Bonaire vs Curacao?

Which one would you pick? Also, any opinion on captain don's?

Bonaire Hands Down. We've done both and the diving on Bonaire is better than Curacao IMHO. We also feel that the people on Bonaire are friendlier and it is easier to get around the inland, the towns and the dive sites. No expirience w/Captain Dons.

We've had wonderful experience with Capt. Don's. Please see my trip report from our first visit. We've since enjoyed two more stays and looking forward to next Spring. http://www.oldbonairetalk.com/newsgroup/messages/1022/31140.html?1021997999

And it's booked... First timer to bonaire.

Captain Don's May 29th - June 6th. I can't wait.

A few questions for you veterans:

1) Though both myself and my girlfriend have roughly 120 dives under our belt (which to some is a lot, to some is nothing) we would prefer to do shore dives with some other people - both for fun but also for added safety. (Discussion of the flaws of the buddy system can be postponed for the moment). Anyone here down there during that period and want to join - as long as you are not a raving psychotic, you are welcome to join us. In general, what do you think the likelyhood of finding someone laid back to do this with is?

2) What TO bring, what NOT to bring?

3) Any general recommendations/advice is welcome

4) There are a lot of discussions on cheap places to eat on the island here but few discussions on what is simply the best seafood restaurant in town. Every place has something like this - what is it in bonaire?

Cosimo, you have made the right choice (Bonaire). Click here for a listing of those that will be there around the time you will. Go to Gibi's on Tuesday evening for dinner, that's when all the BT'ers go and meet up. Plus, you may want to post this on that thread as well.

What to bring, sunscreen, DEET bug spray, a couple of swimsuits, shorts, t-shirt, and some flip flops...you don't need to bring much for Bonaire

Keep in mind that when you are shore diving, leave the vehicle windows down, car unlocked, and NOTHING of value in the car...if you are attached to your shorts or sunglasses, leave them back at the resort. Most folks take a cheap pair if they want to leave them in the vehicle.

Oh, and say hi to Charlie the resident tarpon for me

Cosimo

Good choice, we are 500 dives + and Cap'n Don's rocks our boat. Probably 300 or so dives in Bonaire. Rum Runners serves great food with one of the best scenic views on the island and it is hard for me to want to travel elsewhere. Although we do do Gibis. Maybe we should get out more but that might mean we miss a night dive. We can always eat at home.

Brian

Congrats on your choice to go to Bonaire! You will not regret your decision!! Carole

Cosimo...the only thing you "might" regret will be that you will only be on Bonaire for one week! LOL. Carole

Cosimo,

Perfect Choice...I've done Bonaire (twice) and Curacao .... Bonaire wins, no question about it. My first time on Bonaire I stayed at Capt. Don's and loved it, so another fine choice.
As for shore diving, I doubt you'll have a problem hooking up with others for the diving. Everyone's friendly and relaxed and there to get wet, so make friends and go diving, its awesome.

mike

You'll love Bonaire!Much more laid-back then Curacao. Great choice Capt. Don's, you won't regret it.
As for seafood places, usually most of the resturants have it on the menue. Fresh fish ,durado(sp) in on many a menue made many different ways. I've had barracudda and other local fish too. Keep in mind that you won't have the choices of "fresh" Maine lobster or shell fish. That has to be brought in. Bonaire's chefs do many inventive things with the local catch. I think you can find something at most of the resturants around town.
I like to order the fish plate on Sundays at Lac Cai.(Lac Bay) They have just caught fish and fry it right up for you. The music is fun too.

My wife and I have been to Bonaire and Curacao in the last year and while the diving is great in both places, we found Bonaire to be a little more laid back. We will be in Bonaire in October and are really looking forward to it.

My wife and I spent a week in Bonaire and a week in Curacao last June for our honeymoon. We found the diving in both places to be equally good. The people are what made the difference. I felt a lot safer in Bonaire, the people were friendlier, and it was an all around more pleasant experience.

Thanks for all the messages! 6 days and counting! I c-a-n-t wait. Any advice on monetary issues - travelers cheques, cold hard cash, guilders, what should I bring?

Packing list so far (anything key missing in your mind?)

snorkel, mask, fins, underwater housing, charger, camera, bag for camera, extra batteries, dive computer, extra dive computer battery, BCD, Reg, Teva, sneakers, shorts, t-shirts, one pair nice pants, two nice shirts, light jacket (?), laptop, charger, DEET, anti-fog ....

Sun block! Must have sun lotion for your skin as you are near the Equator....very, very strong sun and it will fry your skin without protection.

Hat...might need one so your head does not sunburn.

I know there are more things to list, but the basics are listed.....important basics, that is. Have a great time! Carole

There are a lot of ATM machines on Bonaire, so dont bring to much cash.
both US$ and guilders are accepted in Bonaire
Bring a book on fish ID. Or do you know them all :-)

The dive shop @ C Don's will have a fish and coral book - if they don't, walk next door to the sand dollar and look at their's.

Leave the jacket at home!

I just dove both Bonaire and Curacao. Bonaire has the edge in terms of visibility, cleanliness, and ease of access. I dove with Photo Tours and found them to be very professional and easy to deal with. Curacao also has some great diving but it's not quite as accessible. I dove with Atlantis Diving there and enjoyed it. Good dive sites include Klein Curacao, Playa Porto Mari, and Car Pile.

Jeffrey,

It's been some time that I dove in Curacao (I did there a 100 dives or so).
The very BIG difference IMHO was that you can come much closer to the fish in Bonaire than in Curacao.