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Accommodations: Where stay best snorkeling
Bonaire Talk: Accommodations: Archives: Archives 2000 to 2006: Archives - 2006-08-31 to 2006-12-31: Where stay best snorkeling
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By LvSun (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #1) on Tuesday, September 5, 2006 - 11:01 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Where to stay in Bonaire? Main requirement: great (not just good)snorkeling right off the beach/shore in front of the place we stay. Main thing we are interested in going for is the snorkeling.

A beach would be great but as long as there is a pool or somewhere to lay while I am taking a break reading but hubby is out snorkeling so I can watch him (worries me for him to be out snorkeling by self and no one to make sure nothing happens).

Would like a balcony or porch - don't want to be hemmed in when in the room. Gotta have ocean view. Going first of January - is AC a necessity then?

Prefer to not be in a large crowded place. We like to be off the beaten path of tourism if possible.

Will drive to different spots for snorkeling but also want the convenience of a great snorkel where we stay.

How is the Sand Dollar and how is snorkeling from beach of it?

Our interests: snorkeling, exploring an island, snorkeling. Shopping and fine dining are of no interest to me.

We are going to Aruba for a convention but first want to stay in Bonaire for a few days. In Aruba we're staying at the Hyatt Regency. Prefer not to stay in place like this in Bonaire.

Normally like to find quirky little place away from the crowds and resort atmosphere -- we like nice but doesn't have to be fancy. We find we get a better feel for an area if we stay away from bigger resorts. But in Bonaire will make an exception to our general rule if it is necessary.

Restaurant onsite is not necessary if there is a little kitchen to make own breakfast and lunch. No problem driving to dinner.

Not looking to go "on a budget" so not interested in budget accommodations that do not meet the ocean front and snorkeling requirements.

Also, suggestions on transportation to/from Bonaire?

Any other hints/suggestions about Bonaire?

Sorry so long but trying to be specific.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By DARLENE ELLIS (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #2196) on Tuesday, September 5, 2006 - 11:17 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Snorkeling is good in Bonaire no matter which resort you stay at. I am a fan of the waterfront rooms at the Divi Flamingo. The resort is a ten minute walk to town and the snorkeling there is awesome! They have a cement pier that tons of fish life in it. There is a little sunken boat just to the right of the pier in about 15 feet of water that is really neat too as well as under there southern most dock. The Woodwind also sails from the Divi which is an added convenience.
The Woodwind is a trimaran that does sail and snorkel trips with unlimited drinks and lunch included. It does one stop at Kline where you usually see turtles and then another stop at Andrea, Pietre Pillar or Small Wall. It is a really fun day.www.woodwindbonaire.com I also would suggest doing guided snorkels with Renee from www.reneesnorkeltrips.com. She is incredible and is very reasonably priced. I call her eagle eyes. She find so much and knows where a lot of the little critters live. Instead of renting a car, I usually do a guided with Renee or sail on the Woodwind in the mornings and around the resort in the afternoons. Otherwise you would need a car to get to various sites.
The Plaza resort has good snorkeling too but the resort is a little bit too spread out for my liking. You will love it in Bonaire because there is no touristy sections!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cecil (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #4993) on Tuesday, September 5, 2006 - 12:41 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Welcome to BT. I have to agree with Darlene, the Divi would be your best bet. You are going to find a world of difference between Aruba (nice beaches but pod people, traffic and spring breakers) and Bonaire (off the beaten track, laid back, amazing underwater).

Not bad snorkeling at the Sand$, better at the Divi or the Plaza.

Rent a truck on Bonaire. I am not a truck person by any means but on Bonaire it is the right vehicle.

You will need dive booties for your feet, you can run around in Bonaire barefoot most places until you put your feet in the water, then you will need hard soles. It's either coral rubble or rocks, great for snorkeling but hard on the feet.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By LvSun (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #2) on Tuesday, September 5, 2006 - 7:50 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Thank you. I will check these out.

A truck? Not a jeep? How come a truck.
My hubby will love that - he is a truck person.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cecil (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #4999) on Wednesday, September 6, 2006 - 7:48 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

The bed of the truck is the key, it's a place to throw wet things and the gate is great to sit on will getting ready. The trucks on Bonaire are all the extended cab style small trucks. So you can still carry 4 adults if needed.

You will also need a sturdy vehicle to go into the park or the east side which are worth doing.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Susan (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1714) on Wednesday, September 6, 2006 - 7:55 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Don't get your hubby's hopes up too much - those trucks aren't exactly "monster" - think small 4-door sedan with a short bed.

I'm not recommending them one way or another, but this gives you an idea about truck size:
truck at the avis website

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By C Poteet (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #402) on Wednesday, September 6, 2006 - 12:49 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

LvSun -

Even if you consider the Plaza too big for your tastes, at least do yourselves a favor and go there to snorkel.

We have snorkeled quite a few (certainly not all) locations on Bonaire, and time and again we find the area in front of the Plaza and south to the inlet to be some of the most productive snorkeling around.

Regardless, you are going to love snorkeling Bonaire. We have snorkeled in Kauai, Hawaii, St. John, Virgin Gorda and Gran Cayman. All were fun, but none compare to Bonaire for variety, quality and ease of snorkeling adventure.

Charles Poteet
Dallas

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kent Gerber (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #143) on Wednesday, September 6, 2006 - 8:35 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Lvsun, We have been to Aruba 11 times and last Feb. we tried Bonaire for the first time. We stayed at the Divi in a ocean front room. Its not fancy but its nice and clean. The snorkling is great. My wife is not a snorkler but she snorkled everyday with me. She said it was so calm that she loved it. At Aruba it is always rough and she gets sea sick. We never rented a vehical. We did the woodwind one day and twice Renee picked us up to go snorkling, and 4 nights we did a night snorkle with Dee or Renee. That was the high light of the trip. Trust me. Everyday I would snorkle in front of the Divi and I would snorkle down to the plaza and back. Its probably a mile swim each way because I go clear down to the inlet where the snorkling is the best. Every night we walked into town for supper. We got the breakfast deal at the Divi. Everything was great. I vote DIVI!!!!! Kent

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By LvSun (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #3) on Wednesday, September 6, 2006 - 10:01 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Boy have we flip flopped in what we were looking for. Thank you for your posts - the posts have been a huge factor in changing our minds.

The main thing you have said is about the great snorkeling near Divi and Plaza (they are near one another correct?). I think the Plaza is calling our name - the snorkeling combined with the beach looks like a winner.

But not positive yet. Still toying with the Sand $$ (I think cuz friends had recommended it so highly). Not sure why but the Divi did not grab hubby's attention. Captain Don's also is in the running. I'm so confused!!

The thing I like about the Sand Dollar and Cpt Don's is the 1 bedroom suites (bedroom separate from living/kitchen area). But I like the snorkeling and beach of the Plaza.

The Plaza has the Grand Suite Ocean View which is just one room but with "best ocean view" and looks like they set on the beach. Plaza also has 1 bedroom villas (which is what I really want) but looks like they all sit in the marina -- also it looks like the villas are a good haul to the beach.

Any thoughts?

Thanks again for all your great advice.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Johnson (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #204) on Wednesday, September 6, 2006 - 10:06 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Given your criteria, I would also consider the Carib Inn -- at ten units it is small. It is next to the Divi, on the water and with a small pool. It is in a very nice spot, has a great house reef and is not fancy resort. No restaurant on site (Divi and Richards are close, town is further -- probably a 15 or 20 minute walk). Most rooms have a kitchen (all but #4 and #5 -- they have fridge, toaster and micro).

I find it clean but not resort fancy. They also have a nice (an accurate) website. The only problem might be getting a reservation...

(Note: you can't see the water from the pool but you could from the Gazebo. Rooms #6,7,8, and 9 all have an ocean view and one or more decks. Other rooms are a 30 second walk to the ocean.)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Josie (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1228) on Wednesday, September 6, 2006 - 11:30 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

The Carib Inn has a tiny beach, but the people there are wonderful!!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cecil (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #5007) on Thursday, September 7, 2006 - 7:48 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

The Grand Suite Ocean View rooms at the Plaza are to die for. Just please make sure you get a second floor room. These are just one room, but it's a huge room. It actually kind of funny, it's a long walk from the bed to the dresser. Then again that is the Plaza, it's a long walk to everything. Then again it's a beautiful walk.

Don't worry about the decision, any of the above are great.

Here's a picture from a second floor suite.
Sunset

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Margarite and Jim Hix (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #2165) on Thursday, September 7, 2006 - 9:03 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

LVSUN, I don't know if you have been to Bonaire before, but you might want to consider this. If you are looking at an all in one room situation, the airco will cool the entire room. If the accommodations are a bedroom and a living area the airco will, most likely, only be in the bedroom. Just a heads up.

Jimmy

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Andy & Dave Bartlett (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #594) on Sunday, September 10, 2006 - 11:04 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Check out BelMar Apts, they are small, 22 units, 1-2-3 bedrooms with either a balcony or patio and all unit are right on the water, not great but nice snorkeling and diving. But you can snorkel/dive all of the resorts, just check in at the dive shop. And with a truck you can snorkel a lot of places, drive down the road and when you see a yellow painted rock there is a dive/snorkel site that is within easy reach of shore. Have a good time. Andy

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By ysal (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #10) on Thursday, September 14, 2006 - 11:31 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Sand Dollar. If you are looking for a QUIET place that meets all your other requirements, I recommend Sand Dollar. They don't have a beach side pool, but their huge grounds along the water front have lounge chairs. The Bari Reef (fantastic for snorkeling too, saw octopus almost every time we went out) is RIGHT in front of the condo. All rooms have an ocean view, a porch(s) a full kitchen. Their grounds aren't as fancy as some of the other places, but rooms are very nice and very quiet/private.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bill T (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #6) on Wednesday, September 20, 2006 - 10:19 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

I'll add another vote to Sand Dollar. We just returned from there and could not have asked for a better time. Pleasant grounds to walk on, shore and ladder access to the water, convenient to town (literally a 5 minute drive), and the dive shop and office staff can help you arrange most anything you want to do. Enjoy!

 


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