Buddy Dive & Blennies

My kids love to spend the day at Buddy Dive, and we join them for dinner at Blennies.  Buddy Dive is a fantastic resort, and super welcoming to non-resort guests visiting their facilities.  Our kids tend to visit early and make a day out of enjoying their pool, water access and beach beds. Set high up from the water, their sun beds are on soft sand beach just in front of the pool.  The pool has is very refreshing, with a swim up bar. As most of you know, we are not divers, but love snorkeling. Buddy Dive has a great dock, and the kids (& me, too!) will enter the lovely Caribbean sea and swim around enjoying all the amazing sea life. 

We always have at least one meal while using their facilities, sometimes two. Blennies is on site,

very low key and super convenient.  The food is good, but the sunset is what really makes this bar type restaurant spectacular.  I was pleasantly surprised with the service this year – they really stepped it up. We came back a second evening to meet a friend for drinks at the bar, and were entertained by a local musician.

Enjoy !

 

The Ocean Oasis – A Magnificent Way to Spend the Day

The Ocean Oasis – A Magnificent Way to Spend the Day

A new beach resort opened on Bonaire, and it is fabulous! The Ocean Oasis in Bonaire is a great way to spend the day.  The Ocean Oasis has beach beds & chairs, great food and magnificent drinks.

When we visited in August, we rented a cabana – for the girls – and Steve and I stayed up in the chair section. The chairs are free to use and very comfortable.  The beach bed rentals are a bit pricey – $20 a pop at the time, but they come with towels, water, and snack. The cabana rental also comes with these amenities. For our family, the cabana rental was a more affordable option for the 4 girls to share. Depending on your preference and how you want to spend your vacation dollars, you have several of choices to lounge your day away.

 

We arrived early in the afternoon and enjoyed a delicious meal and great drinks. The service was truly fantastic, and the food superb.  Take a peak at their menu for some ideas. I had the Wahoo Risotto which was delicious, and Steve opted for the equally yummy Butter Paneer.

There are several relatively easy water entrances to enjoy swimming or snorkeling. We highly recommend water shoes, as you will be walking over the rocky shoreline.

The Lunt Family gives the Ocean Oasis a thumbs up all around. We do consider this to be a money well spent splurge day. We hope you feel them same!

Enjoy.

 

 

 

Villa Lunt Spa Day

Villa Lunt Spa Day

On our most recent visit to Bonaire, I needed a little down time. It was Janique to the rescue. Janique is a wellness trained Bonaire specialist. She offers manicures, pedicures, lower back massages, necks massages … Her service is wonderful and I high recommend her.  You will find her phone number in the mobile phone we provide – +599 782 1687.

My friend Brenda & I opted for the manicure and pedicure. Next trip, I will try one of her massages. She has a table she can bring along as well.

Janique brings all the equipment with her, and sterilizes everything in front of you. She has an assortment of polish colors and all the tools necessary to give you a wonderful spa treatment right in the comfort of Villa Lunt.

Grab glass of wine, sit back, relax and pamper yourself. Then, jump in the pool

Enjoy.

Villa Lunt Spa Day

 

Coco Beach Club Bonaire

Coco Beach Club Bonaire

Bonaire has a new beach club, and it is so much fun! Coco Beach Club is in Playa Lechi, next to Spice Beach Club. With many options for lounge rentals, you will find a comfortable and relaxing setting for a day of pure enjoyment.

Their bar and restaurant offers many options for food and drink, and the nice white sand of the beach with the Caribbean back drop is simply delightful.

At Coco Beach Club you will find sand courts for volley ball, beach tennis or other sports.  The snorkeling is great, and they have a nice pier you can jump off from.

Coco Beach has a great night life several evenings a week. Check their facebook page for the latest upcoming events.

Washington Slagbaai National Park

Boka Kokolishi in Washington Slagbaai

Washington Slagbaai, Bonaire’s National Park, was the first Nature Conservatory created in the Netherland Antilles. This national park & reserve, covering close to 22 square miles, is located on the northern end of Bonaire and managed by STINAPA Bonaire, a non-profit foundation, on behalf of the Bonaire government. When you arrive at the visitor center, you will be given a map of the park, which details all the stops and activities.

Our family takes the long route through the park, stopping for a picnic at Boka Kokolishi. There are rock areas which provide some shade. The warm bay has natural whirl pools, and very calm water.

We always leaving enough time to go snorkeling in Wayaka. The cliff jumping at Boka & Salina Slagbaai looks incredibly fun, but not something I have mustered the courage for! Across from Salina Slagbaai is a flamingo preserve where you can admire this beautiful bird from afar.

Visiting the Washington Slagbaai is a wonderful all day activity.  There are no services in the park, so pack up all your drinks and food for the day.  We bring along a garbage bag as well. You are required to have the marine park tag to go through the park. If you already have it, make sure to bring your receipt and ID, both are required. If you don’t already have the tag, you can buy one as you enter.

 

Wayaka in Bonaire Bonaire Blow Hole

There is so much to do in the park – hiking trails, biking trails, snorkeling, sightseeing, birdwatching, cliff jumping … the list goes on.  This is a day well worth spending.

Suplado Blow Hole

Epic Tours Chill and Grill

Chill and Grill

Our family had an amazing time on the Mushi Mushi Chill and Grill tour – it was one of the highlights of our vacation.

When we visit Bonaire, we take a sail trip to reward ourselves for the work we put into making Villa Lunt spectacular for the year to come.  This year, we took 2 trips, and highly recommend both of the amazing operators. We previously posted about Bonaire From The Sea and recommend them for a private tour.  For a group tour,  Epic Tours Chill and Grill is AMAZING.

The snorkeling was unbelievable, and the guided tour was one the best we have had. Maria was incredible, she was kind and patient with all of us! She would point out all the sea life, and come up for air and tell us all about it. Our trip made 2 snorkel stops. The first by Klein Bonaire, and the second just off the coast of Sabadeco.

Michiel, our captain, cook & one of the owners, was wonderful.

The food & drink on board were delicious. Prepared to order with many options. We had steak, seafood and chicken. All yummy!

We had booked our tour online with Inka (the other owner) who was pleasant and worked with us to find the perfect time to plan our day.

Bonaire Semi Submarine Trip

Bonaire Semi Submarine Trip

Ever want to experience the best Bonaire under the sea has to offer, but you don’t want to get your feet wet? Well, the wait is over! Bon-Sea offers an air conditioned semi-submerged Bonaire experience that will take you to the most beautiful spots in the Caribbean Sea.

The Bon Sea will partially submerge itself in the crystal clear waters of Bonaire to provide you with breathtaking views of some of the most diverse marine life that you’ll find anywhere in the world.

They depart from the water taxi pier at Karel’s beach bar. From their, the captain will take you to a protected area close to the island Klein Bonaire where the semi-submarine’s high visibility windows will give a picture-perfect view of Bonaire’s abundant marine life. From tropical fish and majestic sea turtles to the occasional manta ray, you’ll see it all from the comfort of a 12-seater air-conditioned submarine without ever having to immerse yourself in the water.

After 45 minutes of exploration, jaw-dropping views, and plenty of photo opportunities, you’ll be brought back to the dock safe and sound where you and your group can revel in the marvels you saw under the sea. There’s no better way to see Bonaire beneath the surface–why not take the plunge today?

 

What’s On At The Cinema on Bonaire

What’s On At The Cinema on Bonaire

A cinema on Bonaire? Who knew!?! One of the fun things about detailing the activities on Bonaire, is learning about them, too. I think it is likely one of the best kept secrets of Bonaire – I only recently learned about a the outdoor movie theatre on Bonaire. A definite must for our next trip to Bonaire!

Empire Cinema is an open air movie theatre on Bonaire. Park your car, grab a chair and table, and enjoy a family movie under the stars while you are cooled by the lovely Bonaire breezes.

There is a Thai restaurant on site where you can order a great, fresh meal and enjoy a cool beer or bottle of wine. Of course, you can grab some popcorn and candy as well.

We’ve been told you MUST call ahead in the afternoon if you would like Thai food for dinner. Click the menu here. Arrive early to beat the movie-time rush to dine.

Bonaire Outside Movie Theatre

Klein Bonaire

Klein Bonaire

Klein Bonaire, or Little Bonaire, is the small slice of land you see as you fly into Bonaire Flamingo airport.  The moment our eyes set sight on Klein Bonaire, we take a deep breath, relax and know our Bonaire vacation has begun.

Klein Bonaire is a small, flat, uninhabited island located a half mile off the coast of Bonaire. It is owned by the government of Bonaire, and is protected from development. Included in the protection of the Bonaire National Marine Park, Klein Bonaire is home to nestling turtle grounds as well.  Klein Bonaire is also home to one of the only true sandy beaches of Bonaire – No Name Beach.

Known for its amazing diving and snorkeling, time spent on Klein Bonaire is a must for all Bonaire visitors.  With shallow reef areas, steep drop offs and lots of healthy reef, there is a lot of underwater sea life to explore.

With no development, comes no facilities, except for a few small shade structures and trash receptacles. Bring with you what you need for the day – lots of water, some snacks, and perhaps a nice meal.  The island is very peaceful, and is a wonderful way to spend a day if you are well prepared.

There are several spots on the island which you can access a taxi to get to Klein Bonaire. We like to use the taxi at Eden/Spice Beach Club. It is convenient to Villa Lunt, and is a great place to spend time as well.

 

 

 

 

Bonaire From The Sea

Charter a boat

Pamper yourself with a private boat tour on Bonaire From The Sea.

When our family visits Bonaire, we spend a lot of time refreshing, fixing up, and cleaning Villa Lunt. Although we take time each day to enjoy Bonaire, towards the end of our trip, it is time to pamper ourselves! It’s Bonaire From the Sea to the rescue with a luxurious chartered boat ride! This is a highlight of our visits to Bonaire. A fabulous family day spent enjoying each other, relaxing, chilling out, snorkeling and dining. Rich and Sue offer great sailing, a wonderful guided snorkel tour, delicious lunch and tapas for dinner. Food and drink are included in the private tour.

Bonaire From the Sea has several charter options to chose from, our family chose the full day option. Several of our guests have used them with rave reviews as well.

From their website : Bonaire from the Sea offers bespoke liveaboard sail, dive and snorkel charters around the beautiful coast of Bonaire in the Dutch Caribbean. You will sail with an experienced and knowledgeable captain and crew and they will act as your guides whilst you dive or snorkel in the calm blue waters, mooring up at any one of over 100 different sites around Bonaire and Klein Bonaire. Sea turtle sightings are our specialty! And they are right – Sue knew we wanted to see the turtles, and she found them for us!

Rich provided us a log of our tour. It was a happy reminder of our fun day!

Private Charter Ride Private charter bonaire

We hope you will find Bonaire From The Sea as glorious as we do!