Last Updated
1/18/20 PM
On Different ISLAND MODE
New!
New Traffic Laws
Not sure wen they when they REALLY effective for good, but new primary driving rules are coming including: No use of cell phones, mandatory use of seat belts, drinking an driving and proper use of turn signals .. especially in rotaries
Cool Tool
a navigation program for your mobile device that doesn't require internet once you after download the files that is. try maps.me works great on Bonaire
Another REAL cool tool for Divers going to Bonaire
Like it or not, you have to pay your marine park fee. (unless you are on a Cruise ship then screw the island). A much improved and efficent way starts on line purchase and verification
General Information
Want a good neutral site for island information ? Try www.geographia.com
Shopping for Food
Shoppers advisory. December index of supermarket Price. Who is most expensive.
Cruise Ships
There is pretty much at least one crusie ship a day often two. This means between 2500 and 5000 people are dropped on the island a day. TCB, the local tourist agency, loves that , although very litte of the revenue goes to the true locals, just new busineses started to cater to them. This means increased congestion down town, major obstacles on the tourist roads that were built for two donkey carts and are just a complete pain in the ass. Seen any new roads? except to the new prison ? This is the focused future of Bonaire Tourist industry. You as a diver seemed to be looked upon as a burden, Enjoy
Attention Divers Traffic Update
The old slogan Bonaire Unspoiled Unhurried Unforgettable now means something new. You can read elsewhere about how badly the reefs are getting impacted, yeah the reefs have great coverage, maybe compared to Florida. The Unhurried has a new meaning. If there are two cruise ships in town expect the drive north on the tourist road to be VERY unhurried The tour vehicles can apparently only drive in the middle of the road... and not let any body pass... painful Check www.infobonaire.com for the schedule..Plan your dive
Travel Advisories
Air Travel
Just when things are looking up for inter Island travel a new ooops. Although mostly island hoppers, we have gone from famine to a decent buffet With a number to choose from. Divi Divi and EzAir ( both almost hourly) and Aruba Airlines and Winair several times a day.
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Hell at the Airport.
Withe the addition American and Aruba Airways, air travel exceeds the capability of Flamingo airport. Expect extremely long lines and confusion especially on Saturdays! Departure lounge will be packed. Oh good news it wil get worse before it gets better with airport terminal reconstruction.
Getting to and from Aruba Update
In addition to Service connectng through Curacao direct serice is now available with is now available. Although adding significantly to air cost it does add flexibility for the price. Aruba Airlines offers limited direct service
Rental Car Companies
Read the fine print on your rental agreement. At least one of the companies, Avis, now will charge you extra if the interior of your vehicle isn't cleaned before you turned it in
Crime
A new attempt to get my point across: 1. Dont bring anything th Bonaire you dont want to lose 2. Don't lock your rental car... batteries are cheaper then window 3. Your car will be done through 4. Outside of resorts there is no real security. 4. Don't park illegally downtown. The police can't find time to stop break in but they can ticket and tow
Its a public Beach!
Some of the published dive guides state that divers have the right to enter ANYWHERE. This is not really true. Yo can enter anywhere in on PUBLIC land like along the Boulevard down town and along the "tourist road" Sites in developed area like Andrea 1 and 2 are limited to day light hours essentially 7-7. Entries in front of resorts are private and can involve a fee if you use facilities or be closed completely if resort is busy. South of town,the area is all owned by Cargill Salt and subject to closure if abuse (leaving trash, driving in the sand) continues. Salt Pier ,while reopened, is being so trashed by divers that they are thinking of closing it off. Courteous divers get more dives
Nice to haves
Now available a fish guide for your IPOD Touch , IPAD or Iphone
also available
How to Beach Dive
I have added my own two cents on how to beach dive... but remember you get what you pay for
A Quick visit to the Sultana Foundation
Off to Chestertown for a Birthday and First Voyage Celebration
You Can't spend all the time in the water
Back to Belize for a shark Rodeo
Off to Bonaire to Meet Up With Bud Hany and Woodbridge Scubal
Recap of West Coast Trip to Celebrate Meghan and Andrew oh and see the gum wall
Catching up with the Langes and Haneys in July
Spring trip to Belize
