See the reef as never before on a Belmar Oceanfront Apartments UV Night Dive

From Belmar Oceanfront Apartments Bonaire:

Belmar Dive shop has now introduced Ultra Violet (UV) night diving as a new experience for our diving guests. With a special blue light and a filter for your dive mask this night dive will totally amaze you. This is a great dive for people with some night diving experience who would like to try something different. The fluorescence is not the same as bioluminescence which you will be able to see on almost any night dive. During a UV night dive you will see the beautiful corals and sponges like you have never seen them before and array of colors yellow, orange, white, red, gold, purple… and in a magical  display of light.

For those of you who have seen the film Avatar this experience is like being in the film! Come and speak to us here in the dive shop to book a UV Night Dive. We only take out small groups of up to 5 people at a time to make sure it is really a dive to remember.

The reef explodes in colors not seen before

Let us set up your Bonaire dive adventure with Belmar Oceanfront Apartments. Save on Fall Specials with free nigths and diving!

Contact us at 800-748-8733 or www.bonairepros.com

Belmar Oceanfront Apartments Offers UV Night Dives from Bonaire Travel News

Buddy Dive Resort Bonaire welcomes Ned and Anna DeLoach in September and October for their Marine Life Education Program

In conjunction with their Marine Life Education Programs, Buddy Dive Resort Bonaire is pleased to announce the return of Ned and Anna DeLoach for the eighth consecutive year to Buddy Dive. World-renowned naturalists and marine life authors (including “Reef Fish Identification”, “Reef Fish Behavior”, “Reef Coral Identification” and “Reef Creature Identification”), Ned and Anna will offer seminars and slide shows on fish behavior, coral and fish identification, as well as guide dive trips.

Most of Bonaire’s coral spawning will occur during the time that Ned and Anna are here. Divers who are interested in the Bonaire coral spawning and other phenomena which occur on the reef should not hesitate to approach Ned and Anna with their questions. They are specialists and love to share their expertise!

You can stay at Buddy Dive Resort and meet and dive with Ned and Anna. To celebrate their return, every second diver dives for FREE when booking their Drive & Dive package. Valid for travel between: September 3rd – October 1st 2011 (please note the dates of Ned and Anna, as their stay differs somewhat from the travel window).

 The activities start on Sunday the 4th of September and will carry on until Friday the 23rd of October, and are scheduled as follows:

Sunday              7:00 pm                           Ned & Anna DeLoach Slide Show at The Poolbar
Monday             2:15 pm                           Guided Boat Dive
Tuesday             2:00 pm                          Mangrove Snorkel
Wednesday       2:15 pm                           Guided Boat Dive
Friday                 5:30 – 6:30 pm             Book signing during Happy Hour at The Poolbar

All activities are free of charge for guests staying at Buddy Dive. A limited number of people can be accommodated on the guided boat dives and snorkel tour. You can sign-up at the dive shop blackboard for the boat dives and at the Activity Center for the Mangrove Snorkel Trip.

The “Reef Fish Identification” and the “Reef Fish Behavior” books are for sale in Buddy Dive’s dive shop. You can buy your copy and have it signed during the weekly Managers Rum Punch Party & Happy Hour every Friday between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m.

Contact BonairePros to book your Buddy Dive Resort vacation to Bonaire for Ned and Anna DeLoach weeks. Call us at 800-748-8733 or submit a price quote at http://www.bonairepros.com/Price-Quote.aspx

Buddy Dive Resort Bonaire Hosts Marine Life Education Program from Bonaire Travel News

Insel Air will begin twice weekly service from Charlotte to Bonaire

Looks like Insel Air is making good on their promise for flights from Charlotte to Bonaire. According to flights stored and available for purchase in SABRE, Travelocity and Expedia, starting Jun 22, 2011, Insel will offer a twice weekly non-stop flight from Charlotte to Curacao with a connection to Bonaire. Flights will operate Wednesdays and Saturdays with the following initial schedules:

• Charlotte to Curacao: depart 2:25pm-arrive 6:40pm
• Curacao to Bonaire: depart 9:00pm-arrive 9:25pm
• Bonaire to Curacao: depart 7:55am-arrive 8:20am
• Curacao to Charlotte: depart 9:10am-arrive 1:25pm

We’re pricing round trip fares including all taxes (except Bonaire departure tax) at $497.30 per person from Charlotte to Bonaire! Bear in mind that due to airport renovation closures, you’ll only be able to do southbound flights on Saturdays (unless you want to overnight in Curacao, as the airport is closed after 7:45pm on Wednesdays) — at least through announced runway work through July 2011.

A promotional fare may be in store once this is officially announced, along with connecting fares through Charlotte with the agreements in place between Insel and USAir. We’ll keep you posted on this blog as news develops.

Note — BonairePros arranges reservations and e-ticketing on Insel flights to Bonaire for clients purchasing vacation packages, using the world’s largest airline reservation and distribution software, the SABRE reservation system.

Insel Air to Offer Charlotte flight to Bonaire from Bonaire Travel News

Jay Marin sent us this photo from his trip. I like this better than a Gnome on my vacation!

Here’s a Bonaire travel review we got from our client Jay Marin after his recent trip to Bonaire. He sent us a nice photo too. Nothing like a cold Corona for perspective in a picture (or maybe after a dive).

We’ve been using another Bonaire travel agency for the last 10 years (not going every year, but 5 times), and without realizing that carnival was in Bonaire the week we wanted to go, everything was packed. Didn’t see too much excitement in helping from my old travel agency and then I call you guys. I believe within 30 minutes Andy called me back confirming the complete trip package and the price was even better than I was expecting to pay. Cpt Don’s Habitat was great, they have lot of new apartments and bungalows — we got an older unit which did not look it’s best, but the A/C worked great and water heater, kitchen, everything worked. Cpt Don’s dive shop was superb, great people and the shop is located right in front of one of the best reefs available from shore. They always had plenty of tanks available. The restaurant was great, good selection, and when their brick oven works, their pizza is the best in the area. 

Thanks for the great help.

 Jay

Bonaire Travel Review from Bonaire Travel News

Sorobon Beach Resort features Bonaire's finest beach

Sorobon Beach Resort, Bonaire’s unique beachfront resort located on Lac Bay, is offering a 2 for 1 Special. Book a 7 night package including newly renovated 1 bedroom beachfront cottage, daily breakfast, 6 days of windsurfing with Jibe City OR 6 days of unlimited shore diving with Wannadive — and the 2nd person gets their breakfast FREE along with windsurfing or diving FREE! Travel valid May 1-Jun 30, 2011.

Sorobon Beach Resort Windsurf package for $558.00 per person, double includes:

• 7 nights 1 bedroom cottage
• daily breakfast for each person
• 6 days equipment at Jibe City for 2 people

Sorbon Beach Resort Dive package for $478.00 per person, double includes:

• 7 nights 1 bedroom cottage
• daily breakfast for each person
• 6 days unlimited shore diving with Wannadive including tanks, weights, belts, and Nitrox for 2 people

Government room taxes of $6.50 per person, per night not included. Add a Toyota Hiluxe twin cab truck with AC, unlimited mileage, all taxes with airport pick up and drop off from Budget Car Rental for only $259.00 for the week with either package.

Get a closer look at Sorobon at http://www.bonairepros.com/Sorobon-Beach-Resort.aspx and get a custom price quote at http://www.bonairepros.com/Price-Quote.aspx

Sorobon Beach Resort Bonaire Offers FREE Windsurfing and Diving from Bonaire Travel News

Will Klein Bonaire be the site of Bonaire's newest resort?

Dateline: Apr 1, 2011

In a report leaked yesterday, actor Charlie Sheen has agreed to purchase the island of Klein Bonaire from the Bonaire government and build Bonaire’s newest resort. Plans call for a 250 room hotel dedicated to Bonaire diving, snorkeling, windsurfing and fun with construction starting immediately. A spokesman for Sheen reportedly stated the “Sober Valley Dive and Rehab Resort” should be completed in 2012 with a South American inspired design featuring all-Colombian products. Longtime Bonaire dive operator, Wannadive Bonaire, will operate complete diver services at the resort and was reported to be hiring “dive goddesses” to serve as Bonaire guides for unique underwater adventures. In addition, Wannadive will be opening two other retail establishments at the resort, Wannadrink and WannaGethigh. Bart Snelder, co-owner of Wannadive, declined comment, but was heard to say “now maybe we can start having some fun on this pathetic little island”. He reportedly shoved a cameraman when asked about the off-menu items at WannaGethigh saying “we’ve got Charlie’s back on this one — we’re going to put Bonaire on the freakin’ map, baby”.

The future Bonaire resort was reported to include private dive sites (marked by seven-gram rocks painted yellow), a health food and juice bar, Tiger Blood, and a small performing arts theater  which will debut a Sheen directed musical, “Winning – Duh!”, as well as concerts by his band, Freaking Rock Stars from Mars. Guests are expected to check in for extended stays with rates based on monthly packages including all activities, meals, drinks and drinks — making it Bonaire’s only all-inclusive-compulsive resort.

Charlie Sheen to buy Klein Bonaire for Bonaire resort development? from Bonaire Travel News

Diving on Bari Reef at Sand Dollar Bonaire

Fourth Annual Fish ID Challenge
July 30 – August 5 & August 6 – 12, 2011

For many years, Sand Dollar and Bonaire Dive & Adventure have actively supported education and conservation programs designed to contribute to the preservation of Bonaire’s magnificent underwater Marine Park. Join them this summer as they team up once more with Fish ID experts Patti & Scott Chandler of ReefNet, Inc.

Well known for their work in marine life identification and documentation, the Chandlers have spent the last 20 years documenting fish species, behaviors and creatures for future study and identification.

The Free Bonaire Fish ID Challenge program includes:

• Multimedia Fish ID seminars
• Guided dives with the Chandlers and Bonaire Dive & Adventure naturalist Jerry Ligon
• A Bonaire specific, custom fish ID guidebook of the top 100 fish species found in our waters
• Introduction to REEF (Reef Environmental Education Foundation) surveying
• Prizes awarded for finding the “fish de jour” on each days “Wanted” poster
•  Raw video reviews highlighting unusual fish behavior and macro video

Participants can join in for the entire week’s program or join in “ad hoc” on as many events and seminars as they like in accordance with their own personal preferences.

Saturday July 30 & August 6:

8.30 – 9.30 am: Diver registration at Bonaire Dive & Adventure

9.30 am: Bonaire Marine Park Orientation and check out dive on Bari Reef. During the orientation all will be explained about the Fish ID Challenge.

 Sunday July 31 & Aug 7

9.30 am: Bonaire Marine Park Orientation and check out dive on Bari Reef. During the orientation all will be explained about the Fish ID Challenge.

7.00 – 8.15 pm: First Multimedia Fish ID Seminar. In this big screen presentation divers will participate in an introductory presentation on Basic Fish ID and learn how to contribute to REEF’s fish database (Reef Environmental Education Foundation) 

 Monday Aug 1 & Aug 8

8.30 – 9.00 am: Daily Wanted Poster unveiled under the big umbrella at Bonaire Dive & Adventure. Scott & Patti are available for questions.

9.00 am: Guided dive with naturalists Scott & Patti Chandler on Bari Reef after an explanatory briefing. Maximum 6 divers.

5.00 – 6.00 pm: Bonaire Dive & Adventure’s Dive Masters Rum Punch Party under the big umbrella with music & snacks.

7.00 – 8.00 pm: Fish Tales and Raw Video Review with Scott & Patti.

Tuesday Aug 2 & 9 

8.30 – 9.00 am: Daily Wanted Poster unveiled under the big umbrella at Bonaire Dive & Adventure. Scott & Patti are available for questions.

2.00 pm: Guided dive with naturalists Scott & Patti Chandler on Bari reef after an explanatory briefing. Maximum 6 divers.

7.00 – 8.15 pm: Second Multimedia Fish ID Seminar.

 Wednesday August 3 & 10

8.30 – 9.00 am: Daily Wanted Poster unveiled under the big umbrella at Bonaire Dive & Adventure. Scott & Patti are available for questions.

2.00 pm: Guided dive with naturalists Scott & Patti on Bari reef after an explanatory briefing. Maximum 6 divers.

 Thursday Aug 4 & 11

8.30 – 9.00 am: Daily Wanted Poster unveiled under the big umbrella at Bonaire Dive & Adventure. Scott & Patti will be available for questions.

9.00 am: Guided dive with the naturalists Scott & Patti on Bari Reef after an explanatory briefing. Maximum 6 divers.

7.00 – 8.00 pm: Fish Tales and Raw Video Review with Scott & Patti.

Friday August 5 & 12

8.30 – 9.00 am: Daily Wanted Poster unveiled under the big umbrella at Bonaire Dive & Adventure. Scott & Patti are available for questions.

5.00 pm: Award Ceremony under the big umbrella at Bonaire Dive & Adventure with drinks and snacks.

Annual Bonaire Fish ID Challenge Announced from Bonaire Travel News

Here’s your chance to save on the best dive package offers for Bonaire this year. The Bonaire Bonus Bonanza promo includes THE best deals on island.

To get the details, see resort offers and get pricing for the special, go to http://bonairepros.com/Bonaire-bonanza.aspx

Hurry — you must book by April 15, 2011. All packages include:

• 7 nights accommodations
• Unlimited shore diving with optional boat dives
• Airport transfers or rental vehicle
• 3 days FREE gear rental for each diver
• On-island Bonus Card for discounts and freebies at island restaurants, retailers, tour companies,
• All taxes and service charges
• Travel between May 1-Jun 15, 2011 and Aug 15-Dec 15, 2011

Resort Bonus Features include FREE dive trips, FREE nights, FREE diving for companions, resort food discounts and more.

Participating Bonaire hotels and scuba diving resorts for this travel special include:

• Captain Don’s Habitat
• Buddy Dive Resort
• Harbour Village Beach Club
• Divi Flamingo Beach Resort
• Plaza Resort Bonaire
• Happy Holiday Homes/Dive Friends Bonaire
• Sorobon Beach Resort

————————————————————————-

Restrictions: Book by April 15, 2011 for travel valid May 1-Jun 15 and Aug 15-Dec 15, 2011. Bonaire Bonus Bonanza requires a 7 night minimum stay; subject to availability and standard terms and conditions. All applicable discounts and variations in features are reflected in Price Quotes and vary by property. Free gear rental is for 3 days only unless noted. Blackout dates and restrictions may apply for certain resorts. Combining Bonaire Bonus Bonanza with any other offers from the participating hotels is based on the policy of each hotel. Bonaire Bonus Bonanza promotion benefits are for new bookings only. Each participating property will issue a Bonaire Bonus Bonanza card to eligible guests for identification to redeem program benefits with on island participants, such as restaurants, tour and spa companies and retailers.

BonairePros – Bonaire Bonus Bonanza! from Bonaire Travel News

Book the Deal – Get the Card!

Valid for travel May 1-June 15, 2011 and August 15-December 15, 2011
(blackout applies for Thanksgiving week).

Get your Bonus Card at your resort check-in when you book a 7 night package staying at a participating resort on the Bonaire Bonus Bonanza promo. Learn more about the Bonaire Bonus Bonanza promotion at http://bonairepros.com/Bonaire-bonanza.aspx

The following offers apply (gear rental for pre-paid dive package divers only):

3 days FREE equipment rental with your stay:

Buddy Dive Resort – mask/snorkel/fins, BC, regulator, wetsuit
Captain Don’s Habitat – mask/snorkel/fins, BC and regulator
Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino – mask/ snorkel/fins, BC, regulator and wetsuit
Happy Holiday Homes/Dive Friends Bonaire – mask/snorkel/fins, BC, regulator and wetsuit
Get 6 days free rental gear if you book a dive package with 3 two-tank boat dives included
Harbour Village Beach Resort – mask/snorkel/fins, BC and regulator and wetsuit
Plaza Resort Bonaire – mask/snorkel/fins, BC and regulator
Sorobon/WannaDive – mask/snorkel/fins, BC and regulator and wetsuit

Restaurant Offers:

Bistro De Paris: 1 free bottle of wine OR 1 free appetizer AND 1 dessert with 2 paid dinners
Bambu French/International Restaurant: 1 free bottle of wine with 2 paid dinners
Cactus Blue: 1 free bottle of wine with 2 paid dinners
Chibi Chibi Restaurant at Divi Flamingo: 1 free bottle of house wine with 2 paid dinners
It Rains Fishes: 1 free bottle of wine with 2 paid 2-course dinners
Kentucky Fried Chicken Bonaire: 2 Bright Beers with purchase of 15-piece Bucket of Chicken
KonTiki Beach Bonaire: 1 free bottle of wine with 2 paid dinners
La Guernica: 1 free bottle of wine with 2 paid dinners
Paradise Moon Bar & Restaurant: 1 free appetizer with 2 paid dinners
Rum Runners at Captain Don’s Habitat: 1 free dinner with 2 paid dinners
Tipsy Seagull at Plaza Resort Bonaire: 1 free bottle of wine with 2 paid 3-course dinners

Others:

Aries Boutique – 15% discount on all merchandise
Bonaire Tours & Vacations -10% discount (minimum 4 ppl) on “Discover Bonaire” with local Guide tour
Chat ‘n’ Browse – Free internet check-in and Boarding Pass up to 15 minutes and free printing
Jewel of Bonaire – Free Gift with purchase of $50.00 or more
Littman Jewelers – 15% discount on selected watches and jewelry (Silver & Gold)
SEACOW Snorkeling Trips – Free Fish ID Map (Value $10) for every guest booking any of their tours
The Touch Spa at Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino – -15% off most Spa treatments
AB Car Rental – Free day rental with Plaza BBB package
Hertz Rental Car – 2 free days on a 7 day rental at Divi Flamingo with BBB package

Bonaire Bonus Bonanza Card from Bonaire Travel News

Belmar Oceanfront Apartments have been one of the island’s most popular vacation options for years. Small, oceanfront and intimate, with all the little things you need and all the big stuff you don’t.

The staff at Belmar is always looking to enhance the experience of their guests, and 2011 is bringing with it some welcome additions to the Belmar Experience.

The dive shop has added new Cressi-sub rental gear including integrated weigths with AquaPro BCDs, new high performance XS-2 regulators and comfortable shorty wetsuits. Boat diving departures are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays (4 divers minimum) and are 2-tank trips that usually include Klein Bonaire and other sites not easily accessible from shore. Looking for more dive adventures? Your week at Belmar might offer guided Lion Fish hunts (sorry, you won’t get to stick the little suckers yourself, but you can assist in locating them for removal), Salt Pier night dives and of course, all guests have access to Buddy Dive boat trips and services including their drive-thru fill station for shore divers heading north.

Not diving? Activities offered on any given week might include guided mountain bike tours, yoga classes, mangrove kayak tours and of course their weekly rum punch party. Windsurfers have long known that Belmar is very convenient to Lac Bay as well as hopping to town for dinner, shopping and entertainment.

All in all, Belmar is a much desirable address for a week on Bonaire. And the views? The Belmar regulars know. Maybe this is your year?

Check them out at http://www.bonairepros.com/Belmar-Oceanfront-Apartments.aspx

Bonaire Hotels and Resorts – Belmar Apartments News from Bonaire Travel News