After my woderful shore dive I return to shore and the sun is beating on my poor bald (but oh so gorgeous) head. I reach for my hat which is......... soliciting opinions on the best hat for the island. I wear ball caps as a rule, but they are no good for keeping the ears and neck from frying.

Second subject - what is the current water temp like? I am leaving for the Bonaire on Friday!!!!

I simply can't wait.

water temp is up to 81 degrees...sounds like one's body eventually adjusts to the warmer temp and one will need more of a wetsuit to stay warm...

as far as the sun - it will cook you in about 15 minutes;-) i have a sunfender hat with a three inch brim for ears and neck - that helps - aloe gel is good for soothing sun-burned skin so you might want to get some of that...

...don't forget the wind! You may want to consider a strap of some sort to keep your hat in place. Have a great time!

Hat type...You might go to the Carib Inn dive shop when you get to Bonaire. They have some neat Aussie style - with a strap - washable ones that provide good protection. Cost was about $14 USD which is a really good deal I think, because the quality is very good.
if you aren't familiar with Bonaire, the Carib Inn is right next to the Flamigo Divi.

Jeeez Clay, you are about as bad as me with Sunset Beach Dive Center was there...(g)

A strap is essential in the wind. Also, I'd put sunscreen on my head too. I burn easily, and just don't risk a burn anymore. (I never look as if I've just returned from a tropical island, though...)

Enjoy, Bonaire is wonderful. Wish I was leaving on Friday.....

Kelly...yeah I know. I keep hoping Bruce will start giving me a commission, but no luck yet....

The hats really are neat though. Lee bought one and I like it better than my $35 Ultimate brand.

Just returned. I tried to have sunscreen on at all times, even when I was driving around in the car. My forearm got burned while in the car. I was using SPF 45 and I already decided next time I will pick up a bottle of 70. The heat is completely different and there is no hiding from it. Everyday, in wearing a different suit, I would have another part of my body pink, even with the sunscreen coating.

P.S. A strap for the hat is a must.

when barry and i were on bonaire in feb. we did not get burned and only used sunscreen abit. we use "Bull Frog"- have found it to be just wonderful when needed and it doesn't wash off when swimming. (of course we spent alot of time under the water diving.) alot of time outside -on the beach and driving around with out any sunburn. got lucky i guess.

...and the Bakers still looked beautifully sun-kissed when we met them on May 10. :-) BTW, Sherry and Barry, T-shirts on the way sometime this week!

A little sunburn makes the water feel a lot colder. I have been going to a tanning salon to get a head start so as not burn when I get to Bonaire in two weeks. Usually, I don't need a wetsuit in 81 degree water but, I've noticed Divemasters in tropical climates always overdress compared to the visitors.

Thank you Hazel, cannot wait to wear my Red Creek Rattlers T-shirt.