Bonaire

[mkbruce]

To the OP: whoever recommended Sorobon beach was gravely mistaken. That's the windy side of the island and is not the place to go for good snorkeling or nice beaches. The best snorkeling is off Klein Bonaire. Don't blame the island - blame the recommendation.

[jimmieg]

Love Bonaire. Two or three trips to snorkel Klein Bonaire. Some Dutch food and drink after. Clean, walkable. Uncrowded. On the other hand, did not paricularly enjoy either the A or the C of the ABC's.

[mnocket]

Loved loved loved my second time in Bonaire. A group of us took the electric car (Twizy) excursion; it was a hoot and a half!!! I had a very nice Canadian chauffeur (thanks, Randy!!). The tour ended at a nice beach with drinks before we headed back to the ship.

 

Sorry you didn't enjoy yourself....

 

 

The Twizy tour looks interesting. I'm a little worried about the comfort/visibility for the passenger. What was your experience?

[Suze3119]

One of the very best excursions we have ever taken on any cruise was with Woodwind on Bonaire. The snorkeling was amazing.....best in the Caribbean.....and Dee and Ulf and their crew were so helpful, friendly, and professional. It's a great experience for seasoned snorkelers as well as beginners.

We chose our most recent cruise just so we could visit Bonaire and do this sailing a second time!

 

 

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[socalgal2]

After reading the responses, I don't think they are generally a put down. Everyone has different likes and expectations. It's a good thing that people responded with their personal experiences on Bonaire so that readers can consider them all. We spent a week in Bonaire a couple of years ago and loved it. The snorkeling and diving were great. The salt flats and flamingos were fun to see. It is a small island and is easily navigated by rental car. We loved the fact that it is not overrun with condos and retains its island charm. To each his own!

 

 

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[jryan110]

I'd be happy to! This was the first ship excursion we've taken in a long time, and we both thought it was worthwhile and a good value. The ship actually has 2 tours: the Mangrove Eco boat tour, and the Mangrove Eco boat tour by RHIB(rigid hull inflatable boat). We took the second one. It's limited to small groups.

 

You're picked up in an open sided truck for the drive to Lac Bay. Part of the way is along a rutted dirt road, but the driver aims for the least bumpy part of the road, and goes slowly, taking pity on those of us with arthritic backs. We stopped for a few minutes near a very large flock of flamingos - they weren't more than 50ft. from the truck.

 

At the lagoon you store your shoes and bags in their lock box (don't forget your hat and camera!) before putting on life jackets and getting seated along the sides of the boat. Then your guide takes you along the canals among the mangroves, explaining this fascinating ecosystem and pointing out the wildlife. Later you'll go out into the open lagoon and hopefully see some of the many sea Turtles.

 

Back ashore, you'll have some free time to swim before the ride back to the ship.

 

 

Thanks Mom!!!

[Olive1950]

The Twizy tour looks interesting. I'm a little worried about the comfort/visibility for the passenger. What was your experience?

 

Two people per car. I never drove (thank goodness for that.)

 

Hans led us on a tour around the island, stopping at preset locations. This was NOT a ships' tour.

 

If you want more information, email me (expand my signature to see my enail address.). I'll dig out Hans' contact information and email address. If you do email me, be sure to include your CC screen name. I vaguely remember that he has 5 electric cars; so 10 people would need to sign up.

[tulipgirl05]

Loved loved loved my second time in Bonaire.A group of us took the electric car (Twizy) excursion; it was a hoot and a half!!! I had a very nice Canadian chauffeur (thanks, Randy!!). The tour ended at a nice beach with drinks before we headed back to the ship.Sorry you didn't enjoy yourself....

 

 

We were on Bonaire early December. We also rented a Twizy and had a great time driving around the island!! Hans, the owner of the tour company was our guide. He is awesome! Highly recommend this excursion!

 

Alexandria

[Hlitner]

Much of the charm of Bonaire can be summed up in two words, "under developed." If you want wall to wall jewelry shopping you can go to St Thomas (with its awful traffic jams) or St Maarten (with traffic jams around Phillipsburg). But Bonaire is a world-class destination for those that enjoy snorkeling or SCUBA. For cruisers, we think the best thing on the island is to take a drift snorkel tour (where you normally move along on the current between Bonaire and Klein Bonaire). Of the ABC islands, Aruba has the best beaches...although we do enjoy some small beaches on Curacao (that are over 20 miles from the port and fortunately not part of cruise ship excursions).

 

The problem with some cruisers is that they book a cruise that goes to ports that do not offer what they want....and then complain because they made the mistake of booking that particular itinerary. We know a man who hates Paris, France because he says "its old." There is just no pleasing everyone.

 

So my advice to the OP (and other cruisers) is take a good look at the itinerary (including time in each port) before you book! If a cruise goes places that hold no personal interest, then simply book a different cruise. Celebrity did not make a mistake in going to Bonaire...but the OP made the mistake in choosing a cruise that went to that port.

 

Hank

[dutchclogs]

The ABC islands are on my bucket list so all feedback , good, bad and dare I say, ugly, makes very interesting reading.

The CC boards are a great resource. Cheryl, I've sent you a mail.

[excitedofharpenden]

One of the very best excursions we have ever taken on any cruise was with Woodwind on Bonaire. The snorkeling was amazing.....best in the Caribbean.....and Dee and Ulf and their crew were so helpful, friendly, and professional. It's a great experience for seasoned snorkelers as well as beginners.

We chose our most recent cruise just so we could visit Bonaire and do this sailing a second time!

Another vote for Woodwind. Excellent outfit and great snorkelling. I really enjoyed Bonaire.

[jody75]

Another vote for Woodwind. Excellent outfit and great snorkelling. I really enjoyed Bonaire.

Woodwind snorkel trip is a good day out. It is far from excellent, remember there are normally at least 24 people all sitting on a small catamaran without any space to walk about. Bonaire is a Diver's paradise not the best for snorkelling.

I would agree with the OP that Bonaire is a poor cruise destination for many people, there is little diverse scenery with poor beaches by Antigua or Barbados standards without the normal tourist facilities. Sun shade is difficult to find for many fair skin people, take care.

[GordonJasmine]

We were so disappointed last year when our Eclipse cruise cancelled the Bonaire stop after we had already booked the cruise. We are trying again this April and are hoping to finally get to Bonaire!

[TLCOhio]

Much of the charm of Bonaire can be summed up in two words, "under developed." If you want wall to wall jewelry shopping you can go to St Thomas (with its awful traffic jams) or St Maarten (with traffic jams around Phillipsburg). But Bonaire is a world-class destination for those that enjoy snorkeling or SCUBA. For cruisers, we think the best thing on the island is to take a drift snorkel tour (where you normally move along on the current between Bonaire and Klein Bonaire). Of the ABC islands, Aruba has the best beaches...although we do enjoy some small beaches on Curacao (that are over 20 miles from the port and fortunately not part of cruise ship excursions).The problem with some cruisers is that they book a cruise that goes to ports that do not offer what they want....and then complain because they made the mistake of booking that particular itinerary. We know a man who hates Paris, France because he says "its old." There is just no pleasing everyone. Hank

Appreciate the wide-ranging opinions and experiences, including these viewpoints above from the experienced Hank. Two years ago, we had a chance to see ten different Caribbean islands. This was our first time doing the Caribbean. Lots of variety, likes, dislikes, etc. On Bonaire, we were lucky to hit the island at the time to enjoy their Carnival parade. Fun!! Super great!!Below is a thread as to what we did, saw and liked on Bonaire, plus some visuals as "proof" or evidence. Do your research!! See what best fits your interests, likes and desires. For "Bonaire: Pix's, Fun, Experiences Feb./2015!", see:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2262075

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

From our Jan. 25-Feb. 20, 2015, Amazon River-Caribbean combo sailing over 26 days that started in Barbados, here is the link below to that live/blog. Lots of great visuals from this amazing Brazil river and these various Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, etc.) that we experienced. Check it out at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

Now at 48,266 views for these postings.

 

Here are three visual samples from being in Bonaire National Marine Park. From being at water level and with our expert guide, it was very educational to learn more about these interactions with natural life. At the end, you can see a nest with two baby green heron chicks. Cute? In the middle of this series, you can see when we encountered a couple doing their own paddling around in this nature area with their guide.:

 

 

 

 

 

Here are some visuals from the Carnival parade on Sunday afternoon in Bonaire. It was suppose to start at 2 pm. BUT, as our destination speaker Cory Sandler noted, he had the "cover" by saying it would have a "Caribbean Time"!!! starting schedule. That actually meant a timing that started closer to around 3:30-4 pm. It was such total fun to be here to sample these festivities. We really got a feel for some of the "real people" who live here and how they like to enjoy, celebrate, etc.:

 

 

 

 

Here is my wife getting her picture captured with the "KING" of this segment of their parade group. Are people having fun? The facial expressions summarize the enjoyment perfectly! We were lucky hitting Bonaire when the timing was right/best for this parade. Unfortunately, not all cruises will get this "bonus" activity. Sorry!!:

 

Edited February 23, 2017 by TLCOhio

[florisdekort]

A dump? Really? I suppose if your idea of an attractive Caribbean island is one that is packed with high rise resorts as far as the eye can see, casinos every other block, and the same old streets filled with jewelery and purse stores, then maybe Bonaire would fit that description.

 

However, we actually enjoyed seeing this island that has so far escaped those plagues on the landscape.

 

Denouncing an entire island because you had an unsatisfactory experience at ONE snorkeling spot seems extreme. Next time, choose a different spot. Make the trip over to Klein Bonaire. Or do something else.

 

Our boat excursion through the mangroves was a highlight of our cruise, with the bonus of a beautiful beach, seeing sea turtles and flamingos, and actually learning about the island and its efforts in maintaining the island and its waters in an unspoiled state. We'd return in a heartbeat.

 

 

Mom's always right.

 

One of the best islands. Definitely the top spot for diving.

 

What a ridiculous over reaction from the opp based on one tour/location. Next time I drive through a Detroit suburb I'll conclude the US is a "dump" [emoji849]

 

 

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[Mynki]

well Mynki, as you can see we have been thoroughly put down...so much for expressing an opinion....should we put down those who expressed theirs...I think not...waste of time...yes that IS CC.

 

The devil is in the detail. I don't think it was a dump. I enjoyed the flats etc.

 

As I understand it Bonaire is one of the worlds premier dive locations. But I don't dive. Perhaps I need to learn. I just enjoyed the other six islands we visited more than Bonaire. It is not a place I would choose to revisit. Unless I learn to dive of course then everything changes.

 

I'm pleased X chose not to overnight there though!

 

What I did find disappointing was the amount of litter and dumped cars on St Lucia. The natural beauty there is simply undeniable, but humans have had a very big effect on such a beautiful place. It would be nice to see some kind of state sponsored clean up act. Don't get me wrong I enjoyed our time there, but there is quite a bit of improvement to be done.

[Honbun]

Don't go to a beach if you are interested in snorkeling. Book a sail on the Woodwind for the best drift snorkeling. All equipment provided with guides and lovely lunch, too. Can't rave more about this tour. Would do it again in a heartbeat. This is a private tour, not cruise tour.

I couldn't agree more with your recommendation. Woodwind gave a lovely tour. Its run by a husband and wife. When we went, they also brought a underwater photographer, which was nice since my photos from an underwater disposable camera isn't even in the same neighborhood as her professional ones.

 

I also agree with others that we both enjoyed this island because it was quiet. No signs of American intrusion anywhere.

[PRH]

We loved the eco boat tour through the mangroves. Also heard a lot about the island and the struggles with South American influences. It was refreshing to be on an island trying to make its own way through hard times.

 

 

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[Mynki]

Also heard a lot about the island and the struggles with South American influences.

 

 

Colombian and Venezuelan drug dealers persuading the young people of Bonaire to work as drug mules, taking the product to Europe etc?

[Olive1950]

What I did find disappointing was the amount of litter and dumped cars on St Lucia. The natural beauty there is simply undeniable, but humans have had a very big effect on such a beautiful place. It would be nice to see some kind of state sponsored clean up act. Don't get me wrong I enjoyed our time there, but there is quite a bit of improvement to be done.

I guess the litter and cars reminded you of what find in any US or European city, eh!!!

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

I've been to Bonaire 3 times and loved it each time. Snorkeling with Woodwinds, Twizzy tour. Sounds as if I'll have to try the mangroves tour if I go again.

Re the Twizzy tour, it's a blast if you're driving. If you're going to be the back seat passenger, you need to be flexible to get in and out of it. My old bones didn't like it too much. The beach we went to was gorgeous, but can't remember the name.

[hcat]

I,ve already posted about what we enjoyed there but want to add that every single person we met there was so friendly, proud of their place in paradise including our guide, bus driver, in the shops, restaurant at the post ofc etc..

It'a very calm place, immaculate and beautifully in tune with nature

[norwegianwood57]

To the OP: whoever recommended Sorobon beach was gravely mistaken. That's the windy side of the island and is not the place to go for good snorkeling or nice beaches. The best snorkeling is off Klein Bonaire. Don't blame the island - blame the recommendation.

 

 

Not only did all the research recommend Sorobon but the Bonaire Tourist office did as well. We needed a combo of a great beach/snorkeling. Not all in our group snorkel.

 

Looks like I should take notes here from all the suggestions and not make a mistake again next year.

 

Sounds like I am eating crow. Yup, not a bad thing once in a while. LoL

[ClaudiaB]

We've been to most of the Caribbean islands - west, east, south many times and by far the best snorkeling/diving in my humble opinion is Bonaire. The island just off the coast, Klein Bonaire, is the finest reef surfing you'll find in the Caribbean.

The best excursion is Woodwind. They will really take care of you - they even have prescription masks so if you're like me and need a +3 or my husband and need a -3 - they can accommodate you. They'll spray anti fog in them, teach you how to do things, and fit your feet for fins. Also they serve a delicious lunch. We always go in the morning on their longer excursion.

Sorry it was cancelled for your cruise. We've never done anything on shore! I have no idea what the island is like because I'm always in the water snorkeling.

Edited February 23, 2017 by ClaudiaB

[LuAnn]

LuAnn, did you contact the independent driver/tour operator ahead of your visit? If so, would you pass along contact info? The two things I want to get to, when we stop there a month from now, are the Salt Flats and Cadushy Distillery. Thanks!

Tina

 

 

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Perfect timing!!...I just ran across their business card. It is "Bonaire Vista Tours" owned by Brian & Barbel ...BonaireVistaTours.com I found them on Trip Advisor and they were well rated. We were in a van with about 8 other passengers from the ship. We booked the tour for 10 AM...easy walk to their outdoor booth to start the tour. Enjoy...and let me know what you think of the Cadusy liquor!!! :p LuAnn