Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Bonaire’s Paradise Coffee To Open Throughout the Day for Breakast or Lunch

Starting on Monday, April 21, 2008, Paradise Coffee will extend its opening hours, beginning at 7:30 AM straight through until 6:00 PM. 

These new hours will allow patrons to enjoy one of their sixty coffee, latte, or iced beverages at any time throughout the day.  Along with the excellent Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee that they serve, there are breakfast and other sandwiches, pastries, or one of several daily specials ranging from chicken tacos to paninis or meatball sub sandwiches.  Paradise Coffee is located at Kaya Grandi #52, directly over the Chippie store.  Look for their sign street-side.  (Source:  Paradise Coffee)

Monday, April 14, 2008

Bonaire Dive Into Summer is Planned Again for 2008

Tourism Corporation Bonaire together with event sponsors Scuba Diving Magazine, Continental Airlines, Coral Reef Alliance, EarthEcho International, and STINAPA are pleased to announce the program highlights for Bonaire Dive Into Summer 2008.  Taking place June 1 through September 30, 2008, Bonaire Dive Into Summer will be filled with exciting activities and interesting seminars for divers, adventurers, families, and sun-seekers.

The program for Bonaire Dive Into Summer offers visitors the flexibility to enjoy their planned vacation on-island, and as an added bonus, the option to take part in interactive dives and seminars, which practically guarantees a fun and educational vacation in Bonaire.  Additionally, visitors will be given the opportunity to participate in a summer-long ecology project which will reflect Bonaire’s position as a world leader in marine conservation and as a focal point destination for the International Year of the Reef.

As such, all of the summer activities in Bonaire will incorporate reef-friendly practices to increase awareness and understanding of coral reefs and to further conserve and manage valuable coral reef and associated ecosystems.  Activities already in place by local residents include decorating window displays in town with a reef theme, showcasing reef-themed artwork created by children in town throughout the year, and presenting special reef workshops for dive trade professionals.

Here’s a look at some of the showcase activities taking place during Bonaire Dive Into Summer 2008:

International Year of the Reef Week: June 21-28 – Sand Dollar Condominiums will host this week focusing on Bonaire’s role as a world leader in marine conservation.  The week will feature dives and seminars with Jan and Alexandra Cousteau of EarthEcho International; REEF fish count dives and snorkels with Bonaire’s own naturalist Jerry Ligon; interactive workshops with Rick MacPherson from the Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL), and a parade and food festival in the center of town at Wilhelmina Park.

Scuba Diving Magazine Week: July 19-26 – Join the staff of Scuba Diving magazine for a week of diving adventures with Executive Editor Keith Phillips, presentations and interactive dives with renowned photographer Steve Simonson, equipment demonstrations by Scuba Pro, dive trivia quizzes, and decompression happy hours.

Pro Kids World Freestyle Windsurfing Competition: July 27-August 3 – Be a spectator or participant at this exciting annual event by attending one of ten qualifying events in advance.  Event organizers are planning a week long windsurfing event that will be accompanied by island culture and fun.

Love Our Planet Week: September 20-27 – Captain Don’s Habitat is hosting this week for the second consecutive year, featuring dives and seminars with Philippe Cousteau from EarthEcho International, interactive seminars with experts from CORAL, photo workshops with Rick Sammon from ESPN Photo Safari, above and below water cleanups, and a festival in the center of town at Wilhelmina Park. 

Summer Long Photo Contest: June 1-September 30 - Compete for prizes with other Bonaire visitors by uploading your best photos taken in Bonaire between June 1 and September 30 to www.bonairediveintosummer.com, where a complete schedule of activities, information about the event, and hotel packages can be found.  (Source:  TCB-NY)

Friday, April 04, 2008

Second Quarterly Underwater Cleanup is Slated for Saturday, April 12, 2008

Dive Friends Bonaire and NetTech sponsor four underwater cleanups each year, one each quarter.  The second cleanup for this year will be in front of Dive Friends Hamlet location, at the north end of Hamlet Oasis.  It will take place on Saturday, April 12, 2008 at 1:00 PM. 

Everyone is invited, divers and non-divers alike, as shore personnel are also needed for help in counting and tracking trash which has been brought up.  Anyone interested in participating should meet at the Dive Friends Hamlet location on the ocean promenade at 1:00 PM on Saturday, April 12.  After a comprehensive briefing, divers and shore support will clean the shallow water and shoreline directly in front of that facility.

Those participating are invited back at 5:30 PM to Dive Friends Yellow Sub for a Potlock BBQ.  Entrees and drinks are provided by Dive Friends and NetTech, but please bring a small side dish to share with friends.

For more information about the cleanups, click here.  (Source:  Dive Friends Bonaire and NetTech)

Thursday, April 03, 2008

Outdoor Bonaire and the Mangrove Info Center Ask for Visitors’ Cooperation with Conservation

Outdoor Bonaire and the Mangrove Info Center are two tourism-based enterprises known for their efforts to assist with preserving Bonaire’s nature.  In recent months, management from both companies have watched the explosive growth of those who are taking normal vehicles, as well as off-road vehicles (quads, etc.), into the delicate mangrove area of Lac Bay, driving directly to the waterline.

This area has many flamingos and other water birds, and their normal behaviors are disturbed by those trying to get a closer look.  Other ground dwelling plants and animals are also damaged--last week, vehicle tires were found directly over new re-growth of black mangrove trees.

To further educate and encourage those who are causing damage and disturbance to Bonaire’s flora and fauna, the companies have joined together in posting a notice asking drivers to stay on the road.  Not only is the damage done to the island’s flora and fauna, but many vehicles get stranded in the mud of the tidal zone, and then need to be towed.  Towing is expensive and causes further damage to the environment.

Those touring the Lac Bay area are asked to please help by staying on the road. (Source:  Outdoor Bonaire and Mangove Info Center)

Bonaire’s Captain Don Receives Recognition Award at Beneath The Sea

This past weekend, at the Beneath the Sea dive show in Secaucus, New Jersey, Bonaire’s own Captain Don Stewart was recognized for his outstanding contributions to the diving industry.

At the show’s award ceremony on Saturday, March 29th, Captain Don received the Diver of the Year Pioneer Award, celebrating 45 years of championship and service for diving and Bonaire--truly a pioneer and a man of vision.  Over the years he not only developed the dive resort, Habitat Bonaire, but worked tirelessly to promote scuba diving on the island, while balancing conservation with the development of Bonaire’s marine park and the tourism industry.  He has devised creative ways of preserving the health and beauty of the island’s underwater environment. 

Please join those of us on Bonaire in congratulating Captain Don on a lifetime of achievements.  (Source:  Bonaire Insider reporter, image courtesy of TCB-NY)

Wednesday, April 02, 2008

Dive Friends Bonaire Holds Grand Opening Party at Dive Friends Dive Inn

Last evening, April 1st, Dive Friends Bonaire officially opened their fourth, and newest, location on Bonaire, at Dive Inn.  Celebrating with customers and friends from the island, managers Gerrie Fokke and Pascal de Meyer cut the ribbon and Dive Friends Dive Inn was born.

Dive Friends Bonaire now has locations at the Yellow Submarine facility on the north end of the oceanfront promenade, Hamlet Oasis at the north of the “hotel row”, Port Bonaire, across from the airport, and at Dive Inn, at the southern area of the oceanfront promenade.  Their customers can pick up or drop off tanks at any of their locations, making it very convenient for shore divers no matter where they plan to dive for the day.

Dive Friends Dive Inn continues today with a second-hand gear sale, and then tomorrow it will open for all dive business.

Images from the grand opening party are available on the Bonaire Insider Photo Gallery by clicking here.  (Source:  Bonaire Insider reporter)

Coral Paradise Resort Opens and Expands Web Site

Coral Paradise Resort, a new property on Bonaire, recently opened its doors for business.  Located just 100 steps from the sea, it’s a small property offering clean and comfortable accommodations in a friendly setting.

Coral Paradise Resort offers 7 studio apartments, furnished with two queen-sized beds, a full kitchen with utensils, stoves, refrigerator, microwave, coffee-maker, and a toaster.  Each non-smoking apartment has air-conditioning, cable TV with free premium channels, free WiFi, hot and cold water, telephone, and room safes. 

The resort is located in the northern hotel row, between Captain Don’s Habitat and the Hamlet Oasis.  An opening dive special, “Let The Good Times Roll,” is currently available for booking.

Concurrent with the resort’s opening is the expansion of their web site.  With lots of images available in various photo galleries, those planning their trip to the island can see great Bonaire imagery.

For additional information or reservations, visit their web site by clicking here, or send an email to info@coralparadisebonaire.com.  (Source:  Coral Paradise Resort)

Tuesday, April 01, 2008

American Airlines Offers Net SAAver Fares from San Juan to Bonaire

American Airlines announced today that they are running a special from San Juan to Bonaire (roundtrip) for $234.00 via their Net SAAver Fares.

Fare rules allow for departures anytime between Tuesday, April 8, 2008, and Friday, April 11, 2008.  Returns may be anytime between Monday, April 14, 2008, and Wednesday, April 16, 2008.  Tickets must be purchased by this Sunday, April 6, 2008, 11:59 p.m. (CT).  Fare of $234.00 is for round-trip coach class travel.  Other taxes, fees and conditions apply.

For additional information, visit www.aa.com. (Source:  American Airlines)