5 boats.
You can go on the boats and be back for lunch at the resturant on site to meet your friend.
I rent a villa also and have decided the best way to get yourself acquainted with the island is to first stay a a resort type place where you can get advice about things, then decide for yourself if you want to go the villa way.
My sister and her husband(non-divers) are joining us this year and they are staying at our timeshare at the Divi the first week, then we staying a villa the next, so that they can experience both.
Even when we rent the villa we dive from divi. Feels like home.
You'll love wherever you choose. We all have our favorites. You'll see for yourself.
Have fun!

Lorraine
Could you indulge me and tell me where in NY is Mt Sinai. Being a former NY'er I am curious. Thanks

mtnest, Mt. Sinai is on Long Island about 1/2 way and it is on the North shore of LI just southeast of Port Jefferson.. HTH {I am from Hampton Bays LI NY}