I'm planning on returning to Bonaire this winter. However, airfare in December is outrageous but affordable in January. What's the weather like? Amount of visitors? Windsurfing conditions?

I visited the island for the first time in December '07 and all I can think about is my return.

Thanks
frank

Frank, welcome to Bonarie talk Our last two trip have been in January, and it's the only time I'll even consider going now becuase it's so much cooler. Nice breezes, and it's not as hot as other times of the year IMHO. Both times, didn't seem like it was any more, or less crowded. You do have to make reservations at night for most places in town, that's about it.

Here's a pic from the Windsurf place this last January.

Boat Chic,
could you expand more on January as the time to go? We have been in November,May and March. We are on a March timeframe but I fear this is going to come to an end. The visibility was really bad this time, plus or including alot of surge. Too many cruise ships and generally the busiest we've ever seen it makes me think we are going to need to change our timeframe. january would work for us so therefore Iam curious about what you've found in January. We are also thinking that November maybe the timeframe we go back to so if you have any insight into that time would be most appreciative to hear that too.
much thanks in advance for your time and insight!
regards,
Bob

Bob, we've been in January, July (a few times), September, and October. I'm not much for the "heat" so January is cooler that I actually don't feel like I'm going to die of heat stroke. July, September, and October are unbearable for me.

Our first trip in 2001 the vis was at least 100 feet. It has deteriorated dramatically IMHO over the years. One trip in July it was 35 feet due to some subsaharan wind coming through. So I don't think vis is any different in January...

Bob, we used to go every November and unlike Boat Chick, love the heat! She is 100% correct in saying that if you are prone to heat intolerance January is probably a better choice. Due to school we have been planning our trips now around the vacation schedule, April and now August. April was cool and I got cold in the water, so I am looking forward to a HOT August vacation! Honestly, I would go any time of year if the opportunity arose!

Early Jan is busy for the first week and the water still warm. We have done several Dec/Jan trips and this year we went in March this year and the water was much colder. We usually go for the coral spawning in September/October when it much warmer but the usual breeze makes it ok.

I thought the water was cooler this March than previous any times. I am not so concern about heat in the water or in the air. Much more interested in VISIBILTY in the water, this also has been highly variable in March. It was not fantastic anytime I've been to bonaire. But something in 60 plus range is what Iam seeking.
Also do wonder about how busy the island is. We were there this time around Easter and it was the busiest I'd ever experienced there. I would avoid that in my future. Didn't really pay enough attention to that. But thats me I like it on the quieter side.
thanks for sharing
Bob

Bob, I find that air travel in Janaury (usually the second week) is light (especially at SJ airport). The holiday vacations are over, and it's too early for spring break. We did go in March a few years ago for our kids spring break, and traveling was busy. I guess I didn't notice the town being busier...although with all the construction, who knows what will happen.

I don't think I've seen vis above 60 feet in a few years The past two Januarys it varied from maybe 45 to 60/65.

I was on Bonaire Feb. 16 through March 1 this year. The weather was very comfortable, even a little chilly a couple of afternoons when coming out of the water near sunset. Air temperatures were in the mid to upper 70's.

We really lucked out on the visibility. This was my first trip where the visibility was great on almost all of the dives - over 100 ft. Don't know if it had anything to do with the time of year or just dumb luck. Water temperature was around 79 the entire trip.

Oh, forgot to mention that February was definitely much more crowded than during my other trips in the summer and fall. There were lots of trucks at many of the more popular dive sites. To make matters worse the pod people were all over the island in taxis and tour buses. I'm discouraged with Bonaire's decision to bring in so many cruise ships. It's not bad enough yet to make me find another dive destination, but it could get that way if the government doesn't closely monitor the situation and find the right balance. I am guilty of occasionally being a pod person myself, but I detest the way that the pan handlers and peddlers accost you on the streets while on many of the other caribbean islands. If this happens to Bonaire the island will be ruined and I will have to search out a new dive destination. That would be very sad, as I love the culture and people of Bonaire and hope to be able to return many times.

Boat Chick,
Thanks for info. we usually go mid-week and air travel is busy but not overwhelming. Also thru San Juan. Mother nature has been somewhat unkind to us. We have moved up next year's trip a couple of weeks to beginning of March. have heard no complaints from people who had been to Bonaire just before us. So... we try that. I do suspect though that March has just become too busy for us.
We are also using a slightly different strategy in where we stay etc. So who knows maybe this March is great.
Richard to get 100 ft visibility--that would be Heaven --we're hoping but I’d be happy with 60ft visibility we had our first trip.

bob

Thank you all for taking the time to answer my question. I had a great time learning to Windsurf last year and can't think of a better place. My intention was to post a review of my trip; making a second trip says it all...

I am making plans to visit January 9-17, 2009.