This is my third trip to Bonaire, but this time I will be traveling to Bonaire with my parents. Although they are pretty agile, neither like to swim in water too deep. I am looking for a place that has easy access to shallow water. Hopefully, the swimming area would have more sand than coral. They also like to sit out and watch the water, so something on the water is a must. Beyond these requirements, all I need is clean, safe and reasonably priced.

There are a lot of great places to choose from but it is difficult to tell how the water access and swimming area is from pictures.

The best place I have found that fits my needs so far is Casa Del Sol. Any other suggestions?

Randal as you know since you've been, there is not a place on Bonaire with that except Sorobon (au natural, you know). There are five resorts on the west side with beaches (kind-of), Divi and Captain Dons have little, little tiny beaches. The Plaza, Eden Beach and Harbour Village have medium size beaches but the sand ends at the waters edge and it is coral thereafter for the most part or it drops off. They might be better off swimming in the pool and laying on the beach.

We've stayed in Casa del sol in 2005 and we'll be back end april, my son who was 5 at the time had no problem getting in the water from the beach.

Casa del Sol would be perfect for you. My older parents have stayed there and love it for various reasons. First, it has its own sandy beach which is unheard of in Bonaire. You can walk right into the water and no worries about the coral and the swimming is great. The home itself is very colorful and cheerful with a screened in porch (which is great at night), a sandy beach and outside garden that attracts colorful birds including the local parrots. Also, pelicans diving for fish can be enjoyed most all day long. And best of all, the property has six (6) wonderfully comfortable adirondack chairs right there so you can sit and watch the going on around and in the water all day long. Oh, btw there are nice stairs to the water. I have ton and tons of pictures of this place so if you would like a few let me know. You would not be disappointed in Casa del Sol and I think it would be perfect for you and your parents.

I'm checking on availability at Casa del Sol...In the meantime, can anyone comment on the shore diving directly in front of the location? The website says they have a drive/dive package, but not sure yet if they deliver the tanks to you or where you pick them up?....Our teen will be diving with us, but we also have a 7yr old who will want to snorkel out front if possible... Thanks!!

I can't tell you about the shore diving in front of Casa Del Sol, but other postings I have read said it has easy access and great diving and snorkeling. Bonaire Partners told me they use Wannadive and Yellow Submarine diveshops, They do not deliver, but the diveshops are situated at the boulevard, the Yellow Submarine also in the Port Bonaire Accommodation across from the airport, about 5 minutes from Casa del Sol, the Wannadive at the Windsock residence, about 8 minutes from Casa del Sol.

The diving is very nice off Casa del Sol. You can either go north or south and they are very different dives and you always see a ton of things. Generally we see several grouper, tarpon, spotted eagle rays, schools for jacks, etc. We are generally down for 10 days at a time or so, and always say to ourselves that we are going to dive other places, but its so so so easy right off of Casa del Sol with the sandy beach..past the sandy shore right out to the reef...and the reef is just great. Also, when you're done, you can come right up to shore again, no problems, watch/rinse your equipment and they have everything you need to hang your BC, etc. Then they have an outside shower to rinse yourself off in...and then the cold Bright is only feet away in the fridge. Then they have those lovely yellow chairs you can sit back in and enjoy your Bright while sharing stories about what you just saw out on the reef. But, I will tell you the place is very popular so you should book early. Hope this helps