Friday, October 17, 2008

Bonaire is Back to Business Following Tropical System Omar

On Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, the tropical weather system Omar passed close to Bonaire, causing some wind, rain, and heavy seas.  Now, just days after the storm has passed through the region, the island remains open for visiting tourists. 

Flamingo Airport Bonaire did not close and is fully operational with slight disruptions in flights. Hotels are operating and report minimal damage beyond beach erosion, trees down, standing water in low-lying areas and loss of planking on docks. A report on reef conditions is pending receipt of data from the Bonaire National Marine Park.

All roads are accessible and island-wide clean-up continues. Structural damages to public areas are being evaluated and technical assistance is already in place to repair their infrastructures.  Diving activities resumed today in force throughout the island.  Underwater visibility is reported at near 75 feet, and is getting better each day.

Travelers who are scheduled to arrive on Bonaire in the next few days and have specific questions about airline schedules or hotel accommodations should contact their travel professionals, airlines, and hotels directly for information.  However, the Bonaire Insider has received the following reports from tourism entities on the island:

Dive Friends Bonaire reports that some minor damage was done to their piers at Yellow Submarine and Dive Inn.  One pier has already been repaired, while the second pier will require a bit more time to make proper repairs.  In the meantime, both piers are operational, and all their facilities are operating at 100% capacity.

Woodwind Sail & Guided Snorkel reports that they are open for business as of Sunday, October 19th.  Departures are now from the north pier at Divi Flamingo Beach Resort and Casino.

VINIBU at Bellevue reports no problems or damage other than there’s a little less sand on the beach now, which should return in the coming months.

Black Durgon Inn reports that no diving was missed as their divers dove the east side during the wind reversal. Today they are back diving out front of the Black Durgon with reports that, although there is sand covering some of the corals, visibility was over 60 feet and they viewed normal marine life.

Bonaire Dive & Adventure, Den Laman Condominiums, and Sand Dollar Condominium Resort are pleased to report that the Bonaire Dive & Adventure pier, which was closed during September 2008 for routine maintenance, was unaffected by the storm, and is “open for business” as usual for all Sand Dollar and Den Laman guests.

Den Laman Condominiums and Seaside Apartments both report no damage to their properties and they are fully operational.

Coral Paradise Resort reports that after a light cleanup, they are fully operational.  There’s no damage to the hotel and all diving activities are continued at this time.

As additional reports are received, we’ll be sure to post them. (Source:  TCB-NY, Bonaire Insider Reporter)

Note Update October 18, 2008: Captain Don’s Habitat also reports that they returned to normal operations on Friday morning, October 17th, 2008 and conducted their three regularly scheduled boat dives from Papa Dock. While some repairs are needed to Baby Dock, shore diving is being conducted from the new walk-in coral beach directly in front of the equipment locker area.  A ladder has also been placed on the north side of Papa Dock for those wishing to enter and exit the water in that manner.