Bonaire? anyone been?

[loria]

what did you think? how does it compare to St John?

[AquaGirl]

We went to Bonaire 20+ years ago and I think its changed a bit based upon the info I see on the internet. We loved our stay there, but it is very different from STJ. It's a flat-as-a-pancake desert island, with very little sightseeing or shopping. The snorkeling was absolutely fabulous, both from the shore and on boat trips. We went out on the dive boats a lot of days because they were going to sites that were also good for snorkeling (had shallow areas). Since it is desert there and rarely rains, the clarity of the water was incredible and long range of visibility. There is an interesting national park with sand dunes and beaches with great snorkeling. We rented a buggy (a fun little thing called a mini-moke) to drove around the dunes and went to deserted beaches with great snorkeling. The abundance of fish was great and saw an octopus for the first time too.

We thought the restaurants were really good - had great seafood meals. The only meal I didn't like was a "hamburger" we got in a small town in the interior. Funny tasting meat . People were very friendly and we loved the place we stayed (Divi Flamingo resort). It was right on the water - our balcony was out over the water and we could see the fish right there. Their beach is a tiny postage stamp. I have read some negative reviews of the hotel, so not sure what its like now.

Many of the hotels are totally geared to divers. Dive shops run a lot of trips there.

They had some damage to the reefs from Hurricane Lenny, but I have heard the snorkeling is still good. While its not scenic like St John, the snorkeling was so good, that we will probably go back some day.

[jayseadee]

I haven't been, but my diver friend loves it there. He's headed for his 3rd trip in about as many years. From his description it sounds very casual and laid back. Of course, he spends his days (and some nights) out on the boat.

[DaveS007]

Ditto the above and will add regarding the snorkeling. The big difference I think is the water gets very deep very fast. Feels like you are snorkeling over an abyss once you get out 20'. There are some great spots to snorkel at by boat... off the beach it is deep, fast. The clarity of the water there is unbelievable. The dutch are unfriendly(?). They like there zydeco/rap/disco music playing on the beach. Not a place we are eager to go back to. JMO.

[joanybelle]

I have been to Bonaire a couple of times. The most recent being February of this year. I agree with most of what has been posted above. It is VERY different from St John, but it has it's own charm.