Forgot to mention:
Weather - Most days while we were there it rained for about 5-10 minutes but then would be sunny and things quickly dried so it did not present any type of problem.

The island is so close to the equator, you better use lots of sunscreen. Hubby and I mostly used a 30 sunscreen and still got beautiful tans - I was stunned.

It's so nice to read about a different island here. Thank you so much for the trip report. Bonaire has been on top of our list of a while. Hopefully, we'll make it there sooner rather than later.

Thanks so much for writing about Bonaire here. As caribtraveler says, it's always nice to read about the islands less traveled. I love snorkeling but I'm pretty easy to please when it comes to quality snorkeling--maybe I'd better not go to Bonaire for some time so that I don't become spoiled!

Thanks for the report. I've been to Aruba several times but opted for Provo for my trip this May. However, after an eastern European River cruise this fall, bonaire is next on my travel agenda.

Thanks again for the report - I will definitely put the Plaza Resort among my top choices of resorts.

Thanks for the report. I loved Bonaire - fabulous snorkeling! It was really amazing. The parrot fish alone are worth the trip!

Is it usual to refer to local people of a country as natives?

"Is it usual to refer to local people of a country as natives?"

Why wouldn't it be?

2 results for: natives
View results from: Dictionary | Thesaurus | Encyclopedia | All Reference | the Web

American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source na·tive (nâ'tĭv) Pronunciation Key
adj.
Existing in or belonging to one by nature; innate: native ability.

Being such by birth or origin: a native Scot.

Being one's own because of the place or circumstances of one's birth: our native land.

Being a member of the original inhabitants of a particular place.
Of, belonging to, or characteristic of such inhabitants: native dress; the native diet of Polynesia.

Occurring in nature pure or uncombined with other substances: native copper.
Natural; unaffected: native beauty.
Archaic Closely related, as by birth or race.

I was born in the US - I am a native of the US. Live in WV but not born here, so I am not a native of WV. Good grief!!!!!!!

Referring to West Indians as "natives," while not an offensive epithet in the same way that "nigger" is, is still highly charged. Maybe what people might call culturally insensitive.

While the dictionary definition is strictly accurate, it doesn't make room for nuances that the word has developed in situations like these. These days it's better to use the terms "locals" or "belongers" to indicate those people born on the island in question. Or the proper noun, such as Vincentians for people born in St. Vincent & the Grenadines, to use one example.

O.K. back to Bonaire.

I too enjoyed reading this report and have had Bonaire on a future list since 'forever'. LvSun thanks for all of the useful tips.

Noticed the 9 pm arrival. What airline did you use? Connection? From where?

Unreal.

We flew USAir from Charlotte to Aruba then flew DAE (Dutch Antilles Express)to Bonaire. Had a 4 hour layover in Aruba. The plane from Aruba to Bonaire also stops in Curaçao to drop off and pick up passengers.

ejcrowe and whoever, Just like in the US, the people of Bonaire are of various ethnic backgrounds. BONAIRE IS A DUTCH ISLAND. My use of "native" had NOTHING to do with color of skin, hair, language or anything else. Who knew it would cause such an uproar. I am blonde and green-eyed yet often refer to myself as a native of the state in which I was born. Why is it that some people just have to find something to gripe about! I wrote a nice and helpful report about Bonaire and some people just have to turn it into something ugly!!!!!

Enjoyed your report. Thanks so much for posting. Now I'm really intrigued by the snorkeling opportunities. Will have to bump Bonaire on the long list of islands to get to. Thanks!

Did not mean to cause offense or to sound too preachy. Just trying to answer Odin's question.

I have been researching Bonaire this past week as a place to snorkel. I have snorkeled in Hawaii, G. Cayman, Bermuda, T/C, Barbados, Cozumel,and other islands, so I am really curious as to the underwater sights off Bonaire.
While on Bonaire did you happen to see Harbour Village Beach Club? Or has a reader stayed there recently?
We want a place on the beach, plus plan to venture around the island to snorkel.
We have a 16 year old, so not sure where to stay as we prefer small resort with condos or suites.
I am ready to pack...especially as I look out the den window at our yard in MI which is snow covered!
THanks for any info....

We did see the Harbour Village Beach Club - it looked very nice. My understanding is that it is the most posh place on the island. One bonus is that it does have a beach - rare in Bonaire.

Friends stayed at the Sand Dollar Condos which is not far from the Harbour Village. They said snorkeling at Sand Dollar is excellent. Actually, it is hard to find an area of Bonaire that does not have excellent snorkeling. The difference from other islands is the lack of beach to get to the water. For example, the Sand Dollar has a tiny tiny patch of sand which disappears at high tide. You can get into the water from it but mainly you walk down a cement thing and get into the water from it. This is common for access to the water from many places.

Here is a map of Bonaire and good snorkel sites. Goto http://www.infobonaire.com/divemap.html

Snorkeling was so excellent at the Plaza that we stayed there to snorkel except for one snorkel journey into the National Park.

You can pay to get onto the beach at the Plaza Resort. If you don't stay there, I hope you do go and check it out. I am curious about how the snorkeling at the Plaza compares to Harbour Village. If you do both, please put up a post here.

That was a great report! I've considered Bonaire..before, as I LOVE to snorkel. Now thinking about it even more! Can you tell what other places of the caribbean you've snorkeled as to compare??

Thanks!!

VegasM - just to let you know I have snorkeled pretty much every island in the Caribbean. And nothing has compared to Bonaire... There are SO many fish its unbelievable.

VegasM - Of the +_ 25 islands I have snorkeled in the Caribbean nothing compares to Bonaire. There are so many beautiful colorful fish. And the reefs are not damaged like many of the islands due to too much human contact, etc. it is really unspoiled. If you love to snorkel I think you would enjoy it very much. It says something about it since there are so many dive operations there

I am envious of MIM - have only snorkeled about 10 other places (we make repeat trips to some places). Our special spot on Grand Cayman was always our fav - did not think we would ever find anywhere better but Bonaire has it beat.

Probably the next best places I have snorkeled are Anegada, other USVI and BVI, Belize, and Hawaii. After those, it is all downhill from there, including Aruba.

Lvvsun- I think the next best to that for me would be TCI and Norman Island , BVI. I always enjoy it no matter what, just because I love to do it. I had one really good snorkeling day at Cane Garden bay around the rocky edge when I did see a lot. I just don't care too much for places like Trunk Bay which is so "over-snorkeled" and Coki Beach St Thomas, which to me is just such a dump. When I lived in St Thomas we avoided going there and only went as a last resort. We lived near Megans bay so that was where we normally went, or up the road to Hull Bay where mostly local folks hand out, its pretty rocky so I normally saw a lot of fish.
I think the best trip (snorkel-wise) for us was chartering in the BVI. We went to several places that you would only get to by boat so they were less populated with swimmers. It was a great trip. Also, Buck Island St Croix, is always nice to go and see if you can collect any wedding rings from honeymooners when they lost their rings in the water, sad, but amusing at the same time. We always enjoy snorkeling at the baths too, but never get too lucky with seeing a lot of fish, but its nice to swim around the rocks. At the Meridian Club (Pine Cay, Turks and Caicos) they take you out on a boat to snorkel which on most days is really good. The beach and water there is so clear and blue it is hard to be unhappy with it even when you are not having a lucky day seeing fish.
I remeber going to places like Cane Garden Bay when I was like 5 years old and there were far fewer people and more fish. OH the simple years!
But I think it is hard to beat the quality of fish in Bonaire.

I enjoyed reading your trip report, LvSun..
Bonaire is one of my favorite islands.. One of the things you didn't mention though is the flamingo population.. That is one of my favorite things to do on Bonaire..watch those flamingos.
For anyone who is into animals and birds, this island is a treat. the wild flamingos are plentiful throughout the the island. As you drive around, you can see them feeding in the salt pans.
Absolutely beautiful birds...
Most people do go to Bonaire for the snorkeling and diving. I loved the snorkeling, but I really went to Bonaire to see those fabulous flamingos.

Barbara - I have to agree with you about that. It was amazing seeing all of those flamingos. Considering many of us only get to see them in a zoo! It was so neat to see them living naturally. They were beautiful.

Thank you for the report, LvSun. It is very helpful. I have been doing a lot of researching about Bonaire and all have been great reviews. I am currently planning a dive vacation there next month.

Phil, Be sure to give us a report on what you thought of Bonaire and what you did.

Have a great time.

I really appreciate your report. We went to Bonaire for the first time last fall and I'm thinking we will fly to Aruba this fall instead of taking the night flight from Houston. We will stay on Curacoa for the first time and then back to Bonaire. We stayed at Belmar which was beautiful, but only had A/C in the bedroom. I'm looking for something with a kitchen and A/C in the entire unit.

Did you do the drift snorkel on Klein? We did it twice. Bonaire is the kind of island we like also. Owa

hi there. thanks for sharing your trip. I will be coming to bonaire by cruise ship. Could you tell me what is the best snorkel spots right off the beach? We'll grab a cab at the pier, and taxi to 2 spots. Any info would be great.
By the way i was recently on Exuma Bahamas, and posted a report on the talk boards. maybe it can help someone going there.
thanks
Jen

Jen/caymansreef:
Go to the Plaza Resort Bonaire beach to snorkel.

During our stay at the Plaza Resort Bonaire, one day a cruise ship came in and people from it came to the beach at the Plaza.

People we talked to said they paid $100 for their ship's tour to the Plaza beach. It included a ride to it, entry to the beach, and lunch. They said the price they paid was a ripoff because other people on their cruise walked over to the Plaza and just paid the $5 or $10 per person to get onto the beach. I don't know how long it took them to walk to the beach but probably 10-15 minutes.

Jen,
Re "going to 2 snorkel spots";
There are few beaches on Bonaire. The Divi is near the Plaza and has a beach (don't know if you can pay to get on it). At a lot of places you go into the water from a pier or cement steps into the water.

Hit the Plaza first then decide if you want to go to a 2nd spot to snorkel. Snorkeling was so awesome at the Plaza that the only other snorkel place we went was to when we went to the National Park. Normally we will hit several spots on an island but it was so good at the Plaza we did not need to.

At the Plaza, you can snorkel from the cement wall near the beach entrance to the pier at the other end of the beach then past that toward the refinery. (Snorkeling right at the wall was OK but not great - hit the middle of the beach and out to and past the pier).

thank you LvSun. your post has made up our minds. we are getting off the ship, and going to snorkel all day at the plaza beach.
ill let you all know how are trip was.
thank you so much for taking the time.
Jen
caymansreef

Jen,
Yes, please do give us a report and let us know how you liked it. Glad I could help.

I, also, appreciate this report. This was very helpful!

Bonaire was also one of our favorite islands! The snorkeling is unsurpassed in the Caribbean. We have tons of photos on our travel journal at this link www.nbhtravel.com Lots of underwater pics too...enjoy

Bump for deedee

LySun,
Thanks for the great report. Bonaire was never on my list for our family's travel but is now.

bump for redconley

Hi LvSun! Thanks for the great trip report. We are planning a July vacation with our family. (my husband, myself and our 4 children-7,10,12,14) We were planning on going to Grand Cayman. We love it there. (stayed on the Northside because we loved the lack of crowds and the snorkeling) I've always been intrigued by Bonaire, however. My husband (and kids) love to snorkel. I just love being in the sun and looking at beautiful blue/green water. I do like to snorkel, also...but it's not a huge requirement for me. (it is for my husband!) What do you think about Bonaire for a family vacation? Or is it something my husband and I should do "some day" on our own? I'm just worried when that "some day" will be! Is it very expensive? Comparable to GC? For your next vacation would you go back to Bonaire or to GC? Thanks for any information you'd like to supply!

JcJc,
Where do you stay on the North Side of GC? We just love the Sea Lodges near Cayman Kai and we're going back next month for my son's spring break. (It will be his first trip to GC - I'm so excited to share the snorkeling with him!)

I think your kids would love Bonaire. The only 2 reservation I would have: 1. I would check out the temperature, etc. in July. In winter you have a great breeze which helps you stay comfy. Not sure what it is like in July. It is so close to the equator -- we wore a #30 sunscreen and still got great tans.
2. I would not stay on Bonaire unless I stayed somewhere with a beach (and not one that disappears at high tide). While there may be others, the only ones I found in my research were the Plaza Resort Bonaire, Divi Flamingo (or something like that), and a real high priced place - I forget the name.
The Plaza is pretty spread out, so while it may be crowded, it did not feel it. We just drove by The Divi and for some reason I got the impression it was more congested.

Goto http://www.bonairetalk.com/
and ask the people there about the conditions in July.

In addition to snorkeling, your kids would have a blast touring the island.
You could lay on the beach and easily keep an eye on the family. The snorkeling is absolutely right there so close to shore. Hubby & I were telling people this weekend about seeing species of fish we had never seen before, various types of eels, etc.

Price wise - not really sure if it is as expensive as GC but is probably close to it.

GC was the first island we ever went to, not sure if that is why it is our favorite island and the only one we really like to make repeat visits to or not. I will go back to Bonaire again but would want to explore other islands first.

Travel time is also a factor. GC is easy to get to and relatively close. There are probably better flights, but we went to Bonaire via Charlotte then Aruba. Had a 4 hour layover in Aruba.

JcJc,
Also, don't know if you saw my response in another post:
We rented a jeep and toured just about the entire island. The landscape is actually quite varied.

Depends on what part of the island you are on. Some areas are arid, another large area has tons of mangroves ("trees" which grow in water") - hundreds of flamingos could be seen in various areas near the mangrove areas, another area has lots of trees -- that's where we saw gorgeous tropical birds flying among them, another area is where they "manufacture" salt, the northern area has some pretty good size hills (huge compared to the flatness of the rest of the island).
The side of the island opposite the harbor and hotel area is rough with mean waves. It was beautiful to see.

Thanks so much for the reply LvSun. Now I really don't know what to do!
Our family has only gone to GC one time. I didn't mean to give the impression that we have been there many times. I wish! (my husband has been there 2x) We were there the winter after Ivan (Feb. 2005) We stayed at the Mahogany Point Condo's on the Northside. We loved where we stayed. The snorkeling out our door was the best we saw on the whole island! You are so lucky to be going back in a month! Have a great trip!
I'll have to do some more research on Bonaire. (which to me is half the fun!) There is so much to like about GC but the idea of trying someplace new that seems to have much of what we like is very compelling. Right now a big thing for us would be the long travel day. That's something I'd like to avoid.
Thank you again for your great trip report and your reply. I really want to see those flaminoes! (and my husband would love the tropical birds and of course, the snorkeling) Hmmm...it's great to have such a wonderful choice to make! P.S. Did you happen to see the Sandollar Condo's on Bonaire? Do they have a beach? I'm going to the Plaza's website right now to check it out.

Friends stayed at the Sand Dollar and liked it so while there we went to check it out. There is a tiny sandy area (not really what I would call a beach) that disappears at high tide.

lvsun, do you have directions from the pier to the resort? What is the procedure to get onto the beach? can we walk to the Plaza from the pier? is the snorkeling right off the beach?
if you could please leave details, we would like to spend as much time snorkeling and beaching as we can from 10 till 2.
thanks for all the work you do for this board and fellow travelers.
caymansreef

Snorkeling from the beach:
Snorkeling from the beach at the Plaza will absolutely spoil you for snorkeling at other places. As I said earlier, there are 3 good entry points. The best is past the little bar on the beach. You will see a "wall" of stone/coral along the beach. Then at the end of it, there is a "wall" of coral in the water just a few feet from the edge of the beach. Between the 2 walls is a good passage into the water (note: the water is just to your ankels and the rock under the water is worn smooth). Take just a few steps, put on your snorkel and fins and start snorkeling. (The bottom drops off pretty quick because you are at the reef). From that entry, snorkel toward the pier (the pier by the Plaza's Tipsy Seagull restaurant). There is a ladder on the pier so you can exit/enter the water there. There is also a lot of snorkeling past the pier. You can also snorkel between the wall which sticks out in the water (where you will first enter the beach) and the entry I suggested. But the snorkeling near the wall wasn't great. The rest is spectacular.

Directions from pier to Plaza:
I assume you mean the pier in the harbor at Kralendijk. Best thing to do is ask someone for directions when you get there -- they surely have better directions than I. However, here is my best explanation: If you are on the pier facing the land, go to your right and just follow the road along the water. At one point the road will jut inland, just keep following it. You will pass the Divi Resort.

The road will then make a sharp curve to the Left. Do NOT follow the curve but go straight (there's a parking lot or something there) and you will come to the public beach entrance for the Plaza. There is a sign there. (If you would follow the road to the left, it takes you to the main entrance of the Plaza).

Take a look at the map (to see the map, you have to scroll down the page on the following website) at http://www.infobonaire.com/hotels.html or http://www.plazaresortbonaire.com/locate.htm (while on this site you may also want to check out the map of the resort).

Walk vs cab: Plaza Resort website says it is 2 miles from Kralendijk but I can't image that it would take more than 15-20 minutes to walk. The Divi Resort website says the Divi is a 5-10 minute walk south of town. The Plaza is about a 5 minute walk from the Divi. Hmm, getting there via taxi may be a hassle - check out http://www.infobonaire.com/travel.html.It says taxi's are stationed at the airport. Note: The airport is about 5 minutes from the Plaza so calling for a taxi to go back should be quick.

Procedure: I don't really know what the procedure is - we were staying there and found out the beach is open to the public (for a fee) by talking to people who were "day pass" people.
There will be Plaza employees either at the gate or after you enter the gate, you go down a little walkway then come to a restaurant on your left, the pool in front of you, and the beach to the right. There is a small activity building there on the beach side. If no one has stopped you, check in at the activity hut.

Note: Don't know if you read this earlier in this thread but if not... People we talked to said they paid $100 for their ship's tour to the Plaza beach. It included a ride to it, entry to the beach, and lunch. They said the price they paid was a ripoff because other people on their cruise walked over to the Plaza and just paid the $5 or $10 per person to get onto the beach.

Oh gosh, thank you. I never travel anywhere or plan trips without buying a Fodors book and getting info from this site. I am glad to help others and appreciate all the help I get.

PS. You HAVE to be a Cayman lover (your name). We are heading back to Cayman next month. Can't wait!!! We like to stay in the Sea Lodges near Cayman Kai and snorkel between there and Rum Point.

I thought the Divi was better located than the Plaza Resort which it is right by the airport.

The Divi has a small sandy beach plus great snorkeling next to it.
You can walk to the restaurants by the seafront from the Divi.

Just went by the Divi so can't comment on it - it looked nice. The Divi looked more compact than the Plaza - the Plaza is spread out which make it really nice.

The Plaza has a pretty big beach.

When reseraching, I hesitated booking at the Plaza because of the closeness of the airport but the beach area won me over. Glad it did.

The airport offers NO problem to the enjoyment of the Plaza. There was no annoying sounds or anything. Plus, there are not very many planes coming in and out. Laying on the beach, we just occassionally noticed planes coming in -- we noticed them because we saw them -- not because of the noise or anything. We never did see any planes leaving - they must take off in the opposite direction.

Well, we are back. Special thanks to lvsun. Our day at Bonair was wonderful. Curt found the snorkeling at Plaza hotel to be world class. Even though there was a ship in port, the beach was not that crowded.
our trip was wonderful. a new island every day for us to explore. On Grenada we hiked to 7 sisters waterfall. The hike was deep into the rain forest. We swam in the cool water, and played in the wake of the falls. Beautiful. The hike was a little muddy, but sturdy, surrounded by thick foliage. Awesome. Grenada is a little rough around the edges. Devastated by a hurricane a couple years ago, there are a lot of shacks, and very poor people.
on st kitts we got lucky and found Anthony Henry. We found him right off the pier, ready to take us on a tour of the island. Anthony was friendly, knowledgeable, and trustworthy. We left things in his cab while we went swimming. A wonderful guide, who was warm, and awesome. Here is his cab number - f9737. you can reach him on these phone numbers. 869 465 3379, 869 465 3804. We personally recommend Anthony.
We had a great trip thanks to all fellow travelers who contribute to these boards.
Jen
Jen

Glad you enjoyed the snorkeling at the Plaza - it IS world class. Thanks for the heads up on the other islands. Sounds like you had a blast.

I am so glad to read this post. We love Bonaire, its nice to see others have had the same experience. We have stayed at the Plaza twice and Sand Dollar condos when we had the kids with us. Its always nice to have multiple bedrooms and a kitchen with a group. The facilities and the snorkeling/ diving at the Plaza are better. We love the group of Tarpons that hang out in front...always a surprise. The grocery store is very good if you rent a condo, great assortment of everything vs even the Bahamas. If you dive, rent a truck with locking storage, and there are many different shore dives (over 50 I think). So much better to be free of groups on boats! We also loved driving through the national park and the birds and animal sightings. Snorkeling is way better than anywhere else we've been. Absolutely a trip to take. Jamaica Air has really good connections. We are there mid-day, with time to get groceries, etc.