Snorkel at the Plaza Resort in Bonaire

by Fran
(Florida)

We have been to Bonaire twice and are heading back this Aug. At the Plaza Resort if you haven't used the dock at the far end of the beach you should try it next time you are there. Walk in the gate and stay on the sidewalk past the condos and straight toward the restaurant at the opposite end, (South). In front of the restaurant is a dock with steps leading to the water. Directly in front of the dock are old pilings where many fish hang. You can then snorkel to the left or south and be among huge coral heads and lots to see. One day we were quite a ways away from the dock when big rolling waves started coming in. We knew the weather was changing and headed back to get out. At the pilings it was a frenzy of all kinds of fish coming in for safety as they too knew a storm was upon us. They were swimming in from all directions and we just had to stay in the water a bit longer to observe. Have never seen anything like that anywhere before. We also use that area for night snorkels as the lights from the restaurant and the lights on the dock are very comforting. You can pop your head out of the water and see the patrons eating dinner. We also used Renee for our first trip to Bonaire. She took us to the mangroves and showed us many small fish and gave us our first encounter with the up side down jellyfish.

As far as restaurants go we love Richard's just north of the Plaza, right on the water. The Patagonia Steakhouse is wonderful but our most favorite is the fairly new Unbelivables on the roof. Also a favorite of ours is Bobbyjans which is open Fri, Sat, Sun nites.

Tell Nicole that we have been using swim caps for many years for snorkeling. We travel with 8 people and we all wear different colors so we can keep track of each other in the water. The guys have even gotten material ones to keep their bald heads from burning up. We have been wondering how it is in Bonaire now so your e-book came in very handy. Thanks much. Fran and her snorkel buddies from Florida.