Transportation

News about on-island transportation

Friday, March 04, 2011

Good Return Offers New Taxi Service to Klein Bonaire

Effective immediately Good Return Bonaire is operating a daily taxi service to Klein Bonaire. 

Good Return will depart from Town Pier at 9:30 AM and 1:00 PM and return at 1:30 PM and 5:00 PM. Passengers will be able to get off the boat via ladder into the shallow water around Klein Bonaire, for a short walk to No Name Beach.

Good Return holds up to 50 passengers and ice cold beer, wine and soft drinks are available for purchase during the trip to Klein Bonaire. The boat has a large deck, restroom and shower available.

The cost of the taxi service is $15 per person and children under 12 cost only $7.50. Bonaire residents receive a 50% discount.

Good Return Bonaire also offers cruises around Bonaire and Klein Bonaire and customized excursions may also be arranged. (Source: Good Return Bonaire)

Monday, March 22, 2010

InfoBonaire.com, the Bonaire Information Site, Expands Site with New Data

NetTech, N.V. is pleased to announce the expansion of the popular InfoBonaire web site, the Bonaire Information Site, with new destination information for Bonaire visitors to assist with planning their vacations.

InfoBonaire®, the Bonaire Information Site™, was launched in 1997, and over the last 13 years has become well known as the definitive source for information about Bonaire as a destination, offering information about accommodations, restaurants, rental vehicles, diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, and more.  As new services become available on the island, InfoBonaire.com keeps the site fresh and timely with daily updates.

Accordingly, several new topics have been added to InfoBonaire’s wide scope of data.  Many visitors plan their vacations to Bonaire for diving, snorkeling, or windsurfing activities, but there’s a plethora of other activities to enjoy, too.  Visitors may now learn more about horseback-riding by visiting www.infobonaire.com/horsebackriding.html, or kiteboarding, by visiting www.infobonaire.com/kiteboarding.html.  Either of these activities offer exciting options for the traveler or family and friends.

Shopping is always a necessity while on vacation, whether it’s to purchase one’s own souvenirs or for those back home.  Visiting www.infobonaire.com/souvenirs.html offers a glimpse at special options for gift-giving, highlighting souvenirs which are made only with products from Bonaire or are about the island itself.  The Art and Handicrafts page, located at www.infobonaire.com/art_handicrafts.html, focuses upon where fine art and other local handicrafts can be found around the island, either for purchase or viewing, as artwork always provides a way to remember a favorite site or moment of a vacation.  And for those who want to be sure they’re in the height of fashion, even while on the beach, the Surf-wear Shopping page at www.infobonaire.com/surfwear.html offers a variety of options and tips.

As nearly all stay-over visitors utilize Bonaire’s airport, the new Airport page informs about the various services available at the island’s Flamingo Airport.  Visit www.infobonaire.com/airport.html for additional information.

Those not arriving by air usually enter for a day in port while on a cruise to the southern Caribbean, and the new Cruise Passenger Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page will answer many questions for those island visitors who must maximize their enjoyment of what Bonaire has to offer.  This page can be viewed by clicking www.infobonaire.com/cruise_FAQs.html.

Nearly all stay-over visitors rent a vehicle so they are mobile and can enjoy dining at different restaurants , visiting various dive or snorkel sites, or traveling through the island’s northern national park.  Although driving on Bonaire is very easy, the new Traffic page at www.infobonaire.com/traffic.html provides information about signage and right-of-way for those driving.

Since the invasive Pacific lionfish entered Bonaire’s waters, many visiting divers want to know what they can do to help with containment.  These divers can visit the new Lionfish page located at www.infobonaire.com/lionfish.html for more information and tips about this new species.

Viewers may easily access any of these new sections of InfoBonaire directly from menus on the home page and other key parts of the InfoBonaire web site.

“When we first launched InfoBonaire over a dozen years ago, our premise was simple—provide all possible information about Bonaire in a simple, friendly manner, and continually update the site to keep it current. Our efforts obviously have been rewarded because InfoBonaire has been, and remains, the top Bonaire web site in Google and many other key search engines,” said Jake Richter, founder and co-managing director of NetTech N.V.  He added, “This latest expansion continues our effort at keeping our content current, fresh, and most importantly, relevant, focusing on the real information visitors need.”

InfoBonaire is also the host of One-Stop Quotes™, which allows potential Bonaire visitors to easily check rates and availability for select accommodations and car rental companies with one simple online request, which is then transmitted automatically via an email to those local companies which the viewer selected.  Since its inception in 2006, One -Stop-Quotes has provided thousands of quotations and availability checks.  For additional information or to request a quote, visit www.infobonaire.com/one-stop-quotes.html.

NetTech N.V. is Bonaire’s largest and most well known Internet hosting and email company providing all levels of Internet marketing, design, specialized programming, and graphic services.  The company provides the popular web sites InfoBonaire (www.InfoBonaire.com), The Bonaire Insider™ (www.BonaireInsider.com), Bonaire Surveys™ (www.BonaireSurveys.com), and Paradise Rebates™ (www.ParadiseRebates.com). For additional information, visit www.nettech.an.

InfoBonaire is a registered trademark of NetTech N.V., and The Bonaire Information Site, Bonaire Insider, Bonaire Surveys, One-Stop Quotes, and Paradise Rebates are all trademarks of NetTech N.V.  (Source:  NetTech, N.V.)

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)

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)

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Bonaire Visitors Now May Rent a Vehicle and Still Be “Green”

With fuel prices still high on the island, alternative sources of energy for a vehicle are certainly welcome.  Beginning November 1st, visitors to Bonaire can now rent a solar-powered vehicle.

AB Car Rental has recently acquired its first solar-powered vehicle for its rental pool, and, in fact, has become the official distributor for Solar Car in the Caribbean.

These vehicles are powered solely by sunshine and electricity, so gasoline or diesel do not need to be purchased.  Those who are currently on Bonaire and are interested in viewing the vehicle may do so this evening from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Coco Palm Garden in Belnem.

For additional information regarding renting this vehicle, visit AB Car Rental’s web site by clicking here.  (Source:  AB Car Rental)

Thursday, June 12, 2008

NetTech Launches Paradise Rebates to Help Defray Consumers’ Higher Travel Costs

NetTech, N.V. today announced the unveiling of a new Internet service, Paradise Rebates, geared to the Caribbean or Pacific traveler.  This new product, accessible at www.paradiserebates.com, provides coupons and rebates so that travelers planning a visit may recoup some of the additional baggage fees they must now pay to certain airlines.  Bonaire, in the Dutch Caribbean, is the first destination to participate by offering discounts, coupons, and rebates.

Paradise Rebates™ is the first such tool available for island travelers, who can either download and print coupons for use on Bonaire, or use their baggage receipts for rebates.  Coupons (which are available to all who meet the coupon use requirements, and are not tied to baggage fees) and rebates are good against the purchase of retail products or such services as dining, accommodations, activities, or vehicle rentals.

The following companies on Bonaire have offered coupons or rebates:  Dive Friends Bonaire, Patagonia Restaurant, Sun Rentals, Paradise Coffee, the Buenos Aires Café, Golden Reef Inn, Coco Palm Garden/Casa Oleander, the Mangrove Info Center, Bencho Car Rental, Caribbean Club Bonaire, and AB CarRental. Visit http://www.paradiserebates.com to view the details of each company’s offer.

Those interested in staying abreast may elect to sign up for free email alerts, which will be sent when a new listing has been added to the web site, by visiting http://www.paradiserebates.com/subscribe.html.

Any entity interested in having a listing for their company or destination, may contact NetTech, N.V. by e-mailing info@nettech.an to learn more about options and pricing.  (Source:  NetTech, N.V. Press Release)

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Access Roads Restored in Bonaire’s Washington-Slagbaai National Park, the Park Plans Festivities

STINAPA recently announced that the road system in Washington-Slagbaai National Park has been graded and renovated so that all types of vehicles can traverse the park easily.  The work has been completed just in time for their June 1st, 2008 anniversary celebration.

In the past, STINAPA recommended that only jeeps or pickup trucks should enter the park, but with the road renovation, other types of autos, such as family sedans, can now enter. 

There are two routes in the park, the short route being 24 kilometers, and the long route being 34 kilometers.  Both routes have been restored, since the rainy season (now past) and vehicular traffic can cause ruts in the roadways.  Although STINAPA is hoping for additional funding to maintain the roads in this manner during future rainy seasons, it does not yet have the necessary funds to maintain the existing system of water canals.

On June 1st, 2008, the park will hold its annual anniversary celebrations, with special walking tours, music, transportation to Slagbaai from the park entrance, as well as children’s activities.  To view the flyer regarding the day’s events, click here, in PDF format. 

For additional information, contact STINAPA by telephone at 717-8444 or Washington-Slagbaai National Park directly at 788-9015. (Source:  STINAPA)

Thursday, May 08, 2008

Four of Bonaire’s Vehicle Rental Agencies Open New Airport Rental Center

Effective immediately, a new Airport Rental Center has opened up just opposite the main terminal exit/entrance of Bonaire’s Flamingo Airport.  Currently, four of Bonaire’s vehicle rental companies have relocated their offices to this location, so vehicle pick ups and drop offs will now be handled at the new location.

The four companies who have relocated are:  AB Car Rental, Total Car Rental, Island Car Rental, and Top Drive Car Rental.  Together, they command a fleet of nearly 500 rental vehicles of all types and prices.  To locate the new center, once you exit the terminal (facing outward), look straight forward and toward your right.  (Or simply follow the foot prints on the image above).

The Airport Rental Center offers additional advantages with its spacious and air-conditioned indoor offices, having four of Bonaire’s rental agencies under one roof and within walking distance from the airport, and a welcoming bar where those tired from traveling can enjoy a cold drink or snack while awaiting their vehicle.  Additionally, the Airport Rental Center offers a new location for Harbourtown Real Estate, which offers interested visitors or residents information on the current real estate market on Bonaire, as well as showcasing current homes and businesses which are available for sale. (Source:  AB Car Rental; image courtesy of AB Car Rental)

Note Update May 29, 2008: We’ve just learned that this new facility has been temporarily closed.  Check with your rental agency if you are using AB Car Rental, Total Car Rental, Island Car Rental, and Top Drive Car Rental for instructions as to where to pick up your vehicle. (Source:  Bonaire Insider Reporter)

Tuesday, September 12, 2006

NetTech Launches InfoBonaire One-Stop Quotes as Part of Updated Bonaire Information Site

NetTech, N.V. today announced the unveiling of a new on-line service - One-Stop-Quotes - on InfoBonaire, The Bonaire Information Site.  InfoBonaire One-Stop-Quotes will allow potential Bonaire visitors to easily request rates and availability for select hotels and car rental companies with a simple on-line submission. 

One-Stop-Quotes can be currently used to request rates and/or availability for multiple hotels/apartments and car rentals, and the system will be expanded in the near future to include other tourism-related companies.  The new program is part and parcel of a new re-branding of the InfoBonaire web site, The Bonaire Information Site.

For additional information, click here.  (Source:  NetTech, N.V. Press Release)

Monday, August 07, 2006

New Tourism Specials Are Announced

Bonaire tourism companies announce new specials for the coming months.

Bonaire Lagoen Hill is offering a package that includes 7 nights accommodation, 6 days of unlimited shore diving and 7 days vehicle rental. Package prices starting at $353.00 per person, based on 6 people in a 3-bedroom cottage.Lagoen Hill is located in the rolling hills near Lagoen Bay, a quiet residential setting with great island views of Bonaire, only 2 miles from the capital city of Kralendijk . The resort features 30 private cottages, set among lush tropical gardens. The cottages are provided with cable TV, radio, ceiling-fans, personal safes, hot water facilities, a fully equipped kitchen, a spacious bathroom with shower and large bedrooms with air-conditioning. Homes with all the comfort and modern amenities needed for a perfect and affordable island getaway. Package prices are valid until December 19, 2006. For more information visit the Lagoen Hill Web site.

Divers Paradise is offering a seven-night special including 6 days of unlimited shore diving, plus 7 days vehicle rental. Package prices starting at $383.00 per person, based on 3 people in a one-bedroom apartment. Located a short drive from Kralendijk in the quiet residential area of Hato. Divers Paradise offers seven comfortable apartments complete with fully-equipped kitchens, cable TV, radio, personal safes, bathroom with shower and bedroom with air-conditioning. Package prices are valid until December 19, 2006. For more information visit their Web site.

AB Carrental, located at the Airport of Bonaire, is offering a Special for Divers and Non Divers, through December 21, 2006: For Divers, a Mazda Pick Up Double Cabin with power steering and A/C for only USD 30.00 per day or USD 200.00 per week. Also available “ 4WD Drive Pick Up Trucks and 4WD SUVs” with automatic transmission. For Non Divers: A Kia Picanto, 4 door economy car with A/C for only USD 27.00 per day or USD 175.00 per week. Also available with automatic transmission. Visit the AB Carrental Web site for further details and make your reservation through their on-line-reservation system.

Fox Discount Car Rental, has a Special for Divers until December 15 - 2006:  Pick Up Truck Double Cabin Standard for as low as USD 23.00 per day or USD 145.00 per week, taxes not included. Pick Up Truck Double Cabin Deluxe with power-steering and A/C for USD 29.00 per day or USD 183.00 per week, taxes not included. For more information, visit their Web site.  (Source:  Bonaire Entre Nous Newsletter, August 7, 2006)