Thursday, September 13, 2007

Buddy Dive Announces Planet Ocean Fest

Buddy Dive Resort has announced a new event, scheduled to take place the first three weeks of December, entitled Planet Ocean Fest.

From December 1st through 21st, divers may enjoy working with well known Dutch photographers Dos and Bertie Winkel, who will teach and educate the participants of the Planet Ocean Fest on (digital) photography skills by means of seminars and workshops.  New photographers, as well as experienced photographers, will find this experience enhances their photography.

To view the complete press release, click here.  (Source:  Buddy Dive Resort)

Monday, September 10, 2007

Delta Airlines Announces It Will Begin Non-Stop Flights to Bonaire From Atlanta Starting in February

On February 9, 2008, Delta Airlines will commence their weekly non-stop flights from Atlanta to Bonaire and return. 

Flight #371 will depart Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport at 10:00 AM, and arrive at Bonaire’s Flamingo Airport at 3:20 PM.  The return flight #370 will depart Bonaire at 4:15 PM and arrive in Atlanta at 7:45 PM.  The equipment will be a Boeing 737-800 with 150 seats (15 in Business Class and 134 in Economy).

Delta Airlines is a member of the SkyTeam Alliance.  For additional information on this new non-stop service, visit their website by clicking here.

This new Delta flight augments other non-stop service from Newark and Houston via Continental Airlines, as well as daily non-stop service from San Juan via American Eagle.  (Source:  TCB Bonaire)

Note Update September 12th: To celebrate the new service, Delta is offering one-way special fares of $179 from Atlanta to Bonaire (based on a round-trip purchase) for purchase by Sept. 26, 2007, with travel completed by May 3, 2008.  Additional taxes/fees/restrictions apply.  Fare is available for purchase only on Delta’s web site or from a travel agent.  (Source:  TCB-NY)

Monday, September 03, 2007

Final Agenda Announced for Bonaire Day

September 6th is Bonaire Day--and a legal holiday.  Each year the day’s festivities are held in a different neighborhood, but this year’s events will be held in Wilhelmina Park in Playa (Kralendijk).

The activities start as early as 8:00 AM and go all day, ending at 10:00 PM.  You may view the agenda by clicking here (in Papiamentu, in PDF format).  (Source:  Island Government)

Sunday, September 02, 2007

Properties Report in After Felix

Properties are beginning to report in after Hurricane Felix passed north of Bonaire over Saturday night/Sunday morning.  Please check back to this listing for updates for additional reports as they are received.

The Great Escape, YachtClub Apartments, Golden Reef Inn, and Tropicana have all reported no damage at all.  Plaza also reports no damage, and their bars and restaurants are open as usual.  As far as they can judge, due to choppy seas, diving is still prohibited for today, but they expect to be back in the water again tomorrow.

Piedro So Golf Club reports some standing water on the course, but expects that to dissipate over the coming days, and then players are welcome back.

(Source:  TCB-NY)

Note:  Update 2:15 PM AST: The following reports have also been received:

Carib Inn, Buddy Dive, Belmar Oceanfront Apartments, and Caribbean Club Bonaire all report no damage and expect diving activities to return to normal on Monday.

The Bonaire Windsurf Place reports no damage at Lac Bay.

All rental properties managed by RE/MAX Paradise Bonaire Homes have reported no damage was caused by the storm.  Lagoen Hill Bungalows also reports no damage.  (Source:  TCB-NY)

Note:  Update 5:00 PM AST: The following reports have just been received:

Coco Palm Garden did not sustain any damage, nor did Captain Don’s Habitat or Casa Bonito/Ocean Adventures.  Caribbean Gas Training reports that operations were not interrupted.  (Source:  TCB-NY)

Note:  Update 10:45 AM AST, Monday, September 3, 2007: STINAPA has also reported that no damage was done to the structures and buildings at Boca Slagbaai.  However, because of the amount of rain received, the park was closed on Sunday, but should be re-opened today.  Those interested in entering the park today should call STINAPA to confirm it has re-opened. (Source:  TCB-NY)

Hurricane Felix Official Statement

Here is an official statement from Lt. Governor Herbert Domacasse, dated September 2, 2007 at 8:45 EST.  “Hurricane Felix passed north of the island of Bonaire in the early hours of the morning, causing sustained rain and winds, but resulting in no major incidents. 

"The local population and visitors remained in their homes and hotels overnight. No calls were received on the emergency line set up in preparation for the storm. It is currently not raining, but more rain is expected later in the day.

“Flamingo Airport remained open throughout the night, with the KLM flight from Amsterdam landing at 12:50 am and taking off on schedule at 4:25am. American Eagle and Continental flights will operate later today. “

Contact: Candice Kimmel, email candice@adams-pr.com, phone:  646-621-0700

To view the original release from Lt. Governor Domacasse, click here (in Papiamentu, in PDF format) (Source:  Island Government and TCB-NY)

Saturday, September 01, 2007

Bonaire is Featured in 9-page Article in September issue of Sport Diver Magazine

A a result of a press trip coordinated by Adams Unlimited, the North American office of TCB, an article titled “A Taste of Bonaire” focuses on world-class diving and premier dining on Bonaire. 

The writer, Tom Morrisey and photographers Tanya Burnett and Kevin Palmer pondered whether a dive adventure and culinary experience could be had on a single island and, as the article clearly states, it can!  Restaurants mentioned include Cactus Blue, Capriccio, Casablanca, City Café, It Rains Fishes, La Guernica and Warung Louise.

The article can be viewed by clicking here (in PDF format).  (Source TCB-North America)