Staniel Cay vs Bonaire
 

Yes, another one of those impossible choices! Looking for some opinions. We are a family with 2 kids who will be 9 1/2 and almost 13 and we will be traveling in August. We were completely sold on SCYC after reading the trip report on NBH and posts here. It just sounds like such a beautiful place and such an amazing adventure to have together. But, our passion is snorkeling - the kids learned in Hawaii and are HOOKED. So now everything I read about Bonaire has me wondering... While I'm sure the snorkeling is better in Bonaire, is it at least good at Staniel and the surrounding cays? I've read some stuff on TripAdvisor (that site always seems to have alot of complaints about everything..) about how loud the bar is all night at SCYC - a valid concern? If Bonaire, the Eden Beach is so affordable - nice place? Are groceries readily available since it has a kitchen? Are restaurants affordable in Bonaire? Sorry, so many questions. One of the things I love about SCYC is the meal plan option, so I have to figure in meals if we did Bonaire instead. What about since we have to go in August - does that make one more desirable than the other? Both kids want to eventuallly get certified to dive, maybe we should wait on Bonaire for that? This trip is a big deal for us, so I'm probably over-analyzing...! Thanks for any thoughts!!!!!

ttt

Both sound fabulous. I recently read about someone's Bonaire's trip and they seemed to love the snorkeling:

http://tinyurl.com/ypx8bn

However, I think your kids would enjoy boating around in the Exumas to different beaches and snorkeling there.

Here is a trip report on Staniel Cay and the Exumas that I thought had good info:

http://tinyurl.com/28u9e5

Hope that helps. Tough choice!!

My SCYC review with pictures has already been linked on this thread, but please let me know if you have any other questions! I have not been to Bonaire so I can't compare the snorkeling, but Thunderball Grotto was simply amazing. Our guide, Cliff, pointed out another area of snorkelable caves but the current was stronger there and my mother was snorkeling with a broken foot, so we didn't get to try that area. The bar was not loud when we were there in early January. Most of the late night partying takes place at the Happy People bar down the street. The yellow and lime green cottages are farthest from the bar if you are worried about noise. Our trip was a "big deal" for us too but we LOVED Staniel! Your kids will also probably enjoy Tucker Rolle's pet sharks at Compass Cay!

thanks for the feedback - yes, I know you are right - we will LOVE it!!!