Hi Folks,


How much is the tax and where and who collects it? Cash only? Also is there a website
that has all the secret Bonaire divesites?


Thanks!
Dave

Departure tax is presently $20 if you're leaving the Antilles, and it is collected at a small booth at the airport (conveniently located at the arrivals area - go figure). Cash only. There is an ATM which takes Cirrus near there though.

For "secret" Bonaire dive sites, the only thing I know of is: Benji's Weird & Secret Dives

Benji is a former divemaster/instructor from Bonaire, who left about a year and a half ago and now runs a dive shop in Yemen with his girlfriend (a former Bonaire bartender and then dive master).

Jake

Thanks Jake

I really enjoy this board when I can get to it. Great job!!


Thanks again
Dave

Dave
I think it's worthwhile knowing that you can buy the tax stamp any time. Then you can get right on the check-in line when you get to the airport when leaving Bonaire.
Mickey

Departure tax can be paid in $ or NF, or a mix: good way to dispose of any leftovers. Go the airport as soon as your airline opens it's counter, checkin and then go back and shower. Drop your car when you arrive to fly. Much more comfortable trip. I'm assuming this ploy still works with the present security system.

How early is American Eagle (or whoever services their plane) open for the 7 am flight to SJ?

I'm wondering if I should go and check in then go to breakfast....

How have things been going time-wise with this departure?

Around 5am is when the ticket counter opens. All the flights I've taken have left more or less on time, and almost universally gotten in a little early to San Juan (that's about 8 of them since they started in June of last year).

Jake

Jake..Do you know if it's possible to check in the night before to get boarding passes if you don't have luggage to check?

Yes I do know, and no it's not possible. You have to join everyone else in line. Sorry. (And, considering I just got elevated to Gold AAdvantage, I'm personally a little bummed that I don't get priority in check-in on Bonaire too :-) ).

Jake

Thanks for the info Jake. It was nice to get boarding passes the night before. Oh well...

The line is much shorter at 5 am!!! It makes for a long day but I prefer not standing in line, and having had a shower for the trip. Nice to have a choice!!

And the choice may go away when Bonaire goes big time and gets it's new Transit Lounge this summer--everyone is supposed to have to stay there once checked through security as at other airports. Hope there will be a restuarant/bar inside!!!