Kralendijk, Bonaire (January 9, 2008) - The Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire offers something for everyone - families, divers, adventurers and sun seekers. Here is some of the latest news from Bonaire.
See and Do around Bonaire
BOWALIE SAILING TRIPS - Explore the Northern or Southern sides of the Island with one of Bowalies new Grand Tour Deluxe trips. The North Tour allows participants to explore Washington Slagbaai National Park by four-wheel drive followed by an adventurous sail from the National Park back to Kralendijks marina.
The 10 hour tour is $185 per person (four min./max.) and includes lunch, drinks and snacks. The South Tour is a unique combination of snorkeling, sailing, viewing the salt mines and slave huts and kayaking through the mangroves. The 8 hour tour is $155 per person (2 minimum/6 maximum) and includes lunch and drinks. The minimum age is 12 for both trips and prices do not include the $10 nature fee. For more information visit www.bowalie.com.
CAPTURE PHOTO - In addition to their photo services provided at Divi Flamingo, Capture Photo has now opened a second location at Captain Don?s Habitat next to the filling station. Services include underwater camera rental, underwater videography, photography classes, digital image processing and unique gifts.
Brand new at both locations, shoot your own video with the Sony mini DVD 380 (editing not necessary) and check out the latest underwater camera with 10.1 megapixels. For information e-mail info@capturecaribbean.com or visit www.capturecaribbean.com.
CARIBBEAN WIND & SUN VACATIONS - Solo travelers to Bonaire can meet up with other like-minded solo travelers to dive or windsurf each day during Singles Weeks which are taking place February 23 through March 15, 2008.
To enjoy the Islands activities with new friends during these special weeks, visit www.bonairecaribbean.com.
DIVE FRIENDS BONAIRE - Dive Friends Bonaire is pleased to announce the renovation of its dive boat fleet. Over the past several months, two of their three boats, Grote Sub and Kleine Sub, have been out of the water for complete reconstruction and renovation. Both of these boats are now back in the water joining Dive Frenzy. For more information visit www.dive-friends-bonaire.com.
DIV-OCEAN - Bonaires newest full-service dive shop, located at Caribbean Court Resort, is expected to open in early 2008. The multi-lingual staff teaches dive courses from PADI, IDD, WOSD and SSI; organizes boat dives, guided dives, guided night dives and East coast dives; and has an inventory of retail and service equipment. For more information visit www.divocean-bonaire.com.
FOUNDATION FOR ART & CULTURE - The Foundation for Art and Culture of Bonaire is pleased to announce that the 16th Annual Bonaire Arts Day will take place July 6, 2008. The yearly event is now officially recognized by the Bonairean Government and will continue to take place annually on the first Sunday in July. For more information visit www.bonaireart.org.
JIBE CITY - In early 2008 Jibe City is opening its new shop featuring beach and leisure wear from Aaron Chang, O?Neill, Rip Curl, Reef, Toes on the Nose, windsurf goodies and nice souvenirs. For more information, visit Jibe Citys newly renovated web site at www.jibecity.com. The site includes all of the information you need about windsurfing on Bonaire, a link to Jibe Citys new webcam overlooking their beach and bay, and current updates on local weather.
JODYS FASHION, MUSIC & TRENDS - Check out the latest fashions in apparel, accessory trends and music hits on Jodys Fashion, Music & Trends new website at www.jodysbonaire.com.
KIDS SEA CAMP - Hosted in eight countries worldwide, Kids Sea Camp will again for its fourth year in Bonaire at Buddy Dive June 7-14 and June 14-21, 2008 for children ages 4-15.
World famous marine artist Ron Rogest will be hosting this year?s camps with Margo Peyton in Bonaire, working with the kids on a marine art painting project as well as an outreach program for some of the local children to also participate in learning about their underwater world through painting.
Kids also learn about conservation and marine awareness issues like protection of sea turtles and other marine animals.
Children will also get the opportunity to participate in SASY, PADI Seal Team, PADI Jr. Open Water certification program and the Sport Dive Treasure Hunt (activities may be restricted by age).
Kids Sea Camp is a PADI Society Event and free PADI Diving Society member ship with 6 issues of Sport Diver Magazine is included for each family. For more information call 803-419-2556, email kids@kidsseacamp.com or visit www.kidsseacamp.com.
Wine and Dine in Bonaire
CACTUS BLUE - On December 21, 2007 Cactus Blue owners Hagen and Corinna Wegerer unveiled their new company insignia created by well-known Bonaire artist Henk Roozendaal. The painting, titled "Taste Something Delicious at Cactus Blue" is now the main sign on display in front of the restaurant. For more information on Cactus Blue visit www.cactusbluebonaire.com.
PARADISE COFFEE - Located just north of Kralendijk on Kaya Grandi, Paradise Coffee offers 60 hot or iced coffee and tea drinks including caramel macchiato, lattes and chai tea as well as soda, juice, breakfast pastries, salads and sandwiches.
Drinks are available in 12, 16 and 20 ounce sizes and the 20-ounce signature size can include a shot of Baileys of Kahlua if desired. Paradise Coffee is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. through mid-day.
Hotel Scene in Bonaire
BELMAR OCEANFRONT APARTMENTS - The pool of Belmar Oceanfront Apartments has been completely renovated and now you can bring a buddy for free April 1 through May 31, 2008 with a Drive, Dive & Stay package. Starting from $613 per person, per week, based on quad occupancy in a two-bedroom unit the package includes seven nights accommodation, room tax, six days of unlimited shore diving, free nitrox, car rental, car rental tax, round trip airport transfers and all sales taxes. The buddy will dive for free and both guests will receive a free barbeque dinner. For more information call 888-655-0605, email info@belmar-bonaire.com or visit www.belmar-bonaire.com.
BONAIRE SUNSHINE HOMES - Opened in 2007, Bonaire Sunshine Homes offers property sales of homes, land, commercial properties, vacation rentals and consultancy on how to reside and invest on Bonaire.
Holiday homes start from $30,000 and vacation rentals include a luxurious ocean front, Spanish style architecture villa; modern European houses; local ocean front cottages; studios and apartments, all available with dive packages, car rental, rent-a-chef and holiday activities. For more information visit www.bonairesunshinehomes.com.
BUDDY DIVE RESORT - 50 new pick-up trucks and 5 vans have just arrived at Buddy Dive, completely renewing the available car fleet. Additionally, the soft renovation of the rooms is nearly complete and a new inventory for the pool bar has been received. As of December 2007, Buddy Dive offers free nitrox with all hotel packages.
The Super Spring Saver Special offers guests a 50% discount on food and beverages in the pool bar (max $75 per person) and is available March 29 through May 31, 2008 when booked with the drive and dive package which includes seven nights accommodation, room tax, six days of 24-hour unlimited shore diving, free nitrox, American breakfast, car rental, car rental tax, roundtrip airport transfers and all sales taxes.
Packages start from $658 per person per week, based on 6 persons in a three bedroom unit. For more information, call 866-GO-BUDDY, email reservations@buddydive.com or visit www.buddydive.com.
CAPTAIN DONS HABITAT - Renovation and upgrade of the traditional, island-style cottages is now complete at Captain Dons Habitat. All cottages at the property now have two bedrooms and two baths. Wireless internet service is now available throughout the entire property and guests are also enjoying massage and spa services provided by the Intermezzo Day Spa located on the property.
The 7th Night Free on weekly packages from April 26 through June 28, 2008 is priced from just $778 per person, based on double occupancy includes ocean view accommodations, buffet breakfast daily, welcome drink, manager?s rum punch party, six single-tank boat dives, six days of 24-hour unlimited shore diving, tanks, weights & belt, government taxes, service charges and energy surcharge.
Habitats North American representative also provides a Best Rate Guarantee, low-cost airfare, airport transfers and vehicle rental and trip travel insurance. For more information call 800-327-6709, email CaptainDon@maduro.com or visit www.HabitatBonaire.com.
CARIBBEAN CLUB BONAIRE - In the spring of 2008, eight brand new two bedroom apartments, including a honeymoon suite with Jacuzzi with ocean view will be ready for rent.
And right now book your Free Diver, valid April 1 through May 31, 2008 with the Drive & Explore package which includes seven nights accommodation, room tax, six days of unlimited shore diving or 4 activities (mangrove kayak tour, cave snorkel trip, one day mountain bike rental and one day of snorkel equipment rental), American breakfast, car rental, car rental tax, round trip airport transfers and all sales taxes, and every second diver dives for free.
Packages start from $530 per person, per week, based on quad occupancy in a two bedroom standard unit. For more information call 800-906-7708, email reservations@caribbeanclubbonaire.com or visit www.caribbeanclubbonaire.com.
CORAL PARADISE INN - Bonaires newest mini-resort, Coral Paradise Inn, will open in March 2008 featuring eight units, each with two queen size beds, full kitchen, air conditioning and a pool view just 100 steps from the sea. Diving and dive related services are available.
Book the "Let the Good Times Roll" package starting at $649 per person, based on double occupancy, which includes seven nights accommodation (with one night free), six days of 24 hours unlimited shore diving, six boat dives, tanks, air fills, weights, weight belts, pickup truck for the week including CDW insurance and taxes, roundtrip airport transfers and all government taxes.
Meal plans and other activities are available and can be arranged. For more information call 877-267-2572, email coralparadise@cox.net or visit www.coralparadise.com.
DEN LAMAN CONDOMINIUMS - The waterfront Reef Restaurant at Den Laman Condominiums has launched two new services for guests.
Guests will receive a 10% discount off of their entire lunch, dinner and bar tab simply by opening a tab with a credit card on their check-in day (breakfast excluded); and guests arriving on late-night flights now have the ability to pre-order their meal and have their dinner and drinks waiting in their condo unit when they arrive.
Seven night packages start at $595 per person, based on double occupancy including studio accommodations, rental truck, six days of unlimited tanks for shore diving, free Nitrox upgrades and room tax. Valid April 12 through December 19, 2008. For more information call 800-382-1094, email denlaman@diveres.com or visit www.denlaman.com .
DIVI FLAMINGO BEACH RESORT & CASINO - The Divi Flamingo has renovated all guest rooms with new furniture, drapery, and bedding. Studio suite renovations will begin in 2008 and will include new kitchen appliances, new bathroom fixtures, furnishings and bedding.
Divi Flamingo has also gone wireless, with free internet access now available throughout the property. Book ahead for great savings on a spring holiday to the Divi Flamingo. Reserve by February 1, 2008 for travel March 29 through June 30, 2008 and enjoy up to 40% off nightly room rates! For more information call 800-367-3484 or visit www.diviresorts.com.
GOLDEN REEF INN - Golden Reef Inn is now offering monthly specials including Free Nitrox Upgrades in January, Free BBQ Dinner in February, 15% off all spa services in March, 7th Night Free in April, Free Room Upgrade in May and Free Unlimited Shore Diving Package in June. Specials based on double occupancy only, upgrades based on availability only and taxes not included. For more information, call 866-790-7333, email info@goldenreefinn.com or visit www.goldenreefinn.com.
HARBOUR VILLAGE BEACH CLUB - "Dive Into Luxury" at Harbour Village with this package from April 16 through December 18, 2008 and the second diver in your party dives for free!
The package includes seven nights accommodation in a one bedroom suite, daily American breakfast, six days of diving (one boat dive per day, unlimited shore diving) including tanks, weights and belts, unlimited use of fitness center, tennis courts, kayaks, sailboats and round trip airport transfers and is just $1,876 for the first diver and $1,628 for the second diver (service charge, government tax and marine park fee not included). Contact reservationsusa@harbourvillage.com or visit www.harbourvillage.com.
HOTEL ROOMER - Formerly known as The Great Escape, the Hotel Roomer has undergone a complete renovation and now features a beautiful garden and terrace around the pool, lit by candlelight every evening for guests to enjoy a peaceful cocktail such as the RoomeRtje! All 10 rooms have been redecorated with their own color schemes, have new orthopedic beds with fireproof mattresses and new bathrooms.
Prices start at $95 per room excluding tax ($5.50 per person per night) and breakfast which is $10 per person per night. Hotel Roomer also serves dinner, starting at $10 per plate. For more information call 011-599-717-7488, email info@roomerbonaire.com or visit www.roomerbonaire.com.
LA PURA VISTA - Escape in luxury to La Pura Vista, Bonaires private hillside guesthouses, with their 2008 Dive & Drive package which includes seven nights accommodation, daily breakfast served on terrace with stunning views, seven days pick-up truck rental, six days unlimited shore diving, welcome drink, welcome basket upon arrival and free unlimited coffee and tea during your stay.
Packages start at $699 for a standard studio, $950 for a deluxe room and $1,099 for a deluxe suite. All prices are per person, based on double occupancy and include room tax, service charges, round trip airport transfers, tax and CDW car insurance.
The offer is valid through December 20, 2008 and optional extras are available. For more information call 011-599-717-6582, email info@lapuravista.com or visit www.lapuravista.com.
PLAZA RESORT BONAIRE - Bonaires beachfront & 18 Palms reef-front dive resort has added improvements for 2008. Complete refurbishment of 60 standard suites and adding a jacuzzi to the swimming pool are just a couple of the creature comforts geared towards improving the quality of a guests stay.
Toucan Diving has added a fifth, 25 passenger dive boat to their fleet called Golden Eye and improved its dive packages to 6 boat & 11 boat along with unlimited shore diving, free nitrox plus 2for1 shore diving throughout May, June, August & September 2008 when booked with a Standard Suite or Grand Suite Oceanview.
Plaza Preferred Partner dive shops get exceptional benefits while taking full advantage of 2 for 1 diving during those same months. Contact a dive travel professional, local dive shop or travel agent to book the 7th Heaven on 18 Palms (Suite) or 3-D Drive, Dive, Deluxe (Villa) package today. For more information call 800-766-6016, email usa@plazaresortbonaire.com or visit www.plazaresortbonaire.com.
SAND DOLLAR CONDOMINIUMS - Sand Dollars dive partner Bonaire Dive & Adventure is now offering the SSI Scuba Rangers program, a snorkel and dive focused activity club for children 8 to 12 years of age. Sand Dollar is also pleased to announce the First Annual Fish ID Challenge from August 9 through August 23, 2008 in conjunction with REEF Fish ID experts Patti & Scott Chandler of ReefNet, Inc.
The Program will encompass a wide range of activities designed to improve fish ID skills and awareness of fish behavior. For reservations for studio, one, two and three bedroom condominiums, or for more information about these programs call 800-288-4773, email USReservations@sanddollarbonaire.com or visit www.SandDollarBonaire.com.
SUN RENTALS BONAIRE - The satellite Buddy Dive shop on premises at the Bonaire Oceanfront Apartments, a Sun Rentals property, has been given a total facelift. In addition to Rob, the new dive master, the shop has been remodeled, more dive gear has been added, new rental equipment, and now mountain bikes and canoes can be conveniently rented on-premises.
All Sun Rentals guests staying in a villa will receive free delivery (to the rental property) of dive tanks when an unlimited shore diving package is booked directly through Sun Rentals. For more information call 866-464-1786, email info@sunrentalsbonaire.com or visit www.sunrentalsbonaire.com.
TROPICANA APARTMENTS - Tropicana now offers guests free wi-fi internet service as well as hotel packages that include breakfast. For more information call 011-599-701-0404, email info@tropicanabonaire.com or visit www.tropicanabonaire.com.
VILLA KIKI - Villa Kiki is a luxurious oceanfront private residence which is available for vacation rentals for up to four persons, and they have just launched a new web site at www.villakikibonaire.com.
The web site provides large images of the property and surroundings that give an intimate glimpse of what it would be like to stay at the villa on vacation. Information is readily available about the villa, its furnishings, and costs for a vacation rental. Reservations may be made on-line via an interactive form straight from the web site. For more information call 011-599-796-6118, email info@villakikibonaire.com or visit www.villakikibonaire.com.
Located eighty-six miles east of Aruba, the Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire offers year-round sunshine, low annual rainfall, pristine coral formations and the most thriving fish population in the Caribbean. Ideal for adventurers, explorers and sun-worshippers alike, Bonaire offers myriad eco-adventure activities including world renowned scuba diving and snorkeling, windsurfing, kiteboarding, landsailing, mountain biking, sea and mangrove kayaking, horseback riding, nature tours, hiking, bird watching, sailing and deep sea and bone fishing. And with a selection of accommodations ranging from full-service oceanfront resorts and condominiums to guesthouses and small inns, Bonaire has something for every lifestyle and budget.
For more information on Bonaire contact the Tourism Corporation Bonaire in the U.S. at 1-800-BONAIRE.