Hello! I came across this site -- and would love to learn form your experiences -- especially since this is our first trip to the island -- and it will be our honeymoon!!

We will be coming to Bonaire July 13-17... after a week at a Divi resort in Aruba. We are def. looking forward to a more quiet stay in Bonaire -- but are unsure of where to stay. We have researched many places -- we really just want a nice place that is somewhat quiet and near the water. Beach access would be a plus, but a little stroll is fine too -- the key is a view of the water!!! We are planning to snorkel -- though have never done so... but are so excited to try -- we both love the water.

So -- we have narrowed our list down to:
Sun Oceanfront Apartments - the penthouse
Bonaire Beach Villas
Great Escape
The Plaza (totally different type, we know - but still considering)
Deep Blue View
Captain Don's place sounds great -- but we are not going to be diving

We were also considering the Lac Bay area but are having a hard time finding a small, yet comfortable place.

We'd love any thoughts on these places or any other ones! And any one willing to give advice for a first-time snokellers -- that would be welcome as well!!!

Thanks~~

Hi Sneha, welcome

Out of the places on your list, we've only stayed at Plaza. Plaza has ocean view rooms and lagoon view rooms. The resort shouldn't be very busy when you're there (says she).. so would be a nice choice. Some great snorkeling there too and a beach. Entry is perfect for first time snorkelers, it's nice and easy.. there are also steps over by the restaurant (I must be loosing my mind, I've forgotton the name of the place)! Anyway, wherever you end up, have a great time, Sarah

Honeymoon in Bonaire - it doesn't get much better than that! I agree with Sarah. I would recommend the plaza. 18th Palm off the hotel beach is perfect for first time snorkelers and isn't a bad little dive either. I have heard some say that the beach bar can get noisy; however, I can't verify because our room was off the lagoon away from the beach area. We are staying at the Plaza again in October. I think Sarah might be refering to the Tipsy Seagull restaurant - excellent food right on the ocean were you can eat and observe dive lights below the surface as divers do night dives - we thought that was cool. The beach is probably the best resort beach on Bonaire. I hope this helps. Congratulations - have a great time on Bonaire.
Scuba100.

Marcus, thanks for reminding me!..

You might also want to check out Sand Dollar Condo resorts. Some of the best snorkeling is right out front and the rooms have great views

Sneha:

Not on your list, But we are partial to Buddy Dive. Contrary to the name, not all who stay at Buddy actualy dive. On our last trip I would guess that only 1/2 the people dove. It does tend to have a little more European flavor and guests. It is pretty quiet except for BBQ night. Good snorkling right out front and two pools for relaxing.

You will like Boniare. We spent our honeymnoon in Nova Scotia and I like to think that the frendliest people next to the Nova Scotians are the Bonairian.

Have Fun

Thanks for all of the comments. We will look into Buddy Dive as well as look into the Plaza more seriously. And we are still wondering... have any of you every stayed "in town" and does it really differ from the outer areas?

Thanks for everything --the snorkel tips are great!

Sneha.

In town and out of town are not much different as town is quite small. Tallest building is two or maybe three stories. No traffic signals on the entier island. Biggest traffic probelm is donkeys or lizzards in the road. (Just the way we like it)

Town is an easy walk from almost any resort. However, rent a car so you can go snorkiling in places like Old Blue, or take a drive to Lac Bay, or the park in the north.

As you are experiencing the warm waters of Bonaire, we will be in the northern most part of Lake Huron experiencing the cold Canadian waters. (Any kind of luck they might reach 65 f. or so)

Sneha,
I don't know if this would be your thing or not, but have you looked at Sorobon Beach Resort on Lac Bay? If you're looking for a downright beautiful place with a great beach (rare on Bonaire!), peace & romantic quiet, the biggest expanse of mind-clearing bluest of blue water around... you may want to check this out (see http://www.sorobonbeachresort.com/index.html). Also, being on the windward side of the island, there's always a nice breeze to keep you cool (important in mid-summer!) and to keep the bugs away. That said, the only caveat is that this is a "naturist" resort--meaning sans speedo while sunning and swimming on the great beach. My fiance and I stayed there for a week this spring and are going back this fall for a pre-honeymoon we loved it so much. If you have NOT tried such things before, it takes about 30 seconds and a sip of a frozen fruity drink to get you to realize that this is not half bad! Anyway, we loved this place and highly recommend it all around. Not far from town (10 min) and downright convenient to Maiky Snack! Wherever you decide will be great! Congratulations on your marraige and enjoy the island! You'll be back!

PS, from what I understand, some of the best snorkeling on the island is out at the reef wall at Lac Bay/Sorobon lagoon! We walked out (water's only knee deep most way) to LOTS and LOTS of healthy happy coral (untouched by Lenny)and fishies.

We usually stay and the Divi Flamingo and it is a beautiful ten minute walk into town. I have never actually stayed in town but I imagine it would be hotter then staying on the coast.

I will also be going to Bonaire for our honeymoon later this year (my fiance and I will be getting married in November). After a lot of deliberation and reading info on this board, we decided to stay at the Plaza resort. We're both looking forward to it as we've never been to Bonaire.