Heard that the large BelMar dock is being stripped. Anybody heard about a time frame for replacement? How noisy is the work?

From what I understand the rebuilding has to be coordinated/approved by STINAPA who wants to make sure the little fishies are able to swim in & out from under the pier. Terribly complicated

I was told last month at the shop that all the required permits had been taken care of..... they didn't say anything about a starting date.

Actually there is a government office here that deals specifically with piers and structures. I cannot recall the acronym. Their recommendations are overseen by STINAPA. STINAPA does not make the laws.

But there is one dock currently, correct?

Correct. The smaller of two is still there.

DROB i the department. STINAPA just gives advice
Two permits are required. One for building the dock/pier that is issued by the government and one permit to DROB showing all the technical aspects of the structure.

Hello.

Word from management last week: The old large dock has been removed. The new dock is under construction. During 2-3 weeks in December, construction will stop due to noise (Peak season and bookings). Construction is slated to finish in late January. At that time the dock will be finished (it will look the same as previous) and the eroded cavity under the pool will be contained to prevent further damage.

I emailed Belmar to get the skinny on the construction and this is what I received back. I also asked bout diving off the current pier, and yes, that's not an issue.

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quote:

There will be construction going on but with the following rules.

- No work during Christmas and new year perion. Dec 21st - Jan 11th
- No work on Sundays
- Work won't start before 9am abnd stop no later than 5pm
- All work will be done on-in water so the resorts amenities will not be affected.

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Hello,

I haven't been to Bonaire in 2 years - I am returning in January and was hoping to stay at the Belmar because of the dock. Can anyone recommend a place to stay that will have a kitchen, and air conditioning in the bedrooms, that has snorkeling/diving right from their own pier? I want to bring my mother, who has some arthritis issues, and want to make it easy as possible for her. I haven't yet made reservations anywhere - is the first week of January a terrible time?

Hi Shelly
We have stayed at Belmar for several years and this past summer found Bellefonte http://www.bellafontebonaire.com.

Very nice with what you are looking for. It has an elevator should your mother need that.

We will be staying there this next summer for 2 weeks.

Check it out.

Shelly, I've stayed at Belefonte twice and it is by far my fav, however, it is pricey. Belmar HAS A DOCK that is DIVABLE and has a ladder, etc. The ladder at Bel is the same type of ladder at Belmar.

I do prefer Belefonte because it's just REALLY nice, but if the but if the budget doesn't allow, Belmar is just fine. I've stayed there twice as well...

Oh, and I've been in January (middle of the month) three or four times and it's my fav time of year. More cruise ships but the weather is grand.

Bellefonte = aircraft noise. Otherwise by far the most beautiful accommodations on the south side. Also,no pool but has a small cool shallow jacuzzi tub.

Will, have you stayed at Belefonte? I've stayed on the top floor, and on the second level and the airplane noise never bothered me at all (and I'm a very light sleeper). In fact, I loved watching the planes land, then run out front to see them take off!

Pool - uh...COLD and well, wear lots of repellent cause the skeeters at night will eat whatever skin's above the water line!

Tink,

We strongly considered buying a condo at the Bellefonte that is currently for sale. We have since bought elsewhere. Our primary reason for not buying was lack of a pool. However our second reason was jet noise. The only place worse (IMHO so take it for what is worth - which is nothing) is Port Bonaire. What surprises me even more is how many houses sell right across the street from the airport (Azul). I guess thats older money so hearing isnt an issue anymore.

Im glad you can tolerate it on your vacation. To each their own.

W

I don't consider myself old...lol...but it really never bothered me. I don't remember even hearing them (except to watch them land, which I loved). I wouldn't say if I could tolerate it, because it never bothered me and wasn't an issue. If it had been I would have never returned.

I've stayed in other places in Belnem where the plane noise (particularly the KLM 4am take off) woke me up each morning. Now those places, I think twice about. Maybe it's the particular unit of the properties, who knows.

I hope you are happy with your choice, as I'm sure you are