Hello,
I am traveling in July and trying to get a feel for the location of Captain Don's. Is it within walking distance of town? What is there to do that would be within walking distance?
I am not renting a car and I love to walk, any ideas would be awesome! Close places to eat, any room report for the resort would also be helpful. Is the pool nice, beach?
Really excited about the trip!

Hi Robin.. I know this is not what you asked but my best advice to you would be to rent a car or truck. I love to walk too, but on Bonaire I do this is at 7:00 AM.. Mid day in July?? fuhgettabout it..Have fun.. Capt Don's is a great place.

Robin,

Depends on how much you like to walk? While I've never checked the odometer, you're looking at a couple of miles to town. As far as what to do within walking distance, visiting other resorts, or hanging out at the internet cafe' is about it.

The "beach" is a big sandbox built behind Captn Dons. Not on the ocean, but above it. That's the way most of the resorts are.

I would highly encourage you to rent a truck. The cost is minimal compared to air, lodging, etc. If you are taking the time and expense to go to Bonaire, CHECK IT OUT!! Don't just walk around your backyard!!

Robin,

We love Capt Don's and you can view one of my trip reports by checking my profile and cut/paste. We walk most mornings to the downtown pier and back. It's about a 3 mile round trip. We walk to Chat n Browse (Internet, Gifts, Info), Lover's Ice Cream, Sand Dollar Grocery (kinda like a 7/11), International Bible Church and it's an easy stroll to several resorts and restaurants....Buddy's, Sand Dollar, Den Leman, Eden Beach, Harbour Village.

We do, however, rent a truck as we love the entire island. If you need more specific info, please email me through my profile and I'll send photos.

If rental cost is a concern, at least consider renting a scooter to get around.

My first trip to Bon I went ALL over the island on my little scoot and had a ball. Can't speak for July but if the temps are anything like Oct/Nov it is freakin' HOT!. Can't say I'd want to use the 'hush-puppy express' as my sole means of daylight transport. Without getting into a whole big 'security' thing, can't say I'd recommend solo female night walking all over the island either.

It is funny I am watching snow fall right now so it is hard to think how hot it will be there in July. What is the average temp during the day in July?
I think I will look into renting something for a few days while I am there. I don't think I need it for the entire week but for a few days anyway.

I also didn't really factor in the solo female walking thing, I do it so much here I don't think about it. I walk where it is busy. I think I will plan to make my walks early or later in the day with friends.

What are the taxi's like or is it better in general to rent a car?

You are all so helpful, I love this web site I read it every day. I hope to post a trip report when I come back. A trip report from a non-diver. Although I am going to take a resort course, who knows maybe I will come back and take up diving!
Thanks for all your help!

Hi Robin and welcome to BT. Taxi's - other than at the airport I don't think I've seen one around much. I'm sure the resorts would call one for you if you needed one. I'm with Vince and the others though - rent the car or truck - it's pretty inexpensive and you'll get to see so much more. And it's not difficult driving around the island either.

Let's see daily temps in July - HOT!!! Ok - I'm not really good at judging but I would say it's in the upper 80's maybe lower 90's. Someone else jump in here for that one please. We've been in June and in July and it's pretty danged hot I do remember that. The ocean feels GREAT at that time of year.

And since Bonaire is so close to the equator, the sun is UNBELIEVABLY effective.

Bonaire is a desert island so staying hydrated and using a good sunblock is a necessity.

robin,
I am not a capt don expert by any means but AB car rental is on the property (last I knew). you could contact them in advance about a rental. If you're not going to be shore diving a small car would work fine too. Can't do the park with it but they are more comfortable.

Hey Robin, I live close to you near Beltsville. I've been to Bonaire 14 times now and stay at various places. Don's is great! You'll love it. No walking to town though. It's a few miles north and I recommend a car to cruise around in. July is a great time as it plenty hot and usually breezy. If you're not diving and only a snorkeler, you need to get out and see the island. Lac Bay is a great place to go and hang in the shade of a nice beach bar seeing the wind surfers. The park is a must to do also. You will meet a lot of nice people there too. Both the locals and divers will be glad to help you enjoy your vacation there. Peace!

Hi Robin, When in July will you be there? I'll also be there in July.

Hi Barbara,
I fly in on July 13th and depart the following Sunday. I am already super excited and looking forward to a wonderful trip!

Sorry Robin, I'll miss you. I leave Bonaire on the 12th. Can't wait for another wonderful stay!