Just returned home from a week of diving and are already working on a return trip this Fall. Due to our work schedules we can only go in Oct/Nov/Dec. Any thoughts on the best time to visit? Using this past week as the baseline (we thought the diving was good most days - couple days had strong current and limited viz), how would it compare?

We stayed at Divi Flamingo and enjoyed the atmosphere, rooms, dining - did get out to Cactus Blue which we loved, Casablanca - great beef, and Richards. We were part of a large group so the boat diving setup was excellent.

Thanks in advance.

I would opt for October or November if that is your preference. I have not been in December so can not comment.

Water will be 80 +/-, viz 75-100+ depending site and current local conditions. Just remember storms are a possibility then as Omar was in 2008.

I was there in December '07, did not notice much difference between then and April 08 except for maybe a few more showers, vis was always good, water temp in the upper 70's, not sure there is a "bad" time to be in Bonaire

My vote would be Oct for the spawn. The coral begins spawning 3 days after the full moon. Activity on the reef is just amazing.

Another bonus about early Oct, cruise ship season doesn't start until the 20th.

I haven't been in November or December. But October is HOT..and I mean HOT. A lot HOTTER than Feb/March. Oh, and NO WIND...and I mean...NO WIND...as you can tell I've been there in October, September is just the same. HOT...and I mean HOT...oh, and NO WIND.

Also remember that October is Regatta, so it's very busy downtown, all over. A lot of folks from Aruba and Curacao come over. It's crowded...I won't go during Regatta again. I live in crowded, don't want that for my vacation....

Oh gee, I sound pretty negative don't I...LOL! Vis is the same, everything will be the same, except that it will really HOT if you go in October...

There ya have it...LOL!

The last 2wks in October have been our dates for the past 5 years! Regatta stops us from going earlier. Don't like the crouds. We go the last 2 wks of May every year as well... No pod people during both times. Going to Curacao the 3rd week of August so my wife and son can sing Happy Birhtday to me in CURACACO'WIN on the 16th... Ron

Thanks for the feedback - we just booked our return trip for the 14th - 21st of November - can't wait to return.