My husband and I are travelling to Bonaire for the first time in May. Our travel agent has recommended we stay at Flamingo. Has anyone been there...what are your comments? We both love to dive but we'd like to do other activities too.

Other questions:
* Does it have a nice pool?
* Is there a better place to stay?
* Are there jellyfish breeding during May (I suffered sea bather's eruption during my last trip)
* How does Bonaire compare to Provo (Turks and Caicos)?

We walked through Flamingo last week-all beachside lower units and facilities are damaged/closed. Otherwise, facility looked nice; I'll defer to those who have stayed there.
We've only ever stayed at Sand Dollar; very satisfied.
I don't know about jellyfish-we saw none in February.
Provo has beautiful beaches galore, moderate snorkelling; Bonaire has few/small beaches, fantastic snorkelling.

My husband and I were recently in Bonaire celebrating our honeymoon and went snorkeling near Windsock one day. I was surrounded by jellyfish!! They were small in the shape of a box. There were thousands of them. I managed to free myself without harm. But it was a very disgusting outing. That was the only downside to our trip, we had such a great time and plan on returning next year.

I suggest that you read the thread entitled "The Real Divi Scoop" under the Accommodations heading. Use the "Tree View" to be able to access this. E-mail me if you want more feedback directly.

It is very unusual to have large masses of jelly fish in our waters. For the most part, they are completely harmless. For specific I D, check out Paul Humanns books or contact jcligon@bonairelive.com and Jerry will be zble to give more detailed info...

Michael, although most small jellyfish are harmless to most some people can have a reaction to the proteins they may sting with. I had a horrible reaction to harmless "thimble jellyfish" and required medical attention to stop from swelling up. My husband swam through the same swarm of jellyfish and was completely unaffected. I guess everyone needs to be cautious of all the critters in the ocean since our ancestral biology has been separated from the sea for a long time. I think most people would consider peanuts as harmless too!! Anyways just thought I would share one of my life experiences. Still looking forward to Bonaire in May!!!

Trying to plan a trip maybe to Bonaire about Apirl l9-25. Are there jellyfish in the water at that time of year? Can anyone rec. an all-inclusive resort with snorkeling off the beach.

Dear Julie Rocco and Adrianne Grafman,

Harbour Village Beach Resort is a 5-Star deluxe resort rated "one of the 12 best sea-side resorts in the world," by Harper's Bazaar. It is set on a small peninsula and features 1/4 mile of private white sand beach and is adorned by fragrant gardens and quaint Dutch Style architecture. Highlights: a 5 Star Golden Palm IDC & NAUI dive facility with personalized service and instruction as well as an underwater photo/video equipment rental. Off-shore diving is excellent, breath taking reefs. Also, guided snorkeling tours for your whole family. Besides excellent water activities check out: Spa & Fitness Center, Tennis courts, 64-slip marina, four fine & casual restaurants, shops, tours or the island and much more. Check out our website:www.harbourvillage.com and see for yourselves. We at Harbour Village want to make sure you have the most memorable vactation ever. Please call me if I can be of any assistance.

Jaimie Moya
Assistant Marketing Director
(305)567-9509 ext 223

I am not really familiar with Internet rules, but according to Jake's recent description of "Spamming", the multiple Harbor Village Resort postings sound just like that - in fact more than the musician's messages!

Jake has informed Jaimie about the rules about 'spamming' today. We noticed the heavy commercial tone to all the messages as well. Jaimie has responded that he now understands the rules and plans on becoming a helpful newsgroupie in the future.

how cool is this board!
Thank you so much for moderating the resort staffs yet keeping them in the mix.
OUTSTANDING!
Very Very helpful.

Hi, Linda,

I think it would be appropriate if all
representatives of commercial enterprises
identified themselves and their relationship in
their messages, even if the message is not
'heavily commercial'. Only fair to all, both on
the island and off..

Hi Glen,
What folks need to do is fill out there Personal Information on the User Profiles like you have done. For anybody that doesn't know this - you can click on the blue underlined name at the top of a message and view the personal information each person has chosen to provide. If anybody wants to be a little more obvious like me, my blue underlined name shows up as Linda Richter - NetTech. You can do this by entering it in as your Full Name on your User profile.

We do suggest as you mentioned that tourism related industry people should identify themselves as such. Their full name and company name at the end of each message would be sufficient.

I need some Help? I am planning to go to Bonaire
in the end of July, beginning of August. My
neighbors have not had the opportunity to go way
for the last few years because their son had a
terrible accident (He's doing better now). I want
to make this a special trip. We both like to
snorkle, kayak, ride bikes and horseback ride.
Please help me with my plans!! I'm not sure where
we are going to stay? I'm pretty sure that we are
going to hook up with Air Jamaica Vacations this
time. Thanks, Donna

Donna,

YES to Air Jamaica...their itinerary is good...SAT to SAT with arrivals and departures giving you an early arrival and later departure, extending the most time to your stay. Look into staying down in the Belnam side of the island....close for walking to town and activites would be Divi....there is loads of information on here if you have the time to read about it. You can rent a jeep or a 4 door truck to haul 4 people and gear around. Think about getting certified to dive before you come down then do your check out dive when you get down to Bonaire! Believe me, there is so much to see just at 30 to 50 feet! You will love the water there, very little if any current, and loads to explore that you might like diving. Snorkeling is wonderful too, though! Try snorkeling the Lac Bay mangroves.....great to kayak also. There is a 27k mountain biking trek that folks rave about(sounds too much like work for me! LOL) Bonaire is a great island with loads to do for everyone....read the information on the newsgroup and continue to ask questions, you will get loads of help!

Cheryl