Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Jim Gilmour and Band Returns to Play at Club Roomer

Jim Gilmour, his band, and friends will be returning to tour Bonaire again and will present several musical evenings.  A Vermont (U.S.A.) resident, Jim is a musician, singer, songwriter, and sound engineer, and this will be his fourth visit to entertain those on the island.

This year’s visit is a bit different from past year, as Jim has brought his entire band and all of their families with him to share in the joys of Bonairean life and activities.  The five-man group featuring Jim on vocals and acoustic guitar also includes Ryan Dubors on bass, Paul Carrocio on drums, Charlie Rockwell on keyboard, and Jeff Poremski on guitar and vocals.

The Club Roomer Charity Donation Event will be the closing concert and grand finale to Jim’s appearances on Bonaire, and this will take place at Hotel Roomer from 6:00 to 10:00 PM on Friday, April 20th, 2012.  Tickets are only $10.00, and, to make table reservations, telephone Hotel Roomer at 717-7488. (Source:  Club Roomer)

Monday, April 16, 2012

Summer is a Great Time to Plan a Visit to Bonaire--Enjoy Exceptional Summer Savings

During the languid summer months, it’s a great time to plan a family vacation to Bonaire.  The water temperatures are warm, the seas are generally calm, the breezes are balmy, and it’s also easy on the pocketbook, when there are low season savings in place such as those at Divers Paradise Apartments or Den Laman Condominiums.

Divers Paradise Apartments is offering a special for 7-night stays between June 15th and September 2, 2012, with some categories of rooms only $50.00 per night, including all taxes.  For single travelers, it just doesn’t get any better than this, but those who travel in pairs needn’t feel excluded, because to add a second person in the room is only $50.00 for the week.  Three persons?  No problem, just add on another $75.00 for the week.  $350.00 a week for one person, $400.00 a week for two persons, or $475.00 a week for three persons, including all taxes. 

Additionally, those taking advantage of this special might be eligible to receive a discount of 20% of airfills (including tanks and weights) for the week.  Be one of the first seven people to book a room for 7 nights or more and save on diving, too!  One air discount per room. Hurry these additional savings are limited!

Rooms at this rate are capacity-controlled, so it’s best to make your reservation as soon as possible.  Special is available on garden view rooms.  Visit their web site by clicking here for additional information or send an email to reservations@diversparadisebonaire.com.

Also, Den Laman Condominiums just announced a 2-Bedroom Summer Special with a 25% rate reduction on all two-Bedroom categories for travel dates June 2 - July 14, 2012 as follows: Two Bedroom Ocean View: $198.00 per night; Two Bedroom Ocean Front: $225.00 per night; Two Bedroom Deluxe Oceanside: $280.00 per night. The special rates may be combined with Den Laman’s Value Season offer of pay for 6 nights, get the 7th night free.  $6.50 per person per night government room tax will be applied to all nights for guests age 13 and older. The reservation must be made and be deposited by June 1, 2012 to receive the discounted rates. Valid for new reservations only, based on availability. 

The Den Laman complex features 16 fully air-conditioned studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments with high end kitchens, dining and living areas, an on-site restaurant, underwater video/photo shop, and PADI/SSI dive center.  For additional information or to book this special, call toll free: 1-800-382-1094 or the Florida Office at 954 453-5050, visit their web site by clicking here, or email denlaman@diveres.com.

(Source:  Divers Paradise Apartments and Den Laman Condominiums)

Friday, April 13, 2012

Dutch Antilles Express (DAE) Announces Daily Flights to Miami with Curacao Connections

DAE has just announced a new routing with daily flights beginning June 1st, 2012 from Miami to Curacao to return.  They plan to have excellent connections for those going onward to and returning from Bonaire.

The Miami-Curacao flight will depart Miami at 3:00 PM and arriving in Curacao at 6:00 PM, allowing for plenty of time for connections to Bonaire.  The Curacao-Miami flight will depart at 11:00 AM, arriving in Miami at 1:00 PM, also allowing a good amount of time for passengers to get from Bonaire to Curacao in time for the connection.

The plane in service on this route will be MD83, with 153 seats, including 8 business class seats.

There is an introductory special with prices starting as low as $248.00.  Taxes are not included.  Reservations are required and tickets must be purchased no later than 11:59 PM EST June 19, 2012.  The special is valid for travel through June 29, 2012, and are valid on any day of travel during the week.  There is no minimum or maximum stay required. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable and change fees will be applicable should a change in the reservation be necessary.  Seat capacity is limited for the sale fare.  Prices and schedules are subject to change without notice.  Other restrictions may apply.

For additional information, visit their web site by clicking here.  Or, contact DAE:

Bonaire City Ticket Office
Kaya L.D. Gerard
Les Galleries Mall
Tel +599 717 3472
Open Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

or

Bonaire Airport Ticket Office
Flamingo International Airport
Plasa Maduro SV Thielman
Tel +599 717 0880
Open Monday from 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Thursday from 5:00 AM to 8:30 PM
Saturday from 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM
Sunday from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM

(Source:  Dutch Antilles Express)

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Karol Meyer, Free-diving Champion, Returns to Bonaire for Fourth Consecutive Year

For the fourth consecutive year, Buddy Dive Resort is proud to organize the Buddy Dive Free-diving Event in 2012 hosted by Brazilian free-diver, Karol Meyer. Karol broke seven world records in her career, and she is considered one of the most complete athletes in the sport’s history.

Karol will host two weekly events, the first of which is April 30 through May 5, and the second of which is May 7 through May 11, 2012.  Karol will host evening presentations to share her exciting adventures, where you’ll share special moments with the champion and also a Free-diving Clinic, for those interested.

Karol’s schedule for the two weeks is as follows:

WEEK 1
Monday 4/30/2012 8:00 PM Speech 1 - Karol Meyer “Free-diving Adventures”
Tuesday 5/1/2012 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Free-diving Adventure
Wednesday 5/2/2012 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Free-diving Clinic A.I.D.A.*
Saturday 5/5/2012 t.b.a World Record Attempt 1 - SKANDALOPETRA

WEEK 2
Monday 5/7/2012 t.b.a. World Record Attempt 2 - SKANDALOPETRA
Monday, 5/7/2012 8:00 PM Speech 2 - “Free-diving History Skandalopetra”
Wednesday 5/9/2012 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Free-diving Clinic A.I.D.A.*
Thursday 5/10/2012 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Free-diving Clinic A.I.D.A. Level 2**
Friday 5/11/2012 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM Free-diving Clinic A.I.D.A. Level 2**
Friday 5/11/2012 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Free-diving Adventure

Details for the two levels of free-diving clinics include:

*Free-diving Clinic A.I.D.A.
8:30 AM - 11:30 AM, classroom session
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM, swimming pool session
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM, Buddy’s Reef sea practice
- Total price for Buddy Dive guests only US$150 (others pay US$215)
- Apnea tournament / record homologation during the practices

**Free-diving Clinic A.I.D.A. Level 2
8:30 AM - 11:30 AM, classroom session
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM, Buddy’s Reef sea practice
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM, Buddy’s Reef sea practice
4:15 PM - 5:15 PM, Written test
- Total price for Buddy Dive guests only US$150 (others pay US$215)
- Apnea tournament / record homologation during the practices

Free-diving Adventure (boat dive)
Total price US$50

Please note: Minimum number of participants per event (clinic and adventure dive) is 4.

Complete packages for the event, including accommodations at Buddy Dive Resort, are also available.  For more details, click here.  (Source:  Buddy Dive Resort, Karol Meyer)

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

LaTina Divers Offers Week-Long Lionfish Culling and Cooking Event, May 19 through 26, 2012

The invasive Red Lionfish (Pterois volitans), native to the Indo-Pacific Region, were first confirmed in Bonaire on October 26th, 2009. Since then, they have continued to increase in size and abundance occupying a wide range of habitats and depths. Since 2009, the Bonaire National Marine Park has trained numerous volunteers to safely remove lionfish and Bonaire continues to be at the forefront of efforts in the Caribbean region to control these fish.  LaTina Divers is taking this one step further by organizing a week-long lionfish culling and cooking event from May 19 through 26, 2012. 

The six-day dive package includes:

•Six days unlimited air-fills including the use of weights.
•Daily delivery of full tanks to your rental home.
•Full Marine Park orientation and nature fee.
•One 2-tank afternoon lionfish culling boat dive to the sites in Washington Slagbaai National Park.
•One guided east-coast culling dive with THE Bas.
•One guided culling shore night dive.
•Friday afternoon Belgium Beer Happy Hour with lionfish snacks at Bistro de Paris.

Package price is only $395.00 per person with a minimum of two divers and can be booked by those staying at a private rental vacation home or villa.  Those who have booked or will book their accommodations through RE/MAX/Paradise Rentals, will receive a $45.00 discount on the diving package.  Nitrox upgrade is $40.00 per person, but will be provided free of charge for all reservations confirmed and deposited by May 1st, 2012.

Participants who book the package do need to be aware that only registered lionfish hunters will be allowed culling privileges. However, the week’s events will be educational, providing in-depth information on how to remove lionfish properly and humanely, how to clean them and prepare them for cooking, and then of course, there’s the fun of actually eating fresh lionfish at the week’s ending Happy Hour.

For additional information or to book the dive package, visit their web site by clicking here or email info@latinadivers.com.  (Source:  LaTina Divers and CIEE Newsletter)

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Join in Bonaire’s Underwater Cleanup, Saturday, April 21, 2012

The underwater cleanups have become very popular activities, with over 100 participants joining in together on each event to keep Bonaire beautiful. The next cleanup is scheduled to take place at Club Nautico Pier (in front of It Rains Fishes Restaurant) on Saturday, April 21, 2012.

Everyone is welcome to participate--divers, snorkelers, and those who wish to lend a hand with shore support. Anyone interested in participating should check in at Dive Friends @ Yellow Submarine at 9:30 AM, and the dive briefing will begin at 10:00 AM. All participants are welcome to return at 6:00 PM for the event’s customary BBQ at Dive Friends @ Yellow Submarine; drinks and main courses will be provided by Dive Friends, but participants are asked to bring a side dish to share. Those planning on attending should advise Dive Friends Bonaire by calling 717-2929 to make a reservation. For additional information about the cleanups, click here. (Source: Dive Friends Bonaire)

Thursday, April 05, 2012

We Wish Joan Zale, Frequent Bonaire Visitor, Good Luck in Her Photo Competition

Frequent Bonaire visitor, Joan Zale, has just received word that her photo of a squid shot on Bari Reef in Bonaire has been accepted as an entry in the Westchester County Amateur Photo Contest hosted by The Greenburgh Public Library Foundation.

The photo was taken on Joan’s most recent trip to Bonaire in February with a Canon PowerShot SD700 IS in a Canon housing equipped with an Ikelite AF-35 flash. Joan started taking underwater images back in 2004, and, since then, has never entered the water without her camera. Joan, and her husband Alan, own a condo at Sand Dollar, and they have been coming to Bonaire since 1995 and do 99% of their diving on Sand Dollar’s house reef, Bari Reef, one of the noted reefs in the Caribbean for its fish diversity.

The selected entries for the contest will be on display from May 2, 2012 to June 14, 2012 in the library’s Howard & Ruth Jacobs Family Gallery located in Elmsford, New York. The contest winners will be announced at a reception on Saturday May 12, 2012, with the first prize winner being awarded $500. We wish all the best of luck to Joan and hope that she brings more fame to Bonaire! (Source:  Bonaire Insider Reporter)

Wednesday, April 04, 2012

Bonaire Oceanfront Villa 9 Offers 20 Percent Discount for Stays May 5 through June 1, 2012

Bonaire Oceanfront Villa 9 is pleased to announce that those making a new reservation for travel May 5th through June 1st, 2012 will receive a 20 percent discount off the already low rates the villa offers. 

Since the villa can accommodate up to ten persons, the 20% discount makes for an economical stay while still enjoying oceanfront vacationing on Bonaire.  Costs are as low as $50.66 per person per night (plus tourist tax and cleaning fees) for a group of six staying for a week, while a group or family of ten will enjoy a per person per night rate of only $34.40 (plus tourist tax and cleaning fees) for a weekly stay.  Oceanfront living has never been easier or more economical than during such a special.

The property completed major renovations in 2009 and again in 2010, and those vacationing at Bonaire Oceanfront Villa 9 will have the use of up to five bedrooms and five bathrooms, a large and fully equipped kitchen, a third-floor roof-top terrace, facilities for washing clothing, and a cable TV/DVD player and WI-FI access.

Located at Hamlet #9, Bonaire Oceanfront Villa 9 offers the ease of diving from your own property, as the famous “Cliff” dive site is only 100 feet from the property’s beach.  Two diving facilities are within a short walk of the villa: Dive Friends Bonaire @ Hamlet to the north, and Captain Don’s Habitat to the south.  When making a reservation, please reference “May Savings” to receive your 20% discount from the normal rates.  All reservations must be booked and deposited no later than May 1, 2012; new reservations are subject to availability and this special cannot be combined with any other promotion or special.

Bonaire Oceanfront Villa 9 is one of Bonaire’s premier oceanfront properties offering villa-style vacationing.  It offers affordable accommodations for any Bonaire visitor, but especially caters to those coming to the island to dive.  For additional information or to check availability, visit their web site at www.bonaireoceanfrontvilla.com, or e-mail: info@bonaireoceanfrontvilla.com.  (Source:  Bonaire Oceanfront Villa)

Monday, April 02, 2012

Coral Spawning Predictions for 2012 Now Available

Many visitors in the months of August, September or October are pleased and surprised to find they are on Bonaire during spawning activities of corals and other invertebrates.  Other visitors plan their trips to Bonaire specifically for the chance to glimpse this unique event. 

Although certainly not an exact science, it is well documented that various species of coral and other marine invertebrates spawn in cycles that are closely tied to the full moons in the months of August, September, and October each year.  After years of studies, we have predictions which are the best guesses as to which species will spawn when.  The best way to enjoy this unusual phenomenon is to plan to spend lots of time making night dives when here during the spawning season.

STINAPA has just added their 2012 spawning predictions to their web site, so if you have a visit planned for the months of August though October this year, do check out the schedule to see if you will be on Bonaire during forecasted spawning times.  Click here (available in PDF format) to view the 2012 predictions schedule.  (Source:  STINAPA web site)

Friday, March 30, 2012

United Airlines (Continental) Announces 2012 Seasonalization of Flights to Bonaire

United Airlines, which now operates the flights previously provided by Continental Airlines, has just announced their planned seasonal breaks from service to and from Bonaire.

The Friday Houston service will be on hiatus from August 31, 2012 to September 28, 2012. This service will resume on October 5, 2012.

The Saturday Houston service will be on hiatus from August 25, 2012 to November 3, 2012. The service will resume on November 10, 2012.

The Newark service will be on hiatus from August 18, 2012 to November 3, 2012. Service will resume on November 10, 2012.

From August 31, 2012 to September 28, 2012 there will be no United service to the island.  United is in the process of re-accommodating passengers, so if passengers to Bonaire have ticketed reservations, they should be hearing from United/Continental, or their booking agent.  Passengers can also always inquire with the booking agent, whether it is the airline directly or a travel agent or wholesaler.

The Bonaire Insider will advise of any further developments in seasonal airlift changes.  (Source: TCB-NY)