Hi All,
This site has been so helpful in planning our trip to Bonaire. I have another question. Although I realize that this is a highly personal choice, I would appreciate any comments about the need for A/C in the vehicle we rent. We live in South FLorida and I can't imagine driving here in Sept. without Air. However, I believe our humidity is higher and we don't normally have an ocean breeze in our area. I guess I want to know how many folks rented cars with out air and then wished they had it. Thanks for your comments.

We were in Bonaire in March. Our vehicle did not have air, but with windows down, the Bonaire breeze worked well. Our son really enjoyed hanging his head out the window, sort of like a yellow lab we once had. If your vehicle does not have cloth seats, it helps to take something like a towel along to sit on. You are correct, the humidity in Bonaire is not the same as Florida humidity, yet it was much higher than what we are used to here in Wyoming.

We did not have a/c in Feb when we were there and did not mind it a bit. I have also lived in West Palm and had a vehicle there with no air. No comparison.

Barry Baker

Sept. can be very hot and still, or the normal breeze so if you think that airco is needed, or have problems with heat then you should spend the extra $$ to get a vehicile with it. Airco is nice to have when you head out in the evening, during the day while diving I prefer to not use it if I have a vehicile with it.

Hmmm as my failing memory serves you never closed the doors or the windows or the mini-van... that 4/60 airco works great when the sun goes down !!!

Thanks for all your comments. Someone pointed out that the island is not that big and by the time the car cools down, you're where you were going!
Well, I'm about to decide not to get A/C. I feel like a real wimp even considering it...

In 7 years, there are only 2 situations when I wanted air-co. Both times it was very very dusty.

If going over to Boca Spelunk, you will pass through a long stretch of dusty road (DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS LOCATION IF IT WAS RAINING HEAVILY WITHIN THE LAST 12 HOURS, OR THE THREAT OF PENDING RAIN). You have to close the windows or you will be covered with dirt and it really gets hot.

If you have a jeep, make sure your windows are closed or you will have first-hand evidence that the Bernulli effect really works.

The other place is in the park. It can get dusty, but if you prepare ahead of time, the air-co is a bother when trying to attune to nature. Preparation just means to cover your dive gear to prevent the dust - ha, going in no problem, but when the dust mixes with the wet gear, you get mud.

Other than those two situations, you really don't need air-co. The wind is enough to keep you cool.

In fact, when driving to the salt works, I've experienced where I had to partially close the windows cuz the wind was so strong it blew my hat off constantly and actually took my breath away. Even doing 25 mph into a 15-knot wind can take your breath away and if you are wet or sweating, it is actually cold.

Kelly, I don't ever remember losing anyone, or it is it anything? It is also a great way to clean the sand out of the van.

Except for the poor tourist driving behind you !!!

Kelly, Let's not get into a discussion of ones driving skills while on island!!

Opps... (closing the door and driving slowly away)

Good choice Kelly, there are others lurking and more than willing to chime in I'm sure :-}

Well, we both know one person that won't join in ;-)

and who would that be??. if memory serves me right
a)I awaited for the authorities (I needed a ride) b)Budget cheerfully gave me another car (probably hoping I would continue to fund the the overhaul of the fleet...
c) I still believe that it was a valid attempt at a short cut which was not much worse then others I have used and or talked others in using

On the orignial question.. hey it is nice to have if you plan to drive to dinner after showering and cleaning up and you want to arrive like you actually did tha aforemention...especially important if you plan to live in airco while you are in island.. I personally try to adjust.. or adjust as much as i can..

Thanks for the helpful? suggestions.. really..
We got a great rate from Netty's and the vehicle has A/C.... well, I'm an old lady who needs her comforts. You would think living in South Florida I wouldn't mind a little heat, but when the air in my car goes.. so does the car!
We are all set for Bonaire now.. my travel companion hasn't dived in a number of years and is now considering getting back into it before we go. We are really looking forward to this trip. I spend all day peeking at the web cams and looking at pictures folks took while in Bonaire. There are an amazing number of web sites with photos. I think if we do nothing more than lay around all day it will be fabulous.
Cheers all.

I, too, enjoy the A/C, but it is a personal choice. I'd rather have it and not need to use it than NOT have it and fry. A/C is one of my favorite things life has to offer....sort of...put in its place, of course. Carole

Ah Carole, a person after my own heart! Yes, you are very wise.. better to have it and not need it than be sorry. The extra cost of A/C was significant, however Netty's came through and saved me from having to make the wrenching decision! Now my old bones will be cool if necessary.
Cheers