My friend and I are going to Aruba for X-mas and have a place booked till the 29th. I am an advanced diver... she will get certified in Aruba!
I thought we should 'wing it' and not make any other reservations... since plans always change! Is this a bad idea especially since it's the holidays?! Please advise!
We have a few weeks and would like to do all 3 ABC islands. After week 3 we have to fly to Cancun.
We are both 30, want to have a good time, party it up a bit, and do a fair bit of diving!
Will you pretty-please give us some advice on cheaper places to stay, airline and ferry advice on transportation, whether or not to book in advance and where, itinerary advice (which island to go to next), new year's party... anything you can help with will be much appreciated!
I have been doing some research on my own but this will be so much more 'real life' and personal advice!
A million thanks! I can't wait to get out of the freezing cold and to bask in the sun and swim with the fishies! Cheers!

Marlo, I have been to Bonaire 3 times over New Years and I would not recommend "winging it." The last time I was there in 2000 -1 it seemed that the Island was pretty full. You can find some very nice places within your price range by going to InfoBonaire.com. Also, flights between Aruba and Bonaire tend to be full during the holiday season so again I suggest advance reservations.

I agree-Bonaire has places to stay, but is a small island and especially during that season, it will be filled up.

This is off topic, but enjoy your Aruba diving. Especially the Antilla is a beautiful wreck.

If you are planning your trip around diving and partying in my opinion Bonaire has the best diving and the other two islands more party type options. Hope that helps you plan where, when, and how long you want to stay at each island. Sounds like a lot of fun. Have a great time.

Marlo ... no ferry service between the three islands so you will need to keep diving/flying guidelines in mind. Between Curacao and Bonaire you can fly DAE or Divi. DAE services Aruba and Curacao. And I believe Tiara Air services Aruba and Bonaire. Hard to answer your question about places to stay as you did not give much info on your "requirements" -- hotel room?apartment?kitchen? waterfront? As others have said, it is "high" season so you may not have many options left.