Friends of ours rave about how much they love the
island, and we want to visit.

But we are mainly wanting to appreciate the beautiful
landscape, swim in warm oceans, possibly snorkel.
And everything I read here is about diving.

Is it possible to come to the island and enjoy it without
diving?
Also: has anyone flown in the last week or so? Has air travel calmed down since Sept 11th,
outside of a longer time w/ sniffing dogs, security etc?

You definitely need to talk to the Nancys! They did a week in Bonaire the middle of October doing pretty much exactly what you're looking for, and had a great time doing it. I'm sure one of them will pop in here at some point...

We did our flights the end of September (there) and the middle of October (back again). Other than the increased security and longer lines, it was the most uneventful trip to Bonaire we've done yet (and I think this was trip #5 or so)...

Faith

Bonaire is probably the best place in the world to just simply relax, enjoy her beautiful waters,rustic scenery and people! Snorkeling is absolutely fabulous. There are not many "long white sandy beaches" as one would find in Aruba or some place such as that, but then again....you would not find the peace and solitude you will find in Bonaire in those places. Bonaire is a wonderful place to explore. We (my husband and I) are not divers....we are swimmers, relaxers and snorkelers and explorers. I am very much into photography and go "nuts" while I am on the Island photographing everything.....on land, in the air (birds, flamingos, etc) and in the sea. Go there...experience Bonaire and all her natural beauty...to include roaming donkeys, iguanas and goats.....you will NEVER regret it! Carole

Less than 50% of visitors who come here are divers. It is our main attraction, but once people try our other activities, they become Bonaire addicts. There is kayaking, windsurfing, biking, bridwatching, nature tours, hiking, etc. Come, as Carole said, You won't regret it.

DITTO to all the above. We've had three non-diving trips (although I finally decided I had to get certified, so the next trip will be a diving one -- for me only, my husband still isn't interested). We really enjoy the snorkeling, the people, the food and the peaceful interesting island. Lac Bay has wondrful windsurfing, and if you don't want to do, it's wonderful to sit in the sun or shade and watch.

It's funny, there are so many places to visit, and we want to do that, but Bonaire keeps drawing us back, so we haven't visited another island since we discovered Bonaire.

My wife and I are not divers. We first went to Bonaire 5 years ago, and only missed one year ever since (and expect not to miss many in the next few years). Sorkeling and swimming has been our main activity - and that has kept us busy! I have tried some resort dives in the Sand Dollar - wonderful! Apart from that, nature trips and photography has been our main interest in Boanire.

If you enjoy nature & the ocean, Bonaire is perfect. I've never seen such a variety of birds. The sky is dark at night for watching the stars. We stayed at Eden Beach Resort, which I would recommend to anyone. They have a beautiful sandy beach and the snorkeling (I do not dive) and swimming off their beach was always fantastic. It was so nice to get up in the early morning and hit the water. There are lots of places on the island for snorkeling and swimming.
We traveled from Miami via American and really had no problems. We traveled mid Oct.
Go to Bonaire. You won't regret it.