We're thinking about a week on Bonaire in April, with an emphasis on relaxing and snorkeling. (No diving.) Typically on our occasional trips to the Caribbean we stay in apartment-type units so we can fix most of our own meals and mix up rum drinks in a blender, and I've noticed some good possibilities for such places mentioned in the post here. This time, we're thinking of renting a house and would like some recommendations. An ideal situation would be ocean-front, have good snorkeling directly off-shore (and be well-located for driving to other spots), be reasonably private, have convenient water access directly in front, and maybe even a have private pool. The budget would top out around $3000, but of course cheaper-but-still-nice is preferable. It's just the two of us, so size isn't an issue. Any thoughts?

Hi Bill,

Take a look at "Casa dell soll" it s a simple house, but clean. And the beach is... SUPER.
For pic's look at this topic http://www.oldbonairetalk.com/newsgroup/messages/24/320093.html

We rented from Bonaire Partners http://www.bonairepartners.com/

We really likes the ocean reef house that sun rentals have, pelican reef house is great too.

Stayed at Casa Iguana in Belnem next door to Belmar and loved it. Very nice owners and the place is upscale.
www.casa-iguanabonaire.com

We're planning a trip and want almost the same thing: ocean front, great snorkeling right in front of the accomadations, probably late May or June 2008. However, we like condos with maid service and we need something cheaper. The deals all seem to include 1 - 2 dives a day,and my husband will only do 2-3 total for the week since I snorkel. Any ideas?

Melanie, Go to www.infobonaire.com and click on accommodations then click on the price range you want. this will pull up a lot of places for you. Some are on the water and some aren't Click on the ones you would like to look at and you will get lots of information. My recommendations are Belmar Apts & Sun Oceanfront Apts, these are both fairly small resorts but very nice condos with maid service. Belmar also has night security, not sure about Sun Oceanfront.
All of the resorts have different types of packages, they have diving packages, snorkleing packages, windsurfing packages, etc
Hope you find what you are looking for.

Andy