Hey Y'all - I am planning a spring trip with my family, a mix of divers and non-divers, and I am trying to decide where to go. I am debating between Bonaire, Belize and other Caribbean destinations. I want to make sure there is plenty for the non-divers to do. Any thoughts/recommendations?

Thanks!!

June

Hi June,
It depends on what your non-divers like to do. We are divers and love Bonaire for that but also love it for it's relaxed pace. If your non-divers are looking for fast paced, lots of action, they probably won't find too much of that there. We have a good time exploring the island, driving through the park, walking the "beaches", checking out the island history and wildlife, (note: donkeys, goats, flamingos, parrots). We are pretty low key and the island suits us perfectly. A little shopping, mostly we go for the sunshine, which there is always plenty of.
Hope this helps!! Mary Lou

June,

We've been to Grand Cayman, Nassau and Bonaire. Bonaire was by far our favorite. In my opinion there's a LOT to do on the island even for non-divers. Of course, the diving is the main reason most people go there.

Don't expect a great deal of night life on the island, it's fairly laid back and because there aren't continual cruise ships in port there's not a lot that happens after dark.

Snorkeling is good for non-divers, especially since you can just drive up and hop in the water on nearly the entire west side of the island.

If you're into outdoor hiking, Washington-Slaagbai park on the north end of the island is wonderful (bring plenty of water with you). It will take you most of the day to see it all, especially if you hike up to the top of Mt. Brandaris.

One last thing that will keep us coming back to Bonaire is the relative cost. Compared to other tropical destinations, Bonaire can be done pretty inexpensively if you know what to look for. Air Jamaica has really great fares and service (and Atlanta is one of their connection points).

Hope this helps. Regardless of where you choose to go, have a GREAT trip. If you want anymore information, please feel free to e-mail me directly.

Michael

Like the others have said, it depends what the non-divers like to do. I have been to both Bonaire and Belize and enjoyed them both immensely. I was in the southern part of Belize and the one big drawback for me was that most of the diving was at least 45 minutes away by boat. Bonaire, on the other hand, is absolute instant gratification, there is as much diving as you could possibly want right there for the taking. Belize has jungles, manatees, mayan ruins inland (near Guatemala). Bonaire has Flamingos, trade winds, healthier coral.
Decide what you want to do, then pick.

By the way, the local people in BOTH Bonaire and Belize are some of the warmest, friendliest, most genuinely pleasant people I have had the pleasure of meeting.

this sounds pretty good...

http://www.msnbc.com/news/869472.asp?0dm=C12PR

but i'll still take bonaire anytime

Thank you all so much for your replies. I have heard that Belize is a little third world, and Bonaire is not. Any thoughts on that?

June,

We stayed in a town called Placencia in southern Belize. It was a quiet beach town. There was running water, electricity, cold beer, good food. It was not bustling in any way, but I never felt unsafe and never felt that the social or political environment was unstable. If you are thinking about traveling to the north, maybe someone else can help. The roads were not that great and I understand that the Guatemalan authorities can be difficult if you are near the border. I enjoyed Belize a lot, but if a had to choose one to return to tonight, I would go to Bonaire.

June,

My family and I just hit the part of life were we have begun to travel. I started diving a while ago and I am the only diver in my family. My wife, daughters (8,11) and I went to Bonaire in June 2002. The kids loved it. We placed them in a kids program at the Plaza and they just loved it. There is also a great program Sea and Discover (Karen ?) that many recommended to us but she was having a baby and was out of the office. The children got the chance to snorkel, boat, fish recognition classes and other activities without the adults. I dove and my wife read books on the beach. In the afternoon we road around the island and stopped and snorkeled anytime we pleased. My oldest daughter and I even went horse back riding one afternoon. The girls enjoyed the island so much they want to go back this year with the family again but the wife wants to visit another island. Both now want to begin scuba instruction. The oldest will be certified this summer.

I don’t have anywhere to compare it to but we enjoy quieter places with friendly people. We found it in Bonaire. But if nightlife is what you are looking for, which I sometimes have been known to over enjoy (Key West and others), Bonaire does lack a little. I did enjoy Bonaire enough that I am hoping to get back this summer or fall without the family. Just trying to find friends to go or I probably come down with the dive shop in October. We had some wonderful meals and beautiful evenings.

Not sure this helps,

Pat