If you only had 2 1/2 weeks to live and were determined to see everything you could in Bonaire what would you do?? Just thought this would grab more attention but seriously would like to know all the places to see and what to do there. What is the most unique dive site? Is there one thing in particular that keeps people talking? Would love to hear any and all stories as I am getting psyched-up about a dive holiday and can not wait!!!!!!

R&D Chambers

The donkey sanctuary, the caves for snorkeling, to name a few non-dive activities..

Where are the caves for snorkeling, that one I never heard of?
I know about the caves by lagune, with the big crabs, but never heard of ones you can snorkel in.

Another thing to do(havedone) is a massage. My friends had a massage by the women who worked in the Plaza spa and Sorobon. I apologize I cannot recall her name, she just returned to Bonaire with her young son. They said she was absolutely wonderful, but hard to get a booking with.
They went to her several times during their stay.
This is on my list this year.

If you only had 2 1/2 weeks to live one thing you should not do is go out to eat on Bonaire. I get frustated enough knowing that precious vacation time is lost waiting for the check. Imagine how upset you would get if you last hours on earth were frittered away so.

Tounge firmly in cheek, K.P.

Snorkel the mangroves at Lac, on the Sorobon side!Upside down jellyfish, in all different pastel colors, on the bootom; juvenile fish hiding in the turtle grass; big puffers or barracuda hanging out up under the roots...juvenile barracuda ,too. Go gently, do not stir up the silt, respect the habitat! Great experience!

And speaking of a great experience, try to schedule a Touch the Sea dive with Dee Scarr. Out of this world! A bit pricey but we all found it well worth it! four of us last year with her under the Town Pier for nearly 90 minutes...one of the group with many hundreds of dives everywhere ---Truk, Palau, Australia, throughout the Caribbean---and even he was blown away! May require advance reservation.

Go to Rincon and get homemade ice cream at Prisca's! Combine this trip with a drive past Goto Meer looking at flamingoes.

Too much more to list...it might even make you hungry enough to try going out for dinner.

(If you have not done so already, see the posting under Everything Else: "Fun stuff to do on Bonaire besides diving"--- it is really complete.)

Have a great trip...we sure plan to, starting a week from today! Cannot wait!

First to Kevin: It is a Dutch custom not to press the check on customers. It is felt to be rude, like handing house guests their coats when the meal is done. This catches many Americans off-guard. You get good service through the meal, then have to hunt down the waiter just to give him or her your money! Part of the reason why meals are more expensive in Europe and Bonaire is because a restaurant doesn't get as many seatings per night as American restaurants.

To Diane: Try windsurfing or flyfishing. The Bonefish on Bonaire are a lot of fun, all catch and release!

Speaking of rude - never whistle to get your waiter's attention. Very rude by Dutch standards per a friend of mine that waitressed when she first came to Bonaire. The method we use is to catch the waiter's eye and pantomime writing a check if they are too far away to speak with. If you are in a hurry (you want to catch a night dive or in my case, a movie), ask for the check when you order or discuss dessert.

Stuff to do - I'm still a fan of the salt pans. Mountains of white salt surrounded by reflecting pools in pink, purple and turquoise.

The caves for snorkeling I believe are in Bacadara, check with Buddy Dive, they offer a guided cave snorkel trip.

Any night dive to see the orange cup coral. It is amazingly beautiful. If you are an underwater photographer, it shouldn't be missed.

I have heard so much about snorkeling and kyaking
in the mangroves, What about the bugs? This is what my husband always reminds me when I suggest we go kyacking or snorkeling there when on Bonaire. I heard so many times that we would love it, but the question of mosquitos always comes up.If one's around it finds me. How is it?

I happen to love the slower pace of things on Bonaire and the way they let you realy enjoy your dinner at resturants. I takes us a few days after we get there to slow down and realize the world dosen't live on such a hectic pace. Being from N.Y. sometimes we have to remind ourselves of this.It's one of the reasons we love it there. It's good to be reminded of this sometimes.

DOES ANY ONE HAVE INFO ON TOUCH THE SEA DIVE WITH DEE SCARR

She's Great !!!! Contact her at Dee@touchthesea.com (or) visit her website at www.touchthesea.com
If you're in Bonaire before August - tell her Mark & Annette say hello and we'll see her then :)