Just read a great and long trip report that mentioned rain in the morning on at least the first two days of the vacation. we've had a bad weather year for everything, so i'm a little concerned about counting my chickens before they hatch here. i made reservations so i guess i'm in no matter what. it is kind of a first-time special anniversary so i would appreciate comments from an october traveler regarding weather, newbie diving, and/or sorobon, or anything at all. thanks!

Joe and Dawn - I went to Bonaire last year in October and had no rain at all. I just returned from 2 weeks there is July and it rained sometimes - but for just a few minutes and then it was gone. I think that is the normal. If rain does come - it does not last long. One thing you will have in October is less winds - so things will be hotter. Also bring plenty of sunscreen and protection from the sun - as it is strong!!!

I do not know anything about Sorobon Resort - except that the beach at Jibe City and Windsurf place is a great place to hang out!!! That is located right next the resort and in the same bay. There is also great snorkeling off the beach - near where the water is breaking over the coral at the mouth of the bay. Long walk out - but well worth it!!!

I learned how to dive in February of this year and have done many things on an accelerated basis - like deep and wreck diving off the NC coast!!!
If you are a newbie diver - Bonaire is an easy place to get some practice and all of the dive shops have people that will help you. Who will you be using as s dive shop? I would recommend Wannadive at Eden beach - great people - easy to get tanks and you can visit the reef cam on your checkout dive!!!!

I think you will not regret going to Bonaire for your first-time special anniversary. If you want more info you can email me at mary.mueller@rtp.ppdi.com.

Joe and Dawn, you will love Bonaire. And welcome to BT..where are my manners ! LOL

I have been to Bonaire twice in October, once in November, and twice in July. Both times when I was there in October, it poured down rain, but always at night, and/or first thing in the morning. That was true also of the November visit.

In July, (I just returned also) it only rained once when I was there, and literally for about 6 minutes and then bright sun.

I don't think you can go wrong regardless. I preferred October I think, I thought it was much hotter in July. Of course that's just my humble little opinion... lol...

Oh I forgot, last July when I was there, our last day on the island it POURED down rain, almost all day. But it was fun anyway... remember, Cynde??

Cynde even held up a sign for the webcam that said "It does rain in Bonaire"..

Oh I forgot, last July when I was there, our last day on the island it POURED down rain, almost all day. But it was fun anyway... remember, Cynde??

Cynde even held up a sign for the webcam that said "It does rain in Bonaire"..

I meant it so much I posted it twice. lol

Kelly, it sounds like you are having PBD really bad. I think you should book a trip for March to make you feel better You could see Cynde and me too!

I am thinking of either Feb. or March actually.. then the end of summer next year. I would like to bring Stephanie, but have to find out when her spring break is this year.

Yes PBD is reallllly baddddd today.

Joe and Dawn,
Go to this address... http://www.wunderground.com/weatherstation/WXDailyHistory.asp?ID=IHATO1&day=1&year=2003&month=10&graphspan=month It should be to a Bonaire weather graph for October 2003...should give you an idea what you can expect.

Mike

OK, I've been there in September and July...July was by far much much hotter...I don't think I have ever sweat that much in my life...must have lost about 20 pounds of water weight...and just ask Kelly...I do get cranky when I'm hot, so I have to either get wet, have a drink, or eat...and not necessarily in that order! LOL!

Kelly, I think March would be great, then Dylon and Steph can meet their future spouses in person hee hee!

OMG that would be a BLAST!!!

Cynde I think we both lost 20 lbs... man it was H-O-T...

wow! i got back from work and you already responded! you guys are great. mike, kelly, cynde, and mary, thanks a ton. i have'nt thought of the next question i may have for you-i just wanted to thank you. very nice to hear it from you folks. joedawn

Joe, when are you going in October? If I recall, coral spawning occurs in October! It would be a fabulous night dive! Also, the Regatta is in October... All the times we have been in October I don't remember any rain. Now Nov-Mar a different story last year...right all?!

Liz

Joe & Dawn
My wife and I are going to Sorobon August 18th for a week. Our first trip to Bonaire. We have got lots of info from the folks on this board as I'm sure you will also. Contact me after August 26th if you wish and I will be glad to tell you about our trip.
Tom

Liz and Tom, thanks for the notes. We're going the 7th through the 17th of October-it's the honeymoon we could never swing, and our 20th is in september. the dive book we have says "it would almost be criminal if you did not do a night dive" in Bonaire, so i think i'm convinced. any recommendations where? Also, what is the lowdown on the Regatta? For all you regular repeaters-do you go to resorts each year or timeshares or what? Tom, i hate to talk about when you come back-afraid i'll make it come sooner, but I WILL LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR (MINI) TRIP REPORT. Boy, you're right around the corner from going, yeeha. again, thanks for the note. JoeDawn

Joe & Dawn:

In terms of night dives, I think everyone has their own favorites. My list: right off your hotel (very easy!); town pier (great but requires a DM) and Oil Slick.

In terms of lodging, Bonaire really does have lots of very good choices at different price points. I think the best choice really depends on what amenities you find most important and how price sensitive you are. I tend to stay at the same very small place (nine units) but others have their own favorites including the time shares at Divi.

Joe and Dawn, you should check out www.goldenreefinn.com

It is owned by Liz and Ed Ginnochio, who are regulars on the BT talk boards. They recently bought the place and it looks GREAT! Not to mention that they are really really nice folks. I have no doubt they will personally see to it that you have a great vacation. Feel free to email me personally if you wish.

David, Kelly, thanks for the steer. despite the crime threads, i'm banking on loving the Island and booking returns so we will indeed take a peek at golden reef when there in october. website and packages looked good. joedawn