Saturday, July 05, 2008

Renee Snorkel Trips Expands Web Site’s Photo Gallery

Renee Leach, long known for her excellent guided snorkel trips along Bonaire’s coastline, has recently expanded her web site’s photo gallery.

Utilizing images submitted by her snorkel customers, the web site illustrates just how much can be seen when snorkeling under Renee’s guidance.  The photo gallery shows spectacular images of squid, eagle rays, frogfish, and even flying guernards.  Renee has been providing guided snorkel excursions on Bonaire for eighteen years already, so she knows exactly where these creatures habitually live and thus can often show snorkelers a very different underwater scene than they will experience on their own.

To view the expanded photo gallery, click here.  Reservations are recommended, but many times she has last-minute availability, so it’s always a good idea to inquire.  Those interested can make a reservation on line by clicking here, or simply call her when on Bonaire.  Renee can be reached at phone 717-7791; if she’s out on a tour, messages may be left on the answering machine, or try her mobile phone at 785-0771. (Source:  Renee Snorkel Trips Web Site)

Friday, July 04, 2008

Next Quarterly Underwater Cleanup is Saturday, July 12, 2008

Each quarter, Dive Friends Bonaire and NetTech team up to host a quarterly cleanup of Bonaire’s underwater shoreline.  The next cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, July 12, 2008; those interested in participating should meet at the Dive Friends @ Dive Inn location at 1:00 PM for the briefing.

On this cleanup, it’s planned to dive Town Pier (permission from the Harbourmaster pending) to retrieve a pile of chipped ceramic tiles which were illegally dumped.  These tiles will be handed over to the Marine Park and held as evidence against those who dumped it there.  An additional focus will be the removal of monofilament fishing line.  If for some reason permission is not granted to dive Town Pier, then the group will focus upon cleaning up the shoreline and shallows of Cha-cha-cha beach, directly in front of the Dive Friends @ Dive Inn location.

All are welcome to participate, and there’s no charge.  Snorkelers and land personnel are also needed to assist with the removal, tallying, and sorting of trash.

Those unable to make this cleanup can mark their calendars for the next underwater cleanup, scheduled for Saturday, September 20th, 2008, which will be held in conjunction with International Cleanup Day and Bonaire Love Our Planet Week, and it also marks the tenth anniversary of Dive Friends/NetTech’s continuous cleanups on Bonaire.  (Source:  Dive Friends Bonaire and NetTech, N.V.)

Thursday, July 03, 2008

Buenos Aires Cafe Premiers Saturday, July 5th, Features Fairtrade Coffee to Help Save Rain Forests

The Palacios family, well known on Bonaire for Patagonia Argentinean Restaurant, is opening a new eatery in the Harbourside Shopping Mall, located directly on the oceanside promenade of Kralendijk Bay, called the Buenos Aires Cafe.

The new cafe will open on Saturday, July 5th and be open seven days a week serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Palacios family’s goal is to provide good food quickly (but not fast food) in an affordable manner, and with a friendly smile, so that visitors or island residents can hop in and enjoy a tasty, nutritious meal while on the run.

Also, the new cafe, as well as Patagonia Restaurant, is now featuring Fairtrade Coffee.  For those not familiar with fair trade practices, more information can be found by clicking here.  In short, it’s a market-based approach to alleviating global poverty and promoting sustainability. It advocates the payment of a fair price as well as social and environmental standards in areas related to the production of a wide variety of goods, including coffee.

Both restaurants will be procuring their coffee from Puro, which donates money to buy and protect areas of rain forest in South America for each kilogram of coffee espresso beans they sell.  So far, the organization has saved 355 acres of rain forests.

Those interested in trying the new cafe may download a coupon good for 10% off any breakfast item at Buenos Aires Cafe by visiting ParadiseRebates.com.  (Source:  Buenos Aires Cafe)

The Grand Opening of Club Calypso on Bonaire is Set for July 4th, 2008

The management of Papaya Moon Cantina have come up with another new “first” for Bonaire--Club Calypso, an upscale place to enjoy Bonaire’s nights after a long day of diving, windsurfing, or work.  The new club will premier on Friday, July 4th, 2008, with an opening gala featuring DJ Jack and DJ Euson.

The club will be open starting at 9:00 PM until 3:00 AM every other weekend, on Fridays and Saturdays.  Happy Hour frozen Margaritas area available at 9:00 PM, and then the party continues into the wee hours.  There’s a large, garden dance floor with a convenient bar to keep the whistle wet.  Music, provided by DJs, will be a mix of 80s, 90s, American, Dance, Salsa, Latin, and an array of other popular music.  For those who just want to watch the dancers, there’s a high-end Cocktail & Shot bar in a cozy alcove.  Private parties can be accommodated on any night with advance notice.

Club Calypso is located between Papaya Moon Cantina and the UTS/Chippie store on Kaya Grandi just down the side street--just look for the bright lights and listen for the music and sounds of people having fun.  (Source:  Club Calypso)

Note Update September 27, 2008: We’re sorry to advise that the club has been closed until further notice.

Wednesday, July 02, 2008

Sunbelt Realty Celebrates 15th Anniversary and Opening of New Rental Office Location on July 4, 2008

On July 4th, Sunbelt Realty will celebrate its 15-year presence in the Bonaire real estate world, and, simultaneously, they will open a new rental office location at this festive occasion.

Those who may be considering the purchase of a home on Bonaire and who happen to be on-island on the 4th, as well as any past, present, or future customers, are invited to attend a reception from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the new rental location at Kaya Gerharts #3, across the street from their main location.  The building that will be the new home of the Sunbelt Rental Office has been renovated extensively, yet still retains the Caribbean charm of older buildings in Kralendijk with its vibrant tropical colors.

For additional information, contact Mrs. Corine van der Hout by emailing info@sunbelt.an.  (Source:  Sunbelt Realty)

Congratulations, Bonaire--About.com Names Bonaire Favorite Dive Destination in the World

In recent stories, we wrote about the current opinion poll being conducted by about.com, a part of the New York Times news service.  The poll is now complete, and Bonaire was declared the Favorite Dive Destination in the world.

Thanks to all who voted for Bonaire.  Final results can be viewed on about.com by clicking here.  (Source:  About.com Web Site)

Tuesday, July 01, 2008

Coco Palm Garden Awards Second Golden Coconut in Bonaire-Style “Kunuku Golf” Tournament

On Wednesday afternoon, June 18th, the management and guests of Coco Palm Garden headed out to the kunuku area for a round of Bonaire-style golf and to see how who would be the winner of this year’s tournament and receive the Golden Coconut Award.

Although Coco Palm Garden attempts two tournaments each year, last November’s tournament was rained out.  However, weather for this game was fine, and all had a great time knocking around golf balls at the kunuku.

Some players never golfed before, and so they took a bit more time making it around the holes than those who golf regularly.  This tournament’s winner was Bob Hintze from North Carolina in the United States.  After the afternoon’s play, all enjoyed snacks and drinks.  (Source:  Coco Palm Garden)