After reviewing all the feedback, websites recommended, etc - we decided to go to Aruba. But, unfortunately, the week we wanted to go was completely sold out, not only in Aruba, but in St Thomas as well. So, we ended up booking at the Marriott in Curacao. It was never on my top ten list (I actually know almost nothing about it) - but it is hot, it does have beaches - and I would pretty much guarantee there will be no snow there. Has anyone been to Curacao and do any of you have any recommendations on things to do? Also, in doing some research, I'm trying to figure out if Bonaire is close enough that we could do a day snorkeling trip and I can't find any information on that - does anyone know if that is possible? Thanks for all the feedback!

I have lived on Curacao for a couple of years and I was just back for a holiday and stayed at the Marriott. It is a very nice hotel. Good restaurants and a nice beach and pool. About things to do. If you do not want to rent a car yourself I remeber they had a whole list of activities through the hotel. You have the Seaquarium where you can dive and feed sharks through a glass wall. Nightlife is good but you have to know where to go. Mambo Beach is nice, beachbar with young crowd. I like Landhuis Brievengat, only Friday eveing with live local music. And Carnaval is coming up. So check at the hoteldesk if you can do a 'jump-up'. <BR> <BR>About Bonaire. That is my favorite island. You can fly there 20 minutes $75 for a return. But the airline company is known for its delays. The snorkeling is beautiful. Have fun!

Martine, thank you! Is it reasonable to fly to Bonaire in the morning, do a snorkeling/tourist thing and fly back? It seems that you could see the island (superficially, of course) in 1/2 day, and maybe snorkel the other half - but I'm not sure. Also, are there any specific companies you could recommend - on both Curacao and Bonaire - for snorkeling trips? Thank you!!

Hi Debi, <BR>My wife and I went to Curacao last March for the first time and really liked it. We stayed just down from the Marriott at the Sheraton (starwood points). One evening we took a walk and had a drink at the Marriott. It is a beautiful resort. The town of Willemstad is very nice with lots of shopping and outdoor cafe's and I'm sure they have a hotel shuttle to town. We snorkeled right off the beach at the Sheraton and it was good. There also were lots of people from our hotel going on snorkeling trips. I'm sure the Marriott can help you with the snorkeling and I dont think you would need to go to Bonaire. If you feel like eating outside the Marriott there is a great beach bar/restaurant right down the road called Hook's Hut. Concierge will know about it. Have fun and email me if you need further info. Oh, we will be back there Mar. 4-10.

Hi, I'm Gabe I am a Dentist that lived and born in Curacao. Recently moved to Virginia. I often organize trips and tours to Curacao and Bonaire. Especially scuba diving and snorkeling. If interested please let me know if I can help. I might be able to hook you up with a personal guide for a verry reasonable fee. <BR>Good Luck <BR> <BR>Gabe

Thanks to all of you for info - we found that (in case anyone else wanted to know) to get to Bonaire from Curacao flying really is your only option. What we decided to do was to spend 2 days in Bonaire. We're flying over early on one morning, then home in the evening the next day. We're staying at the Plaza in Bonaire (got alot of really good feedback on that) and have gotten some good information on groups to take us snorkeling. When we get back - I'll definitely post a report trip. If anyone has a list of really good snorkeling sites in Curacao (Gabe - do you have that?) - I would really appreciate it. I've gotten tons of info on Bonaire, and we're all set there - but snorkeling info on Curacao doesn't seem to be as easy to find....