Been to Bonaire?
 

I am going to Bonaire to dive in the Spring. Anyone have any advice? I already booked a place that is owned by a friend of a friend. Is there much to do at night? Is it worth driving up to the nature preserve at the north end of the island?

Re: Been to Bonaire?
 

I don't know for sure greyt one, However...anytime you see the words "Nature" and "Preserve" in the same sentence, I don't think you can go wrong.

Well, I just got back. I can tell from the lack of replies that no one else here has been. Let me tell you, if you are a SCUBA diver, this is a great trip. The western shore of the island is protected and very calm and is literally one large dive site. Most of it is easy to get to from shore and boat dives leave from most hotels twice a day. The water is between 80 and 84 degrees and the air is about the same. Dining is great and casual and outside. It is a little hard to get to. You can get a direct flight from Amsterdam, but for most of us in the US you will have to make a connection.

WOW...sounds great. I've been reading up on the area in my dive mags. It seems that if you don't mind roughing it, it is well worth ones time and money.

It was not roughing it. It is VERY casual; you don't need to bring even one pair of long pants. But, the accomidations are clean and well kept, just not luxurious. The restaraunts are very good, but not cheap. Breakfast was part of the package at 10 bucks a day. Lunch was around 12 with tip and drink. Dinner tended to run 25 to 50 depending on courses and drinks. The rental car was a small Suzuki jeep that was well worn, and we did our best to add to its wear and tear when we went four wheeling through the Washington Slagbi park at the north end of the island.

If you are used to 5 star digs, you might not find it to your tastes. On the other hand, if you want to dive and can handle Holiday Inn level accomidations, go for it.