Hi there, me and my father will visit Bonaire from 18. to 26. of April, and we will be staying at Buddy Dive Resort.

I am wondering, what do you recommend to see, watch and do during our stay?

How is the mosquito population probably going to be, and should we bring nets to put in the windows? Are they easily available on the island?

We are going to dive most of the time, and driving a bit around the island. Which spots do you recommend to dive? I am thinking about Hilma Hooker and the salt piers (with guide?), but apart from that, I am clueless.

Check this map http://www.geographia.com/bonaire/bondiv03.htm and please come with suggestions! And for inbetween dives, anything that really should be checked out on land?

Many thanks, I really look forward to our trip!

Joakim, I suggest a trip to the Park one day. Also, a kayak trip through the mangrove is a good afternoon or morning trip. The donkey sanctuary is interesting for animal lovers. A snorkel trip on the Woodwind will give you good snorkeling plus a great view of Klein Bonaire. Finally, one evening of gambling at Divi's casino should be tried.

We love to go to Jibe City and watch the windsurfers and enjoy the beach, and the beach bar. We also love to drive up to Gotomer and see the flamingos. If you go on the kayak trip it's really great but lots of mosquitoes!!! I'd wear long sleeves!

Don't take mosquito nets but DO take insect repellent. Use whatever works for you. My philosophy is if it isn't at least 25% DEET it's just marinade, but I could be wrong.
Be aware that the Dengue fever mosquito is most active during daylight hours.
At any rate, be proactive about mosquito bites. The Bonaire mosquitoes prefer to bite where you can't reach and give an extreme itch for hours.
All that said, you will love Bonaire! I take my mosquito precautions, a bit of common sense, and a happy attitude whenever I visit the island.
Daniel

Also check out the Butterfly farm when not diving.

Joakim,
I know that I have only done 3 trips to the island so far with my 4th planned and almost paid for this December.
I still think the best thing to do on the island is to sit back and simply relax with a good book, beer (like a Bright) and enjoy the lazy days.
Plus I like the drives around the island and seeing the different things. I always talk about what I have seen with my students when I get back.
Rob

This year we used insect repellent with picaridin instead of DEET because it is so much less toxic. I think it worked just as well as the DEET. It is sold here in the big box drugstores under several brands.

Joakim, welcome to BT!

Buddys has an activity board outside the dive shop for kayak trip to mangroves etc. I think its also listed on their web site. They also rent mtn bikes. If it's in your dive comfort zone, a guided dive to the wild side would be fun to try.

If your going to the park, be aware, it's an all day jaunt.

We just dive and hang about Buddys, relaxing and reading. We did the other stuff our 1st couple of trips to Bonaire.

Driving up to Seru Largu for the view gives you a great perspective on the island.

Thank you all for your replies. Leaving on the plane tomorrow, I am so thrilled! There is so much that I would like to do, but so little time. Oh well, I'll try to not stress around. I can always come back for a longer time. Maybe I'll see some of you there, too!

Get up at 4:00am and go diving, life is good.

Make sure you dive the double reef system down south. Enjoy some of the great restaurants..

Life is good, and on Bonaire, it's even better! (seems I've heard that before)

I would encourage you to contact Bas at loonybin@bonairelive.com for at least one east side dive. There are some amazing dives over there and he'll adapt it according to your skill level.

To preview Bonaire (or treat PBA or PBD!) you can try this site of video panoramas of Bonaire (link courtesy of Brad Swanson's blog) <http://www.bonairepanoramas.com/index.html>.

These (some, at least) are full-sphere panos: try pointing the cam up and down as you pan.

And in case you still need other suggestions, check out this site:

http://www.infobonaire.com/otheractivities.html