My wife and I are going to Bonaire for the first time in September. I was fortunate to stumble across Bonaire Talk while investigating Bonaire on the Internet and what a wealth of information I have been able to learn. Unfortunately, not all the information is good, and although we are truly looking forward to our trip, there is an underlying uneasiness. I've seen more than one post about being bumped from flights do to over booking or that air freight takes precedence over paying passengers; people taking out extended insurance coverage on rented vehicles only to find out it doesn't cover what "routinely" can happen at a dive site; and, of course, that never ending subject of theft, not only from vehicles, but also from hotels and resorts. Now, you're probably saying "Wow! If this is the way this guy sees this island, why did he ever book a trip there?" I booked the trip because Bonaire has always been high on my list of "Great Dive Destinations" and quite frankly, I'm not getting any younger. In fact, I'm old enough to read of problems people have had in regards to Bonaire and take it all with a grain of salt (if you know what I mean). I guess all I want is to hear from folks who routinely travel to Bonaire and for them to assure me that I can travel there relaxed and not constantly on edge thinking some disaster is about to happen. I'm not nieve (sp?). I know problems can arise where ever you go. But, I think you know what I'm looking for here.

Thanks, Richard

All of the problems that happen on Bonaire can happen anywhere, including your and my home towns. Just taking the simple precautions you have read about while leaving your vehicle unattended at a dive site and using a car rental agency that hasn't had a bunch of negative posts will give you the best chance of not having problems. Plane bumping can happen any place, any time, Just make sure you get the necessary vouchers if you do get bumped. If you are on a connecting flight with the same airline or a co-booker, you have less chance of getting bumped. I have been to Bonaire many times and plan to return many more times. I have decided after diving on various other Carribean islands that Bonaire is the only place in that part of the world I will go to for diving.

We have been to Bonaire 6 times, and keep going back. In fact, we shall be going this summer and then again in December. I have to echo Linnea's post above about common sense. When diving, at a site off the road, just don't leave anything in the car or truck that you don't want. Assume it will be gone, and then there is no problem. As far as flights, I have had more problems domestically with bumps, lost luggage, and the like than ever going to Bonaire. In fact, Useless Air (US Air) just lost our luggage going out to California last month. Anyway, Richard, keep reading the posts and suggestions of all these wonderful people. They are truly a wealth of knowledge.

Richard,

I've been to Bonaire twice, and I can't wait to return. My first time on Bonaire I was a little nieve and left cash in a "hiding spot" in my luggage in my room. Some of it got stolen, but I chalked that up to a learning experience and won't make that mistake again. If you just use common sense and listen to the lessons learned by others here on BT, you'll be fine and you'll love Bonaire. It is, without a doubt a great dive destination (as you said) and you won't be disappointed. There's no reason to spend your vacation "on edge"....its vacation! Relax, use common sense, and enjoy!

Richard,
Ditto to the above posts. We've been to Bonaire 3 times and it is the ONLY destination that we plan to return again and again. We feel very safe and at home there!! We use the in-room safe for passports, valuables, etc. We only take necessary items with us to the dive sites...a towel, a bottle of water...never leave anything tempting in the car. Leave the vehicle unlocked and windows down. To be honest, we've never seen anyone around the parked vehicles ready to bounce but we know of plenty of victims. We do have the advantage of having a snorkeler (me) on the surface to keep an eye out.

I think a good word to use in a description about
Bonaire is almost "stressless" as compared to many of the other islands. It's easy to be. The people are friendly and accommodating and the diving is great right off of the shore. Unhurried and unspoiled. You'll see why so many of us return again and again.

Richard.....my husband and I have been to Bonaire each and every year for the last 10 years and are leaving in 9 days for another visit!

Please don't let previous posts/incidents hinder you from enjoying what, I'm sure, will be a memorable vacation. It's good that you've been lurking and you are aware and in tune with some "not so good" situations that have occured. I, for one, don't let things like that bother me; they just make me more alert and a better traveler.

I think the key is to be a smart visitor wherever your travels take you. Bonaire would be no different. The island has MUCH to offer and it's a world class dive destination. Those of us who are repeat customers LOVE the island and it's people! Some of us are buying or already own property on Bonaire to make our visits much easier!

I am, as I'm sure others are, sympathetic to your concerns and also agree that the things that occur on Bonaire can happen ANYWWHERE, anytime. After a decade of going to the island we have learned to travel safer and more efficiently and you'll be old hat too....one day

Just GO to Bonaire! Take it all in; enjoy the island and post your trip report so we'll know you had an awesome time!


Have a wonderful time!

Kobi

Hi Richard-

My husband & I will be making our 1st trip to Bonaire June 2nd! Yeah!!! We've done a lot of research on this site as well- such a great tool when traveling to a new site! Normally go to Cayman/BVI. (Never dove Lake Erie yet- but spend much time there) We're from Boardman, Ohio & will be happy to give our honest opinion of the trip-I have had some of the same concerns as you.

I hope we all have a great time in Bonaire which I expect will be my new favorite place!

Lesa Z
Ohio

Hey Richard,

We've been to Bonaire 5 times and are going back for our 6th visit this September. We had theft last year for the first time...nothing major except my husband's eye glasses but, I always plan ahead and had an extra pair. Plus, I had purchased trip insurance which covered the majority of them. This was the only negative thing that ever happened to us and well, it didn't ruin that trip (we wouldn't let it!) and it won't stop us from going to the best place to dive ever! Bottom line, we LOVE Bonaire, it's people (ok, maybe not the ones that took the glasses), the atmosphere, and of course the diving and there isn't really anything that will change that for us or stop us from going back every year.

Hi Richard,

We have been returning to Bonaire for several years. We enjoy the people and the laid back atmosphere.

As far as safety, I feel fine letting my 15 year old son walking downtown by himself to get ice cream, check his email, or just hang out a bit.

I don't let him go downtown by himself at home.

Jeff, That's exactly how we feel with our 14 yr. old daughter. We feel pretty secure letting her walk to Michael's Chat N Browse, hang out.....and we keep her on a pretty short leash at home! HA!

Our first time to Bonaire was back in 85 & we've been there at least 12 times since.
Have NEVER had a bad experience. Just use common sense & you'll be fine.