Hello again and greetings from New York! Because I received such awesome feedback from many of you on my very first posting, I thought that I'd tap you once again for your advice.

My girlfriend Kristen and I are pretty much set on planning a trip to Bonaire, likely for 8-10 days. The exact timeframe, however, is yet to be determined. We are looking to do it towards the end of the year -- October, November, December. I was hoping that I could get some feedback as to which month or week(s) would be best. Judging from what I've read throughout this board, I'm sure that the majority of the responses will state that it really doesn't matter, because any time is a good time to visit Bonaire. While I'd certainly agree with that, I am hoping for some specific advice, if possible.

We will be planning on doing a lot of diving, but would certainly like to mix in some other island events/activities. I'm guesssing, though, that water activities will dominate the agenda :-)

I know that Kristen will have some interest in the "Digital Shootout" that will be taking place in mid-November. However, I'm not sure if the itinerary allows for taking part in only a few of the activities/seminars -- as we probably wouldn't want to do the entire event.

Looking forward to your responses. Also, if you are aware of any travel agencies/groups that provide the best package deals including airfare from New York, I'd appreciate that feedback as well. Thanks!!!

Tim, as you said, any time is a great time. We've been there in March and April/May, and are booked for an early November trip. You'll love it; someone else will have to be more helpful here.

We booked through Cardonna tours-they got us a good package with Air Jamaica and Lion's Dive. We love Lion's Dive (been there twice) and their dive shop, Bon Bini. Feel free to e-mail me if you have questions I might answer. One thing's for sure: YOU'RE GONNA LOVE BONAIRE!
mkp2@earthlink.net

Tim,

At the digital shootout they will be running all the seminars twice to allow folks to apply themselves to diving (and underwater digital photography). Have you checked out http://www.infobonaire.com/digitalshootout.html (and the link to the official site from there) yet?

Linda & I will be participating then too - should be a fun and educational time.

Jake

I use Kim at Caradonna and she always finds me good deals for Bonaire! Her email is kim@caradonna.com. I have been to Bonaire in January, February and September and will be going to the Divi Flamingo in December. They were all good weather but September was a lot more humid and a lot hotter. I live in the water anyway, so how hot it gets doesn't much matter to me!

Hi Tim,
We are headed for our first trip to Bonaire this August. I've noticed the water temp. warming up over the last month, so I am hoping August it may even be a little warmer. You would never believe I am an ex-Long Islander (Valley Stream). I came to Texas more than 20 yrs ago and lost any tolerance I had for the cold! Also lost most of my Noo Yawk tawk!!

We have arranged our last 2 trips through our local dive shop and really enjoy traveling with the group. It's really nice having the comaraderie all the way there and back. Our trip to Bonaire is only running $1599pp for air, hotel, boat dives, breakfast and unltd shore diving. Not bad, I think. I have been quoted much more thru travel agencies. We also rent scuba equipment from our local dive shop at a considerable discount and pack it, so as not to have to pay costly equip. rentals on our trip. So I don't know how many local dive shops you might find in old Ronkonkoma, but you might try traveling that way if possible.

Good Luck with your plans,

Laura

hi tim -
the best time to visit Bonaire is whenever you can get a good deal on airfares & lodging. The lo season has better rates on lodging, due to the high vacancy factor. As for airfare bargains, it's unpredictable when the next fare war or sale will take place.
I usually wait for an airline sale, buy tix for as many dive vacations I can fit in my schedule, and then arrange for my lodging. It's a system that has served me well. In fact, once my flights are covered, I can usually find last minute specials at many hotels.
Travel agencies are a good way to go when unfamiliar with a destination. Once you have the lay of the land, you can do better when you put the package together, yourself. Aside from saving an agents commission, you also know whose best interests are being served.

Hi Tim, I'm fairly new to posting on this board myself. I've been to Bonaire 2 times, once mid September and once at the begining of December. I'm going back at the end of September this year. Both times I stayed at Captain Don's Habitat, and thats where I'm staying this time too. I go with a group from Hampton Dive Center which is in the Flanders/Riverhead area. They usually have a few trips each year to Bonaire. I think it costs about $1400 ( you could check at www.Hamptondive.com)and it includes airfare, accommodations, breakfast, 6 (?) boat dives and all the shore diving you can do. The trip in September is already fully booked. My dive trips have been the BEST vacations I've ever had.
As far as other activities on Bonaire, I'm confused....You are either diving, eating, diving, sleeping , or as an alternative, you can dive. LOL!

If you don't mind the daytime temps being mighty toasty warm, you might consider going in October during Regatta. Regatta's a lot of fun in and of itself, and the grand party that runs in Kralendijk for the entire week isn't too bad, either!

Faith

Tim. we go twice a year ...Memorial day..to get away from the onslaught of tourists here...and at Thanksgiving time....both are wonderful...May being less crowded it seems...but Thanksgiving time is wonderful also...don't think you can pick a bad time

Meryl-- Have you booked your airfare for Thanksgiving? The rates out of Boston are extremely high--- and that is if you can get a seat-- Booked this past Saturday-- But are using miles for tickets in Feb-- so it evened itself out

Tim-- Oct thru Dec is in the rainy season-- It downpours for a bit and then clears up to beautiful blue skies-- just bring bug spray or buy it on island--- The rain tends to bring out mosquitos

Jan we had a very hard time...yes we booked ...we are leaving on a Friday from Phili. and taking I think American to San Juan and doing the American Eagle to Bonaire....(double the morphine drip on this trip) we return on the following Sunday. Times are weird..we usually leave at 7am but this flight doesnt leave till 10am...we arrive in Bonaire about 7pm....and the return trip is early like 7am....not too pleased...but we getting there is all that counts...How is your schedule?

Meryl,
We are leaving Boston on Sat 11/23 on American thru San Juan and leaving on Sunday 12/1--- I thought the flight didn't get in until closer to 9pm------Not looking forward to the early morning on the way home--- On the plus side-- we will be home in the early afternoon-- and we will be in Bonaire for Thanksgiving