hello there
i love to scuba dive. my wife is just learning and not sure how she'll take to it. we want to take a nice vacation to a cool island, with good people, good food, laid-back atmosphere, and ... most of all ... something to do when we are not diving. she is not picky ... not looking for major shopping or casinos, et el. just wondering if there are some little towns to hang out in or if the beaches are nice enough to sit and read. these seem like dumb questions ... the main issue is that, if she doesn't take to diving ... would you still recommend bonaire or a different place that has a better mix? thanks

Chris,
Look over Snorkelguy's trip report. It gives a great example of all that is available on the island. (Even above the water)

When I was in Bonaire, I had to stop diving earlier than expected due to a ruptured ear drum. I must admit that I was bored out of my mind. Keep in mind that all I wanted to do was dive, so I wasn't exactly looking around at all the other cool stuff.

I took a marine biology "class" with Caren at Sea & Discovery and that was one of the coolest things I've EVER done. There is so much going on down there and I wasn't even seeing it until I got some education.

As for your requirements:
- Cool island: Check
- Good people: CHECK
- Good food: Check Mmmm, try Gibi's amongst the other many fine establishments. Maybe Bas will bbq for you.
- Laid-back atmosphere: Check. They're so laid back that I almost busted a vein the first time I ate at Subway. I was about to go nuts watching this girl SLOOOOOOOOWLY place each piece of meat on that darn sandwich. I finally chilled out and realized I was there to relax.

My conclusion; If your (possibly) non-diving companinon likes nature and the outdoors, there will be plenty to hold her attention. If you're looking for very commercial shopping and nightclubs, I think you'd be happier on a more developed island.

Les

If she enjoys the water but doesn't want to dive, the snorkeling is wonderful. The night snorkeling is great also. The water is irresistable.....If you choose to dive and she wants to hang out, relaxing on the beach or by the pool having a rum punch might satisfy her while you're away.
She may really enjoy a class with Caren at Seandiscover....Caren is great!

If you're looking for a laid back island with its own magic....Bonaire is the place. If you're looking for Miami Beach....go to Cancun.

Personally, I'm hooked!

Some people have no interest in diving but love snorkeling. Does she enjoy the water?
My first trip to Bonaire in 96' was with 2 single non diving female friends. When I would go diving they would hang out by the pool and relax or go snorkeling. They had a great time. Would they do it again? Probably not, because they personally would have enjoyed more night life, fast paced, and the Miami Beach scene. (They do have fond memories from the trip). As for myself I have been there six more times and if I could figure out a way to go once a month...I would be gearing up for my next dive about now...ahhhh!
Hope some of this helps.

Chris,
I think it's a great place 2 be! Even if u're not a diver. The people are really friendly, the nature is beautiful, etc.
I would advice staying in the Plaza I think. There's a nice beach, swimming pool, tennis, snorkeling, sailing, etc on the resort and of course they also have great diving possibilities (Toucan Diving). I don't know if your wife does snorkel, but she should try it. It's not difficult (certainly not if she's learning 2 scuba) and there's much 2 see (even just in front of the Plaza-beach). U can also rent snorkel-gear at the Plaza-beach.
If u're looking 4 busy, city-like entertainment, Bonaire is not the place 2 be. If u're looking 4 rest, peace and nature, Bonaire is the place 2 be!!!
Have fun!

Well Not a TRIP REPORT. That was disappointing!

Yeah, Ida, I got the not-so-subtle hint :-)

Discussion moved to someplace more appropriate.

Jake

Jake,
Thanks! You know me too well :-))
Ida

Cris,
Both my husband and I are non-divers. We love Bonaire and will be there in a few weeks to spend our 25th anniversary. There is no other place I would rather be.
Sandy