Specials

Special offers

Wednesday, July 01, 2009

There’s Sizzlin’ Summer Savings Available Now on Trips to Bonaire

Summer’s here and it’s time for fun! The savings are sizzlin’, so take advantage of the deals available now on dive vacations to Bonaire! (All prices are quoted in US dollars).

Caribbean Adventures World Dive is offering a 10% discount on any published rate for Belmar Bonaire Dive and Drive package, or 5% off any Caribbean Club package. All group members receive resort T-shirts. For more information, visit www.worlddive.com, or call 1-800-433-3483.

H2O tours and Bonaire Seaside Apartments are offering the 6th & 7th night free! Book your 7 night dive package for travel from June 20 through December 18, 2009. Package includes:
-- 7 night accommodations
-- 6 days unlimited shore diving
-- Tanks, weights and belts
-- Rental truck
-- Hotel tax & service
-- Complimentary upgrade to NITROX with proof of NITROX certification. Prices begin at $544 per person (based on 6 divers in a 3 bedroom villa).
For more information, visit www.h2otours.net, call 1-866-480-3483.

Scuba Dive Bonaire Buddy Dive Resort Package: A PADI 5 Star Gold Palm Resort that keeps the needs of divers in mind, Buddy’s is a resort where you can dive, dive, dive, take part in a multitude of other available activities, or just sit back, relax, and enjoy the casual atmosphere and personable staff. Package includes:
-- 7 nights 2-bedroom accommodations
-- 6 days of 1-tank dives
-- Free Nitrox
-- 7 day rental vehicle
-- Round trip transfers
-- Taxes and service charges
Valid for travel September 1-25, 2009 and November 28 to December 18, 2009. Prices begin at $807 per person quad occupancy (competitive airfare available). Click here for more details. For more information, visit www.caradonna.com, or call 1-800-328-2288.

There’s a great deal with Maduro Travel at Captain Don’s Habitat for adult divers traveling with kids during summer. The “Home of Diving Freedom” on Bonaire is offering kids 16 and under a free stay and dive package when sharing accommodations with a paying adult. Kids who are certified receive the same dive package as the paying adults and non-diving kids receive a free introductory scuba course or 4 open water dives if doing a completion referral course. (Minimum 7-night stay required, 1 kid per each paying adult, maximum 2 kids with 2 paying adults, meals and marine park fee not included, and kids still subject to $6.58 nightly TIL tax.) 7-night dive packages start at $1168 per adult and include accommodations in a 1-bedroom bungalow, welcome rum punch, buffet breakfast daily, 6 single-tank boat dives, 6 days of 24-hour unlimited shore diving, taxes, service charges and energy surcharge.  Kids special valid through August 29, 2009; Singles special Aug 29 – Sep 26, 2009 and 2 Free nights Nov 28 – Dec 19, 2009. Some restrictions apply; call for details, availability and pricing. For more information, visit www.HabitatBonaire.com, or call 1-800-327-6709.

Den Laman is offering specially reduced rates to solo travelers vacationing between August 29 and September 25, 2009 when studio condominiums are only $85 per night and one-bedrooms only $150 per night (excluding government room tax.) Discounted rates apply to single occupancy only.  During this time, all vacationers—single, double, triple, or quad—receive a 7th night free with 6 nights paid (must pay government room tax only.) Divers can also take advantage of this special by paying for 5 days of diving and receiving the 6th day free and free Nitrox upgrades!  Den Laman features 16 fully air-conditioned studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments and is the location of Fish Eye Photo, Bonaire Dive & Adventure, and the seaside Sunset Bar & Grill Restaurant. For more information, visit www.denlaman.com, or call 1-800-382-1094.

Divi Flamingo and Scuba Travel Ventures are pleased to offer a special coral spawning package during this year’s coral spawning dates.  Included:
-- 7 nights accommodations
-- Airport transfers
-- Buffet breakfast daily
-- Daily 2 tank boat dive
-- Unlimited tanks for shore diving
-- Night “refresher” dive on the Calabas reef with certified instructors
-- 1 free night boat dive during spawning
-- Free lecture and slide show prior to spawning dive
-- Free CD/DVD of underwater footage during spawning dive
-- All taxes and service charges
Pricing, based upon double occupancy, is $950 per person.  Valid on August 8-15, 2009, August 9-16, 2009 (recommended), September 5-12, 2009, September 6-13, 2009 (recommended), October 6-13, 2009 (recommended).  In addition, clients will receive a $50 credit to be used at the resort. For more information, call 1-888-322-3483.

Golden Reef Inn is offering an anniversary special, which includes:
-- Accommodations in condo or villa
-- All Room Taxes
-- Energy Surcharges
-- Free Rum Punch Welcome Cocktail
-- Bonaire “Oasis” Goodie Basket in your apartment
-- Free Unlimited WIFI access
-- Free International Calling
-- Double Cabin Pickup Truck or compact car, including all government taxes & surcharges
-- 10% off all Spa Services
-- 15 Free minutes Internet access at Chat N Browse
-- Unlimited shore diving package including tanks, air, taxes and 24/7 access to tanks and secure gear storage
-- Free unlimited Nitrox upgrade
Rates begin $399.00 per person double occupancy for 8 days, 7 nights (diver), $299.00 per person double occupancy for 8 days, 7 nights (non-diver when staying with a diver), valid now through August 31, 2009.  Payment in full required when booking, some restrictions may apply.  For more information, visit www.goldenreefinn.com.

Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations and Hamlet have teamed up to offer substantial summer savings while Hamlet is renovating their pool.  Book a studio for two starting at $385.00 per week, while one-bedroom units start at $455.00 a week.  Rates do not include $6.50 per person per day tax, service, and departure cleaning. Dive Friends @ Hamlet is on site where 6 days unlimited air is $114.00 per person. This special is valid for travel between August 24 and September 28, 2009.  Prices subject to change and are based on availability.  For more information, visit www.bonairecaribbean.com or call 1-800-219-0118.

Plaza Resort Bonaire is offering group specials for a limited time only!  Early Booking Bonus for 2009 and 2010 includes 2 free nights, 6th day of diving free and free Nitrox.  Plus ask about our single diver incentive!  Group must be deposited within the next 30 days.  With Plaza Resort Bonaire 7th Heaven on 18 Palms package, prices start at $785 per diver, (based on double occupancy), and includes:
-- 7 nights Standard Suite
-- 6 days unlimited shore
-- Safety deposit box, lock & key
-- Tax, service and energy surcharge
-- Round-trip airport transfers
This package is valid now through December 19, 2009. Stay and Dive for free at the Plaza Resort Bonaire. For more information, visit www.islandexpressdivetours.com, or call 1-800-439-0300.

Paragon Travel/SC Travel offers Sand Dollar Condominium Resort’s “Ride to the Reef” package, which includes a multitude of dive goodies and a free NITROX upgrade! Packages start at $804 per person, based on quad occupancy, and $1017 per person based on double occupancy, and include
-- 7 nights accommodation
-- 6 days of unlimited tanks for shore diving plus six one tank boat dives
-- 7 day truck rental
-- Daily buffet breakfast
-- Room tax
Packages in studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom fully equipped condos are available. This package is available now through December 18, 2009. For more information, visit www.ricktaman.com, or call 1-416-461-2432.

(Source:  TCB-NY and Various Bonaire Properties)

Monday, June 29, 2009

Maduro Dive Fanta-Seas Offers Escorted Bonaire Trips for Individuals

Escorted group trips have great appeal to couples, singles, families, and friends who love to dive and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of having the availability of your own tour conductor who can assist in making sure all goes as planned, but many times group trips are only open to a limited amount of participants, specific to a dive store or club.  However, Maduro Dive Fanta-Seas is now offering group trips to Bonaire, for individuals, to fill that need.

There are many benefits when traveling with an escorted group trip, such as meeting new friends and dive buddies.  Additionally, there are value-added features such as free nights, free Nitrox, food & beverage credits, free diving or airfare, or other travel components that would not be available if planning a trip on your own. Also, the group tour conductor is responsible for all dive travelers to insure a smooth, hassle-free dive vacation for everyone and participants can rest assured knowing their arrangements have been made by a knowledgeable dive travel specialist.

There are two such upcoming trips to Bonaire during 2009.  The first will be to Buddy Dive Resort from September 19 through 26 (details available in PDF format by clicking here), and the second is to Captain Don’s Habitat from December 5 through 12 (click here for details on this tour, also in PDF format).  Both tours offer great savings and are sure to be fun-filled.

For more information, email by clicking here or call 1-800-327-6709. (Source:  Maduro Dive Fanta-Seas)

Friday, March 27, 2009

Villa Kiki Bonaire Offers Booking Special for May, June, September, and October, 2009

Vacations should be special, memorable events, and Villa Kiki on Bonaire just recently announced that they are offering a special value-added boating excursion, for new reservations in the months of May, June, September, and October, 2009.

All guests who make a reservation for those months are eligible for their choice of two different boating excursions on Bonaire’s waters.  Visitors may choose between a sunset sailing cruise on-board the stylish ship “Bowalie,” enjoying snacks and drinks while watching the sun set into the Caribbean Sea, or for those who wish to be on their own, or perhaps make a visit to Klein Bonaire, a half-day speedboat rental is an option. Fuel is included. You need only pack your picnic box and off you go. 

Either excursion is included, free of charge, in your room reservation for the months of May, June, September, and October, 2009.  Villa Kiki does request that you advise them of which excursion you wish at the time of booking.  Some restrictions apply.  For more information, visit their web site by clicking here. (Source:  Villa Kiki Bonaire)

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Dive Friends Bonaire Announces First Anniversary Shore Diving Sale at Dive Friends at Dive Inn

It was just one short year ago that Dive Friends Bonaire opened their fourth dive facility on Bonaire at Dive Inn, and, to celebrate their first year at this location, Dive Friends Bonaire is offering a First Anniversary Shore Diving Sale.

Valid for check-ins from May 1st through June 30th, 2009, any Bonaire visitor may register for shore diving at Dive Friends@Dive Inn, and receive the special rate for six (consecutive) days of shore diving of $114.00 per person (5% sales tax is additional).  This represents an 18% savings from the regular rate of $139.00 per person.

Even though check-in and the orientation will be held on Dive Friends @ Dive Inn, registered customers may use the convenience of the company’s other three locations to pick up tanks or utilize other services.  These locations include Dive Friends @ Yellow Submarine, Dive Friends @ Port Bonaire, and Dive Friends @ Hamlet.

Additionally, those certified to dive with Nitrox may receive a free upgrade to 32% mix, or, if Nitrox training is necessary, courses can be arranged at a 20% discount ($79.20 per person, with a minimum of two persons, plus applicable sales tax) for the PADI Enriched Air I Specialty Course. 

To be eligible to receive these special rates, advance reservations are necessary, and the “Dive Inn Anniversary Special” must be requested at the time of booking.  Reservations can be made by e-mailing info@dive-friends-bonaire.com .  Or, visit their web site by clicking here for additional information.  (Source:  Dive Friends Bonaire)

Monday, March 23, 2009

Golden Reef Inn Offers Special for May and June, 2009--Rolls Back Prices

Golden Reef Inn has recently announced that they are rolling back prices to the same rate as when they first opened years ago.  This special is good for May and June, 2009 and is for last-minute bookings only.

The special nightly rate is only $65.00 for a one-bedroom unit, and includes a full kitchen, hot water showers, air-conditioning, free WI-FI, and Cable TV with premium channels.  This special may be combined with any of their packages, but payment must be made in full at the time of booking to realize the savings.  Book now through June 30th, 2009 for travel between May 1 and June 30th, 2009.  Some restrictions may apply; price does not include government room taxes and energy surcharges.  This special is for new bookings only and cannot be aplied to reservations already made.  A minimum stay of three nights is required.

For additional information call Toll-free in the U.S. and Canada at 1-866-790-7333 or visit their web site by clicking here.  (Source:  Golden Reef Inn)

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Den Laman Condominiums Announce May Sale

Den Laman Condominiums is pleased to announce their May Sale: Pay for 5 nights and get 2 nights free.* This Bonaire ocean-front property features 16 fully air-conditioned apartments with modern kitchens, dining, and living areas.

May Sale Drive & Dive Packages start at only $591.00 per double diver, ($468 per double vacationer) for seven nights studio accommodation, six days of unlimited tanks for shore diving, free Nitrox upgrades, seven days truck rental, and government room tax. Boat dive packages as well as packages for May Sale one- and two-bedroom apartments are also available. This special is valid for travel May 2 - 29, 2009.  (* Government room tax must be paid on free nights.)

For additional information, call toll-free from the U.S. 1-800-382-1094, email denlaman@diveres.com, or visit their web site by clicking here. (Source:  Den Laman Condominiums)

Monday, February 09, 2009

Bonaire Hospitality Group Announces Upcoming Specials

Bonaire Hospitality Group manages three popular Bonaire resorts--Buddy Dive, Belmar Oceanfront Apartments, and Caribbean Club.  The management group has recently announced upcoming specials for all three properties.

BUDDY DIVE RESORT Enjoy Buddy’s Super Spring Saving*. Book a Drive & Dive package and get 50% Food & Beverage discount with a maximum of $75.00 discount per person. Valid for travel between April 18th and May 22nd, 2009.  The Drive and Dive Package includes accommodation for 8 days (7 nights), a rental vehicle (double cabin pick-up truck or van) for 7 days, 6 days of unlimited air fills, free nitrox, daily American style breakfast buffet, a welcome drink, free Manager’s Rum Punch Party, airport transfer and all government taxes.  Rates begin at $734.00 per person for the whole week (based on 6 persons in a 3-bedroom apartment).  Six boat dives can be added for $262.50 per person (incl. sales tax).  For additional information, click here.

BELMAR OCEANFRONT APARTMENTS Go to Belmar and Bring a Buddy For Free*. Book a Drive, Dive, & Stay package and every second diver dives for free! Valid for travel between April 18th and May 31st, 2009.  The Drive, Dive and Stay Package includes a fully equipped apartment for 8 days (7 nights), a rental vehicle (double cabin pick-up truck or van) for 7 days, 6 days of unlimited air fills, free nitrox, free Manager’s Rum Punch Party, airport transfer, and all government taxes.  Rates start at $497.00 per person for the whole week (based on 6 persons in a 3-bedroom apartment).  For additional information, click here.

CARIBBEAN CLUB BONAIRE Bring a Free Diver* to Caribbean Club. Book a Dive & Explore package and every second diver dives for free. Valid for travel between April 18th and May 29th, 2009.  The Dive and Explore Package includes a fully equipped apartment for 8 days (7 nights), a rental vehicle (double cabin pick-up truck) for 7 days, 6 days of unlimited air fills, free nitrox, daily American style breakfast buffet, free Manager’s Rum Punch Party, airport transfer, and all government taxes.  Rates start at $475.00 per person for the whole week (based on 4 persons in a 2-bedroom apartment).  For additional information, click here.

*For new bookings only. All specials cannot be combined with any other special and certain restrictions may apply.  (Source:  Bonaire Hospitality Group)

Friday, January 30, 2009

Bonaire Briefs--News and Happenings Around the Island of Bonaire

Here’s some of the latest news from the island, perfect for divers, adventurers, families and sun-seekers.

Bonaire Seaside Apartments offer “value with a view” in their newly discounted three bedroom villas.  Previously priced at $500 per night, these spacious, modern apartments are now priced at $320 per night up to quad occupancy, $350 per night if shared by five or six people. Oceanfront, fully air-conditioned studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments are also available. Conveniently located within easy walking distance of Bonaire’s capital, Kralendijk, these modern units feature a fully equipped kitchen, dining area, living areas, and porch or balcony overlooking Bonaire’s picturesque anchorage and nearby Klein Bonaire.

Dive services are provided by neighboring Dive Friends Bonaire@Yellow Submarine, a PADI Gold Palm Resort and National Geographic Family Dive Center.

Seven night Drive & Dive Packages are now only $756.00 pp based on six people sharing a three-bedroom villa, including one manual transmission truck, 3 days of 2-tank boat diving, plus 6 days of unlimited shore diving, free upgrades for Nitrox divers and government room tax.  Prices are valid through April 17, 2009.  Toll free 1-800-382-1094, www.bonaireseasideapartments.com

Buddy Dive Resort has begun a major renovation of all their guest rooms, including all new furniture in the living rooms, totally new bathrooms, and new kitchens complete with all new equipment.  Buddy Dive has elected a modern look combined with comfortable furniture. The sofas and the dining table chairs will give their divers the opportunity to relax after their dives.

The Digital Photo Center at Buddy Dive Resort in Bonaire also recently underwent an upgrade of their cameras in their rental line.  They are now offering Canon A650 IS cameras in Ikelite housings, which record 12 megapixel images, so there is an amazing amount of detail.  Rental cameras are preset for optimal settings for Bonaire, which takes the guess work out of underwater photography. In addition to camera and strobe rentals, the Digital Photo Center features a half-day photo class that can be personalized to participant’s specific needs no matter what the photographic skill level.

Buddy Dive Resort continues to upgrade its technical diving product under the leadership of Dive Operations Manager, Augusto Montbrun. Today, they are able to offer Tec Diving courses from TDI, and the resort has rearranged the fill station area adding a complete and new partial pressure gas blending station where they are able to fill their tech diving tanks and prepare custom blends at the desire of their clientele.  www.buddydive.com

Den Laman Condominiums’ waterfront restaurant, Sunset Bar & Grill, operated by Kirk Gosden of Lion’s Den fame, is now offering room service to guests of the resort. Originally open only for dinner, the restaurant has also recently opened for lunch. The Sunset Bar & Grill is open daily (excluding Wednesdays) from 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM for lunch, and 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM for dinner.

In addition to the restaurant, Den Laman features 16 modern fully A/C apartments with state-of-the-art kitchens, dining, and living areas. It is also home to Fish Eye Photo, a full service photo & video facility, as well as Bonaire Dive & Adventure, a PADI 5-Star Gold Palm full service dive and eco-adventure facility. 

Seven night Drive & Dive Packages start at $735.00 per person in studio accommodations and include a manual transmission rental truck, 6 days of unlimited tanks for shore diving, free Nitrox upgrades, and room tax. Boat dive package upgrades are also available, as are packages for one- and two-bedroom apartments. Prices are valid through April 17, 2009.  Toll free 1-800-382-1094, www.denlaman.com

Golden Reef Inn is offering a variety of specials over the coming months, including the following:  March, 2009 is the Ladies Special, for lady divers only, offering 8 days/7 nights of divine delights.  April, 2009 is Mature Shore Diving for those 50 and over, where a Sherpa will be provided, someone who can help you carry your gear from truck to water and back, and help with equipment, for those who desire it.  May, 2009 is for the Macro Photographer and Wanna-bes when staff from Fish Eye Photo will help with tips on underwater photography and editing.  June, 2009 offers two nights free when the June trip is booked and paid for now.  August, 2009 offers special packages with one night free, when a seven-night package is booked.  Guest is responsible for taxes for the seventh night.  www.goldenreefinn.com

Sand Dollar Condominium Resort, dive partner Bonaire Dive & Adventure, a PADI 5-star Gold Palm and SSI Scuba Training Facility, has just added the SSI Enriched Air Nitrox Specialty to their course offerings. This half-day course is available for $120.00 per student, excluding book, table and tax. Once completed, all Sand Dollar guests with a pre-paid dive package can receive free Nitrox upgrades for their remaining dive days.

Sand Dollar and Bonaire Dive & Adventures Ride to the Reef Package, based on four people sharing a spacious water-view, two-bedroom/two-bathroom condominium, is US $911.00 per diver, US $627.00 per vacationer.  The package includes seven nights accommodations, 6 days of unlimited tanks for shore diving, 6 one-tank boat dives, free Nitrox upgrades, daily breakfast buffet, manual transmission pick-up truck, and room tax (Nitrox Specialty not included.) Packages for shore diving only, as well as studio, one-, and three-bedroom accommodations are also available. Prices are valid through April 17, 2009.  Toll Free 1-800-288-4773, www.sanddollarbonaire.com

Bencho Car Rental specializes in Toyota Hilux pickup trucks for rental vehicles, and offers a special package where one day is free for each seven-day rental. A seven-day rental is $281.02, with one day free.  A 14-day rental is $562.04, with two days free, and a 21-day rental is $846.06, with three days free.  All rates include CDW, sales tax, and vehicle tax.  www.benchocarrental.com

Bonaire Tours & Vacations is offering a group special, valid now through April 15, 2009, for round-trip airport transfers and luggage handling.  Get one free for a group of twelve, or two free with a group of twenty. 

Bonaire Tours & Vacations also handles wedding planning, and has packages starting at $600.00, including all paperwork and the wedding day arrangements.  Those planning to get married on Bonaire can enjoy a romantic escape combined with their honeymoon, when they let a professional wedding planner make all the arrangements.  www.bonairetours.com

Jody’s Fashion & Music, a well known shop located in the center of Bonaire, has just completed a new Women’s Department.  Offering fashions for men, women, and youngsters, Jody’s has the latest board shorts, polo shirts, and original Nike sneakers.  The store is open Tuesday through Saturday from 1 PM to 5:00 PM.

Bambu French/International Restaurant is offering a complete new dinner menu in addition to a monthly Gastronomic Evening, held every first Thursday in the month.  Their chef prepares an exclusive 5-course dinner, with all new dishes not on their regular menu. The price is Nafl. 75.00 per person, excluding beverages; reservations are necessary and should be made at least one day in advance.

Philip’s Cooking & Organizing and Suze’s Wedding Planning together offer catering with a personal touch.  Meals can be prepared for a romantic twosome on the beach, for large groups up to 50 persons, or for special or business events.  By using a caterer, the host and hostess can be a guest themselves, and enjoy their own dinner party!  Services include catered meals or party snacks, cooking lessons, and cooking demonstrations.  Full wedding planning is also available.

Telerin Car Rental announces that all new double-cabin pickup trucks are now in and available for rentals.  These manual-transmission trucks feature power steering, air-conditioning, radio (AM/FM) and CD, and have a central locking dive rack.  Telerin is committed to continuously improving the quality of their service to their customers.

BonairePros.com is offering new package options for windsurfing that include new accommodation options, discount car rental, and equipment rental at Jibe City and Bonaire Windsurf Place. New dive package options are also being offered featuring Bonaire’s favorite dive resorts and new lodging/dive operator combinations.

(Source:  TCB-NY)

Thursday, January 15, 2009

American Airlines/American Eagle Announce Caribbean Fare Sale

American Airlines/American Eagle just announced today that they are holding a Caribbean Fare Sale.  Tickets must be purchased via their web site by January 26th, 2009, with travel now through March 12, 2009.  Fares are based on a round-trip purchase.

The Bonaire Insider pulled some sample fares that were available this morning from various U.S. gateway cities to Bonaire, and found round-trip fares of $610.00 from Chicago O’Hare, $395.00 from New York/LaGuardia, $532.00 from Miami, $611.00 from Dallas, $525.00 from Los Angeles, and $577.75 from Denver.  All fares quoted will have additional taxes payable and are subject to availability.  Other restrictions do apply; please click here for more details.  (Source:  American Airlines)

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

AB Car Provides Free Trial of Solar Car for Their Customers

As the Insider reported last October, AB Carrental is now the first rental vehicle company on Bonaire offering “green” vehicles, with its solar-powered vehicle.

Since that time, the staff and customers of AB Carrental have been actively testing the environmentally friendly solar car.  This new vehicle has shown it can handle a trip around the southern half of the island beautifully, while it does struggle a bit to get up the steeper climbs of some of the northern locations, like Seru Largu.

AB Carrental is now offering their customers the opportunity to try the solar car free of charge.  Those who are renting any other vehicle with AB Carrental, may contact them to make arrangements to exchange their current rental vehicle for the solar car for either a morning or afternoon, so they may try it out.  For additional information, visit their web site by clicking here.  (Source:  AB Carrental)