Archive for December, 2009

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Mariners Warning in Bonaire

December 31, 2009

Lac Cai Swell

From http://www.meteo.an

Weather forecast for the ABC islands valid until Friday morning 06:00 AST January 1, 2010.
Issued: Thursday December 31, 2009, 06:00 AST (10:00 UTC).

Weather:
Today through Friday:Generally partly cloudy with a local shower during the morning hours.

Forecast high will be 30°C and forecast low, 24°C.
Sunrise will occur at 6:56 A.M. and Sunset at 6:21 P.M.

Winds:
Easterly and gentle to moderate; force 3 to 4 (12 to 30 km/h, 7 to 16 knots).
Occasionally fresh to possibly strong in gusts; force 5 to 6(31 to 50 km/h, 17 to 27 knots ).

Synopsis:
During the next 24 hours patches of cloudiness are expected to move across the local region with chance of passing shower over the ABC islands. Otherwise, a gradually increase in winds is expected during today.

Sea conditions:
Moderate with wave heights between 1 to 2 meter ( 3 to 7 feet). Seas did subside somewhat but are expected to remain choppy, but small craft operators and swimmers are still advised to proceed with caution near the coastlines.

Special Features: None.

Outlook until Saturday morning: Mainly partly cloudy with a chance of local shower.

Forecaster: Figueroa

The next weather forecast will be issued on Thursday 11:00 AST (15:00 UTC).

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Horrid Cruise Ship Days

December 27, 2009

On the following days, 3 ships will be in port. I highly advise folks to snorkel or dive their house reef, windsurf early or late or just stay home. Whilst I welcome boutique smaller boats, our island officials have decided to cater to the masses via cruise ship tourism. I am less than happy but my voice is not important.  Many of the folks walk aimlessly around the town. We have no duty free shopping and not enough loos for the bowels and bladders of these folks…PHOOEY

The taxi drivers, boat tours, water taxis and some other tourism sectors make good money with this new wave in mass cruise ship tourism. I do not begrudge them for this is a great opportunity BUT I do find fault with the island officials who clearly want to change the climate and culture of our island. We cannot sustain this type of tourism without SOME negative impact on our eco system.

The Dates to HIDE: January 5th, 11th, 19th, 25th, Feb 9th, 16th, and 23rd.

Bonaire Style Boats Welcome


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Bonaire Style Xmas

December 24, 2009

Merry Christmas from Lac Bay in Windy Bonaire or as they say in Papiamento, Bon Pasku

Ria, Maggie and I enjoyed a lovely day at the beach….

Cheers

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JP’s are IN!!

December 23, 2009

Jibe City just received a shipment of JP freestyle boards!! Just in time for the Xmas blow..it’s 24 knots plus right now.  Floris ordered a freestyle wave 92 L, 6 Supersports 100-138 liters, 6 Excite Rides 100-145 liters. End of January more Funrides and Freestyle Waves will be in stock. Email ann@bonairecaribbean.com to reserve your gear rental. Ask for the Bonaire Bliss booking discount which applies for Jan. 2010 bookings.

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Blue Moon Sailing Dec. 29

December 23, 2009

Jibe City and Hang Out Bar are hosting a Blue Moon Sail Dec. 29. There will be snacks, a DJ and flashlight sailing…come on down…

Jibe City

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Delta from BOS to Bonaire

December 22, 2009

I was in the US for 3 weeks and came back Sat. on Delta with Maggie. I am a FF on DL mostly using it to get to FL or Bermuda. I find the airline perfectly ok except for trying to redeem miles. Anyhoo, when I bought my tickets I was concerned about the 45 min layover. Having had 2 parties lose their flights in the summer, I did not want to take chances. Mags and I had a 6:05 PM flight from Boston to ATL Friday. We arrived at 4:15 and were put on stand by for the 4:45 as our flight was delayed waiting for aircraft to come in from some snowy area. Now here is the tricky part. The computer read we were flying domestically as we had an overnight in ATL so wanted to charge us 15.00 per bag. The other snafu was we did NOT want to claim our luggage in ATL but have it sent thru. Because we had an amazing gate agent it all worked out. She worked it out that all 3 checked pieces went thru, yes 3! She also gave us receipts sending our luggage straight thru to Bonaire.

We cleared the waitlist and boarded sitting in a two seater side in the bowels of the plane. We landed in ATL and walked for MILES to ground transport. We took a 11.50 US taxi to the Rennaisance (they have a free shuttle but I did not want to wait) and checked into a GORGEOUS room (84.00 AAA rate) with Aveda products, great bedding and windows that opened. We took showers and ordered pizza delivery from Best Pizza. A large cheese and fresh mushroom was 10.69 and arrived in 20 min.!! The crust was odd but the cheese and sauce great. Off to sleep…woke at 6, went to the business center and checked in online and printed boarding passes, took the 7:20 shuttle and chaos ensued upon arrival. ATL was chaos. I have not traveled peak time since 2002 so was in shock. The lines were massive…thankfully we walked right to security. There were ski lift lines moving very fast but long..took 30 min to clear security BUT it was efficient and I commend the staff. Then we took the train to Terminal E. I have a Business Platinum AX and so we went into the hugely crowded First Class lounge..noisey and busy. Went to the gate at 9 and boarded. We were in row 30 and had two aisles adjacent but the plane was not full so everyone moved around and Mags and I had her row with the middle open. We had to sit and wait 1 hour because luggage kept being loaded. The last minute another luggage cart came and lo and behold I saw our 3 pieces get loaded. Phew…it worked. We finally left 1 hour late. The flight was EXTREMELY bumpy and the family we called the Swine Flu family (in front of us) coughed for 4 hours. Dad not ONCE covered his mouth. Ugh…I slept most of the flight. We landed the same time as Arkefly. You can imagine our dismay knowing the lugggage situation. The immigration lines were massive and a few little ones needed their nappies changed DESPERATELY. When we got into the luggage area more chaos. Anyone who has flown in when two major carriers knows that the luggage on the conveyor needs to come off so other luggage can be loaded. Last Nov. I tried to round up a few men to help me and they looked at me like I was insane. This time I decided to let someone else brainstorm the problem. The same pieces went round and round..finally Julianna and another tiny girl from ground services started unloading..I joined in…then later a brawny guy took over…why don’t they have one person handling this all the time, I have no clue. It took us 1 hour to get our pieces.

So, would I do DL again? NO WAY..too much stress…CO from Newark for me the best plan. In the winter if I need to travel will do AA to CUR and then DAE.

Cheers

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Yoga In Bonaire

December 13, 2009

Desiree’s Yoga

About Desiree:

For people who do not know her: Desiree has been living on Bonaire for the past 14 years.Yoga came into her life 12 years ago through books and dvds.

She has been trained by two amazing teachers from the USA. Ashtanga yoga from David Swenson and Power yoga from Beryl Bender Birch.

Through her travels to Europe, USA and Australia she has become very experienced in many different yoga classes and started teaching yoga on Bonaire for the past 7 years.

About her VINYASA YOGA class:

She will work with a flowing sequence of traditional yoga postures and connecting moves linked with breath. This all will lead to experience a mind/body/spirit workout that is invigorating.

About her Schedule:

Start: Thursday November 19th and Tuesday November 24th

Time: 6.00 – 7.00 pm (please note: only Nov 19th and Nov 26th 5.15 – 6.15 pm)

Place: Bonaire Basics, Kaya Korona 47

Register: By reply or call 786 3341

Costs: Naf 105 for a 6 week class, once a week

Also at Bonaire Windsurf Place – Fridays 8-9 for 10 USD

Walk in: Naf 20,- per class.

Bonaire Basics
Kaya Korona 47
Bonaire, Ned antillen
717 3041/ 786 3341
www.bonairebasics.com

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Divers Delight – Winter and Spring Deals

December 11, 2009

Bonaire Winter Sales Galore

BUDDY DIVE RESORT
Month(s)
Special
Valid from – to
April – December
DEMA SPECIAL
April 10th – December 18th 2010
April – May
SUPER SPRING SAVINGS
April 10th – June 5th 2010
August
30 YEARS ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL
August 14th – August 28th 2010
September
NED AND ANNA DELOACH SPECIAL
September 4th – October 2nd 2010
December
SECOND DIVER DIVES FOR FREE
November 27th – December 18th 2010

DEMA SPECIAL*
Enjoy the DEMA SPECIAL at Buddy Dive Resort, the home of the Drive & Dive package. Book this package for 8 people and pay only for 7! On top of this your group will receive a 50% discount on your total food bill (max. $75 per person, per week). To celebrate our 30 year anniversary, we offer your group our newly launched 3-tank “Washington Slagbaai National Park” boat dive for FREE if you book and pay the deposit before or during DEMA 2009. Valid for travel between: April 10th – December 18th 2010. Bookings window: August 5th – December 31st 2009.

SUPER SPRING SAVINGS*
Enjoy Buddy’s SUPER SPRING SAVINGS. Book a Drive & Dive package and get a 50% discount on your total food bill(max. $75 per person, per week), and an additional FREE “Wild Side” 2-tank boat dive with East Coast Divers. Valid for travel between: April 10th – June 5th 2010.

30 YEARS ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL*
Get 30% discount on diving, 30% discount on your total food bill, and 30% discount on all our rental equipment, when booking the Drive & Dive package during our 30 Years Anniversary celebration weeks (August 14th – August 28th 2010)!

NED AND ANNA DELOACH SPECIAL*
Stay at Buddy Dive Resort and meet NED AND ANNA DELOACH (world-renowned naturalists and marine life authors). To celebrate their stay with us every second diver dives for FREE when booking the Drive & Dive package. Valid for travel between: September 4th – October 2nd 2010.

SECOND DIVER DIVES FOR FREE*
To celebrate the annual BUDDY DIVE u/w PHOTOGRAPHY EVENT (hosted by John Wall, u/w photography expert for nearly 40 years), every second diver dives for FREE when booking the Drive & Dive package. Valid for travel between: November 27th – December 18th 2010.

DRIVE AND DIVE PACKAGE
The Drive & Dive package includes accommodation for 8 days (7 nights), a RENTAL VEHICLE (double cabin pick-up truck or van) for 7 days, 6 BOAT DIVES, 6 days of unlimited air fills, FREE NITROX, daily American style breakfast buffet, a welcome drink, free “Manager’s Rum Punch Party”, airport transfer and all government taxes.

*For new bookings only. The food discount cannot be used at the Lions Den restaurant. The “Wild Side” 2-tank dive is only valid when booking the 6 boat dives package. Specials cannot be combined with other specials & certain restrictions may apply.

BELMAR OCEANFRONT APARTMENTS
Month(s)
Special
Valid from – to
April – December
DEMA SPECIAL
April 10th – December 18th 2010
April – May
BRING A BUDDY FOR FREE
April 10th – May 29th 2010
August – September
BOOK 7 AND PAY ONLY 6
August 21st – September 25th 2010
December
DECEMBER DIVE DEALS
November 27th – December 18th 2010

DEMA SPECIAL*
Enjoy the DEMA SPECIAL at Belmar Oceanfront Apartments. Book a Drive, Dive & Stay package for 8 people and pay only for 7! On top of this your group will receive a FREE BBQ for every person.
Book and pay the deposit before or during DEMA and your group will also receive anadditional FREE “Wild Side” boat dive with East Coast Divers! Valid for travel between: April 10th – December 18th 2010. Bookings window: August 5th – December 31st 2009.

BRING A BUDDY FOR FREE*
Stay at Belmar Oceanfront Apartments and BRING A BUDDY FOR FREE! Book a Drive, Dive & Stay package and every second diver dives for free. Valid for travel between: April 10th – May 29th 2010.

BOOK 7 AND PAY ONLY 6*
BOOK 7 AND PAY ONLY 6 roomnights at Belmar. Book a Drive, Dive & Stay package and get one night for FREE! Valid for travel between: August 21st – September 25th 2010.

DECEMBER DIVE DEALS*
Enjoy our DECEMBER DIVE DEALS at Belmar!Book a Drive, Dive & Stay package and every second diver dives for FREE! Valid for travel between: November 27th – December 18th 2010.

DRIVE, DIVE & STAY PACKAGE
The Drive, Dive & Stay package includes a fully equipped apartment for 8 days (7 nights), a RENTAL VEHICLE (double cabin pick-up truck or van) for 7 days, 6 BOAT DIVES, 6 days of unlimited air fills, FREE NITROX, free “Manager’s Rum Punch Party”, airport transfer and all government taxes.

*For new bookings only. Specials cannot be combined with other specials & certain restrictions may apply. BBQ will be at Buddy Dive Resort’s Poolbar on Friday night.

CARIBBEAN CLUB BONAIRE
Month(s)
Special
Valid from – to
December – April
10% WINTER GETAWAY DISCOUNT
December 17th – April 9th 2010
April – December
DEMA SPECIAL
April 10th – December 18th 2010
April – May
BOOK 7 AND PAY ONLY 6
April 10th – May 29th 2010
July – August
SUPER SUMMER SAVINGS
July 3th – August 28th 2010
October – November
FREE DIVER
October 16th – November 13th 2010
December
10% DISCOUNT PACKAGE PROMOTION
November 27th – December 18th 2010

10% WINTER GETAWAY DISCOUNT*
Stay at Caribbean Club Bonaire during high season and get 10% discount on accommodation, diving, activities, rental vehicle, breakfast, and airport transfer! Valid for travel between: December 17th – April 9th 2010.

DEMA SPECIAL*
Enjoy the DEMA SPECIAL at Caribbean Club Bonaire. Book a Dive & Explore package for 8 people and pay only for 7! On top of this your group will receive a 50% discount on your total food bill (max. $75 pp per week). Book and pay the deposit before or during DEMA and on top of this every second diver dives for FREE! Valid for travel between: April 10th – December 18th 2010. Bookings window: August 5th – December 31st 2009.

BOOK 7 AND PAY ONLY 6*
BOOK 7 AND PAY ONLY 6 roomnights at Caribbean Club Bonaire. Book a Dive & Explore package and get one night for FREE! Valid for travel between: April 10th – May 29th 2010.

SUPER SUMMER SAVINGS*
Enjoy Caribbean Club’s SUPER SUMMER SAVINGS. Book a Studio and get a FREE upgrade to a Cottage Standard 1-Bedroom! Valid for travel between: July 3rd – August 28th 2010.

FREE DIVER*
Bring a FREE DIVER to Caribbean Club Bonaire! Book a Dive & Explore package and every second diver dives for FREE! Valid for travel between: October 16th – November 13th 2010.

10% DISCOUNT PACKAGE PROMOTION*
Book one of our complete and affordable packages and get 10% discount on accommodation, diving, and all other activities! Valid for travel between: November 27th – December 18th 2010.

DIVE & EXPLORE PACKAGE
The Dive & Explore package includes a fully equipped apartment for 8 days (7 nights), a RENTAL VEHICLE (double cabin pick-up truck) for 7 days, 6 days of unlimited air fills, FREE NITROX, daily breakfast, free “Manager’s Rum Punch Party”, airport transfer and all government taxes.
Contact ann@bonairecaribbean.com today and ask for the Scubaboard Specials. Dining credits apply. Ask for details. 800-219-0118 or 011 599 786 3134.

*For new bookings only. Specials cannot be combined with other specials & certain restrictions may apply.

__________________

Ann Phelan
Caribbean Specialist
www.bonairecaribbean.com
www.bonairebliss.com

Photo Courtesy of Geoff and Carlea Bauman

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USAir and Insel Interline Agreement

December 8, 2009

Bonaire- USAir and Insel Air (Miami) have signed an interline agreement meaning there is now a combined ticketing and baggage agreement creating another simple way to get to Bonaire. If you are in a USAir hub such at BWI, Charlotte, PHL or the many other hubs, you can now  get ticketed straight to Bonaire on the Sat. flight.  Your luggage goes straight to Bonaire and you have boarding passes in hand. Easy peasy.  Check out Insel at http://www.fly-inselair.com/ or call USAir today. Insel flies non stop Sat. to Bonaire from MIA and with stops weekdays in CUR and then onward.

Missing AA that used to fly to BON

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Belnem Villa – Villa of the Month

December 6, 2009

Bonaire Bliss

Bonaire Bliss

I am pleased to unveil my new signature property, Belnem Oceanfront Villa. Located on EEG Blvd, this amazing villa is on the sea with splendid views. There is a dock to dive and swim or snorkel. Sunning is a delight on one of your multi level patios. There is a rinse area and outdoor shower for divers. The house is equipped with washer/dryer, AC in bedrooms, wifi, entertainment center and outdoor living space for dining and parties. Dive from your front yard or drive a few miles north or south for prime diving. Windsurfing is 4 miles away and kiting about 6 miles.

Photo Courtesy of Mark van de Meulen

Photo Courtesy of Mark van de Meulen

The first level consists of a large living area, with an enormous kitchen and bar, 2 double bedrooms, 2 complete bathrooms, guest toilet, garage with automatic doors and space for two cars, lots of storage space. The upstairs features a master suite with a private patio and bath.

The house sleeps 6 with the possibility of adding 2 children if air mattresses are used.

Master Suite with Private Balcony Overlooking the Sea

Master Suite with Private Balcony Overlooking the Sea

Special Introductory Rental Prices:

1 – 2 guest:     $ 3100 per week

2 – 4 guest:     $ 3400 per week

4 – 6 guest:     $ 3600 per week

Prices include:

Pick up at the airport

Groceries on the day of arrival

Car reservations

Housekeeping once a week

Electricity, gas, water, w/d

Wireless internet connection

Cable television

Prices are excl. 10% service charge, and excl. $ 5,50 Bonaire Tourist tax per day per adult older than 13.

I am offering repeater discounts as always and for bookings for the remainder of 2009, each new booking (commencing today) will earn a dining credit.

I appreciate your business and hope to welcome you back soon.

//

Posted in Diving and Snorkeling, Kitesurfing, Where to Stay, Windsurfing | 2 Comments »

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