My wife and are will be in Bonaire for 4 days in November. Can anyone recommend where to stay? Basically, all we want is to kick back on the beach, enjoy local cuisine and maybe some snorkeling. A place on the beach (ocean view)for under $150 would be ideal. Am I asking for too much?

Michael,

I recently returned from my first trip to Bonaire and didn't notice many places with much of a beach. I don't know what you're looking for in a beach, but I stayed at Captain Don's and the beach there was called the "seven person beach" due to it's small size.

Michael
No you're not asking too much. Have you considered Sorobon Beach Resort on the East side? It is, however, sans clothing--don't let that put you off however, if you've never tried it!! Lovely place right on hands-down the best beach on Bonaire!!! STUNNING water!!!Great snorkelling out by the lagoon's reef. Good Restaurant there; Kon Tiki minutes away; Maiky Snack a few more minutes (!!!); town not too far either. Nice breezes, no bugs! Beautifully upkept efficiency cottages right on the beach. Utterly Fabulous. We'll be there in late Oct/early Nov. just prior to our wedding. About $150/night too!
Check it out: http://www.sorobonbeachresort.com/index.html
ps-- no I don't work for them, honest! We just really really loved that place when we stayed there this past spring!

We have been to Bonaire 3 times and stayed at the Plaza Resort all three times. They have a very nice beach.

Or, if you are not comfortable "au natural", the Plaza has a nice beach with conveniences included (snack bar, louge chairs, umbrellas). Some topless activity (from both genders) is tolerated, but oh well!

Consider, however, that you might not need the pricey ocean view suite. With several public beaches and the fact that most leeward side resorts don't charge a dime for you to hang out on their beach, you might save a bundle and stay at a smaller operation in Belnam or Hato (I like Casa Oleander, personally) and either take a leisurely walk or a quick drive to the water's edge. The cost can be as low as 1/3 of the rate of the beachfront rooms.

-LS

Michael....4 days is going to be such a "tease" for you....once you get your body into the waters of Bonaire you are going to wish you could have spent more time there! We stay at the Divi. (they have an "intimate" beach that holds more than 7 people and they have lounge chairs, tanning pier, restaurants, mini mart, massages available, excellent snorkeling at your toes, the Woodwind is right there, etc. I don't know when in November you are traveling, but if it is anywhere's near Thanksgiving, you might want to hussle or check with a travel agent, such as Caradonna Caribbean Tours, etc. You will enjoy yourselves very much as it is a great place to relax and soak up some rays (Bonaire, that is). Good luck! Carole

To All,

Thanks for your replies. With the info you all have given me plus some research of my own, I think I am switching gears for my Thanksgiving Bonaire trip. It may be about time I learn to scuba dive. Captain Don's looks pretty good. I hear there are all day snorkling or diving trips to take. Any comments/recomendations?

Michael, once you are on Bonaire you will have the luxury of deciding where and when and how long you want to dive or snorkel...that is one of the best things about Bonaire...you can do it 24/7 for real! There are soooo many shore point entries for diving and snorkeling plus you have the luxury of just walking into the water any time your little heart desires at the majority of the resorts, too, so you don't have to schedule all of your trips into the water....that is the beauty of Bonaire...well, one of the MANY beautiful things about Bonaire...there are too many to mention in one paragraph! You will love it to pieces just like the rest of us do. You, too, will become a Bonaire Addict, of this I am certain. If you love the water, you will be hooked for life! Have a great time! Ayo. Carole

The Woodwind does full and 1/2 day trips to Klein Bonaire, search on "Woodwind" to find lots of commentary about Rene and her boat. The dive operations used to do a longer trip out to Slaagbai before Lenny, but probably won't until the coral recovers to at least 75% of its pre-Lenny beauty. (Lenny was a hurricane that passed by to the north of Bonaire, the only damage was from the storm surge.) Shore diving away from the resort areas should wait until you are comfortable with being on your own with just buddy(s).

PS: find a local dive shop that will do the classroom and pool work and then give you a referal so you only have to do your open water work on Bonaire to get certified.

I know we're partial because we own a two bedroom condo there but you might want to check out Sand Dollar Condo resort. They have complete studio, one two and three bedroom units all with complete kitchen. All have water views. The dive staff there is great and would be a great place to learn. Everything you need is right on site.

Michael hope to see ya there in November...wherever you stay you will be in good hands

The Divi had a nice beach and also several docks you could lay out on. We were so busy we never had time for the beach! There are several you can ride to that are beatiful!