Hi all. New to the newsgroup, but I have enjoyed reading the posts for awhile. My wife and I are long time Bonaire fanatics (25 times in 12 years) and would like some updated, specific info. before our scheduled April visit.

1. Has visibility returned to normal? 2. Has shore diving entry/exits been severely affected? 3. Has the reported proliferation of fish life continued? 4. Are there any dive sights severely damaged? 5. ANy other information along these lines will be greatly appreciated!

Lastly, if Jake & Linda are reading, I will greatly miss the E-News, it was refreshing to hear the unbiased reports of the on going "hubub" in Bonaire. I'll miss the Newsletter, but thank you for the work that you did!

One last question, did Curacao get hammered by the "waves" as well?

Anyone??? Please???

Read Robert Deal's post today the 7th under The Real Divi Scoop topic for a few recent observations.

I'll try to give a dive/snorkle/visibility assessment here. Visibility was occasionally affected, by rain runoff, storm, bad weather, or whatever during the period of January 15 through 28. We found the southern sites to be the worse for visibility, although on a couple of occasions we did Divi Tree and Rock Pile on Klein and you could not see the boat from a depth of 20 feet. Too much surge stirring up the water. The reef itself had not been affected, however. On the southern sites current was strong enough to shorten the return time to the boat by 10 minutes;i.e, 30 minutes out, 20 minutes back. Also the worse vis encounterned by us in 7 years. I do not know how transient this might be, as a lot seems to be related to unusually heavy rains.
The sites on the backside, and northern side of Klein are closed.We circled all around Klein and on the back side you can see clean sand bottom far out from shore, where the big waves scoured the bottom. However, we snorkled No Name beach with the Woodwind on the middle Sunday, moving on the Andrea later that same day. Both showed some damage, but both provided good snorkling, with lots of fish life, big barracuda, dog snapper, and three turtles in the course of the day (two on Klein, one at Andrea). Specifically to the issue of fish life, there seemed to be as much as in the past. We often encountered large schools of brown cromos, with everything on up the food chain feeding in the area. Also saw species not seen by us on Bonaire before, such as Queen Trigger fish on three diffrent occasions.
The protected northern sites on the main island still provide excellent, beautiful diving. We dove Rappel twice with good visibility, and it was as always a beautiful easy dive. It may be that the visibility benefits from the absence of sandy bottom there (?). On Klein, Nearest Point, Bonaventure, and Sampler were all great. Went fishing with CHris Morkos one day, so got to see the whole northern shorn from the water: Slag Bai was much damaged, as was Playa Funchi; and Nukove no longer exists---all filled in with sand.
For shore sites, friends had good things to say about Old Blue from the shore, we also did it from the boat.Did not go south for shore diving, so cannot say.

Thank you for the report, it is good to be able to form an idea of present conditions. My heart sinks with the news of destruction at the beautiful sites of North Klein. But it is good to know that a great deal of good sites are still waiting for us!

We will be at Lighthouse Beach in early March. Can someone tell me if we'll be able to wade into the water at Lighthouse Beach for the purpose of snorkeling in 3-5 feet of water? thanks

Lynn
We stayed at Lighthouse the last week of Jan.We did not dive or snorkle in front but we were told by an owner of a condo that the reef in front of LHB was ruined,that we shouldn't bother diving at that site.

Thanks, Bob.
Can anyone else comment on the following: I am extremely nearsighted and can't get in the water at all without being able to see. So I have a great mask with corrective lenses in it. But entering the water means wearing the mask from dry shore and this makes for a little trouble in depth perception. Soooo, if there's just 6 inches, say, of sudden drop-off while entering the water, I tend to tip over....Same on getting out - Even with the special mask lenses, I tend to tip over and have to crawl out on my hands and knees if there are steep changes underfoot or if the bottom is entirely rocky or corally. What I'm wondering, to know ahead of time before our March visit, is:
At Lighthouse Beach, or for that matter at other locations, is it possible to find a place where it's easy to enter the water? Easy meaning, really, a mostly sandy pathway at least?

Dear Lynn,

I too am extremely nearsighted. I have found contacts work much better for me than corrective lenses in my mask. I purchase disposable lens and usually bring 2 or 3 pairs with on vacation. I have never lost a pair, but want to be prepared just in case. You can purchase 6 pairs + exam for less than $100.usd. It's also really nice when you're out of the water. No fumbling around looking for glasses. Only your cheap sunglasses. Good Luck and enjoy!

Lynn
Two very easy entry snorkel sites are just north of LHB.Both Bachlors Beach and Windsock have easy, sandy entries.They too were damaged by the Lenny wave.We snorkeled Windsock and there is fishlife and lots of coral survived.The fish activity on Bachlors Beach may be too deep for snorkeling. Windsock is right across from the airport about three miles north of LHB

These sites are are my list of great snorkeling spots, glad they survived!

Lynn,
Before Lenny, there was a place which was ideal for what you describe: Pink Beach. Apparently it was completely destroyed, though I am not sure what that means (check it out). In the Sand Dollar complexe there was (is ?) a very small beach with an extremely easy entry. I don't know if, or how it has been affected by Lenny. Boca-Slagbaai was another place; but is it still a snorkeling site? No Name Beach, in Klein Bonaire, is another beach entry snorkel area and, yes, it survived (said a report somewhere).
But if Windsock is still there, that is great: it is for many THE best snorkel site in Bonaire! You have to be careful, though: the entry is easy, but not everywhere: you will have to find the good entry spots beforehand.
I am sure you will have fun!

Thank you very much Bob, De, and Antonio....I'm sure we'll have a good time finding entry to snorkeling in shallow water. I appreciate your comments and will tuck them into my Fish book for travel to Bonaire. One last question - Do private places, like Sand Dollar, permit people who stay elsewhere to wander through their property in order to snorkel?

You can use the Sand Dollar Dive Shop for renting equipment, go diving in their boats, follow a course, etc. It is fairly open, so I don't see anybody turning you away. In case of doubt, I am almost sure that if you ask at the Dive Shop, they will OK you. One idea: go on a Guided Snorkel trip with Jerry Ligon (the naturalist), and discuss the subject. This Guided Tour is worth it!

Lynn,

All the dive ops on Bonaire allow 'outsiders' to
dive and snorkel from their properties. They ask
only that you check in and out with them, for your
own safety in case of accident, as they do with
their own shore divers. Ask at any one and they
will give you the full story. Jerry is worth every
minute of the Tour.

Lynn,
Most of the dive ops may allow access but the Black Durgon told my wife & I to take a hike when we asked...so maybe it isn't a 100% sure thing...

Glen,
Most of the dive ops may allow access but the Black Durgon told my wife & I to take a hike when we asked...so maybe it isn't a 100% sure thing...

My wife and I received the same reception at Black Durgon. We were told if we asked we would be allowed to dive there. The owner was very rude. As a result, he lost a potential customer, as the place seemed to fit our needs.

We are planning a our 2nd trip to Bonaire in the middle of June. Ive been getting totally different reports on the destruction on the leeward side of the Island. Is it still worth the trip to do all shore dives, or are they ruined. One local dive shop told me to wait 1 to 2 years before we go. I'll be diving with my 13 year old son and we both can't wait to go, but are considering Curacao instead. Any reply would be very helpful. Thank You.

I'd stick with my plans Ron. Curacao got hit with the same waves as Bonaire. From everything I have read Bonaire is doing a great job of recovering from the effects of Lenny. All things change with the environment, but it is always good, maybe different. Just remember, the worst day under water is better than the best day at work.

Have fun and enjoy your trip in June. I have to wait until July for ours.

Ron,
I was on Bonaire at the Sand Dollar in Dec. and left after two days due to the conditions. That was my sixth trip to Bonaire in two years. I went to Cuacao and stayed at Habitat. Both the boat and shore dives were wonderful. The water was clear and the dock was in good condition. It was my first time there and I will certainly return as I will to Bonaire. Happy Diving.

When does Jerry do the quided snorkeling trips? We are going to be there March 22nd...can't wait

the are done moatly on demand. try the mangrove snorkel.