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Sounds like we are in the same boat. I am in Bonaire currently and diving solo since my wife does not dive. I thought it would be easy to find a buddy here but its more difficult than you might think ....seems most here that Ive been able to contact don’t speak much English. We are leaving next Saturday after 3 weeks of great diving..but plan another trip in April 2014. We might be able to work something out as I have a traveling friend with a small house here who lets me stay here when they are gone. Keep in touch.
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Huddy911,
Wish I was diving with you. I will only be able to stay for a week in April, but it would be great to visit with someone who knows the island. Earlier in April the better for me.
Kevin
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Hey KSCDiver,
If you guys get a trip going in April, keep me updated. I’m going the last week of Nov into Dec. I usually go in December and May. I’m solo, been to Bonaire 11 times. I like to stay @ Happy Holiday Homes, nice large clean apartment, and its 650.00 with the tax solo for the week. I dive with Carib Inn, and use there place for shore dives and night dives.
Brian
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I am willing to do a little of the leg work on reservations. First step is picking a date. I will do some research on Happy Holiday Homes.
1. April 6-13
2. April 13-20
Let me know which dates would work best?
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Hey KSCDiver,
Really its not hard to book with HHH. Take a look at the photos, and let me know. Louise at HHH, will book you a apartment for 99.00 per day-includes room, service charge, a/c surcharge per night and govt tax of 6.50 per night.
a 4 door truck should be 360.00 for week, includes all taxes and insurance.
She will also arrange diving with Dive friends of Bonaire(they charge 160.00) she will give a 10 or 15% discount.
so for 7 nights its 700.00 lodging, 144.00 for unlimited diving, and 1/2 a truck rental of 180.00 plus gas...
its like 1050.00 for the week plus airfare and food.
Working on the dates you gave me, will know soon.
Brian
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3H looks like it fits the bill. Great reviews on Tripadvisor. Does not look like it is oceanfront but has everything else.
I assume by your comments above we would each have our own room. Split truck for diving and trips into town. Each responsible for our own meals although I would be open to each cooking a diner or at least I am open to suggestion as far as splitting diners or going out.
What is the typical dive routine? How much do you typically budget for food? Do you typically deal with Louise via email? Do you arrange for airport transfer or pick-up the truck at the airport?
HUddy911 does this sound like a plan you would be interested in? Suggestions?
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Hey Kevin
when we decide the dates, we will email Louise and we will each have our own apartment. She will arrange the truck and diving (I normally do diving when I arrive). She will ask you for a 250.00 deposit for the apartment, and you can pay the balance in cash when you arrive. We will pay the rental company direct at the airport, so no transfers are needed.
I usually like to dive 2 morning dives starting at the dive sites a few minutes away @ 8:00 am. This puts us at those sites about 1/2 hour before other people get going. return for lunch then a dive or 2 in the afternoon. Also night dives if you like.
On Bonaire there are 3 supermarkets to get things to eat. I do breakfast, and a lite lunch at the room. Then I do an early dinner 430-500 pm Dinners in town range from chicken dish 10-12.00 to seafood 25 +. But we can cook in or go out i’m open there.
buddies has a 1/2 chicken dinner for 12.00 I think. the is a Chinese rest and dinners are 9 to 10 dollar range. the is also a bbq truck for take out of chicken or ribs for under 10.00 and good. pasta with chicken in town 12-15 dollar range. just some examples for you. fresh seafood and fish is 20+. Rumba has a special for around 15.00 each night, and Maiky Snack has goat stew dinner which is very good for 12.00
Supermarket examples. 8 0z polar beer 1.05/ at the bar 3.00. chicken and beef , bread about the same as home. Cereal is like 6.00 box. refridgerated items double that of home. Fruit a little less.
The rooms will have in wall safes to store passport and additional cash when diving. I take 500.00 and always bring money home.
Brian
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Kevin
1. April 6-13
2. April 13-20
Let me know which dates would work best? Arriving April 6 thru 13th.
Sat., Apr. 5, 2014 | New York/Newark, NJ (EWR - Liberty) to Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles (BON)
Depart:
11:59 p.m.
Sat., Apr. 5, 2014
New York/Newark, NJ (EWR - Liberty)
Arrive:
4:36 a.m. +1 Day
Sun., Apr. 6, 2014
Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles (BON)
Travel Time:
4 hr 37 mn
Distance:
2,003 miles
Flight:UA1422
Aircraft: Boeing 737-700
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Fare Class: United Economy (W)
 United Economy (W)Available Cabins:
Meal: Snacks for Purchase
No Special Meal Offered.
Sun., Apr. 13, 2014 | Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles (BON) to New York/Newark, NJ (EWR - Liberty)
Depart:
6:00 a.m.
Sun., Apr. 13, 2014
Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles (BON)
Arrive:
10:55 a.m.
Sun., Apr. 13, 2014
New York/Newark, NJ (EWR - Liberty)
Travel Time:
4 hr 55 mn
Distance:
2,003 miles
Flight:UA1420
Aircraft: Boeing 737-700
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Fare Class: United Economy (W)
United Economy (W)Available Cabins:
Meal: Snacks for Purchase
No Special Meal Offered.
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Just got an email back from Happy Holiday, Louise.
Hello Brian,
How are you?
We’ll be happy to welcome you again for April 06-13, 2014.
The rental truck will be $358.34 per week including all taxes + insurance.
Once it is final, let me “ink” you in.
Best regards,
LOUISE
From: brian garrison [mailto:bgdiver1963@gmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, September 25, 2013 1:56 PM
To: Louise Villanueva
Subject: Re: November/December this year.
Good morning Louise,
Checking for next trip to Bonaire. Dates April 6 thru April 13, 2014. 1 apartment with early check in, and 1 apartment for the seven nights. Would you have room?
Also, what would a 4 door truck cost us for the week?
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Brian,
That all looks great. Give me a day or two and I will respond with my flight schedule. I think is is very similar. I will likely book my flight within the next couple of weeks.
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Got my truck for while in Bonaire for approx. 275 a week from Budget. I plan to be there in April and would love to dive with you guys but would likely stay in the friends house close to the airport.
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Hey Huddy911,
I’m all booked for April 6 thru April 13, 2014 Apartment at Happy Holiday and rental truck. Kevin is working on his flights etc. Would be great to dive with you also. When you make arrangements, let us know.
Briansent you a buddy request also.
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Brian,
Booked my flight today. Working to book room through HHH website as well.
Sat., Apr. 5, 2014 | Houston, TX (IAH - Intercontinental) to Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles (BON)
Depart:
11:59 p.m.
Sat., Apr. 5, 2014
Houston, TX (IAH - Intercontinental)
Arrive:
5:40 a.m. +1 Day
Sun., Apr. 6, 2014
Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles (BON)
Travel Time:4 hr 41 mn
Flight: UA1402
Aircraft: Boeing 737-700
Fare Class: United Economy (X)
Meal: Food and Beverages for Purchase
No Special Meal Offered.
Sun., Apr. 13, 2014 | Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles (BON) to Houston, TX (IAH - Intercontinental)
Depart:
7:30 a.m.
Sun., Apr. 13, 2014
Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles (BON)
Arrive:
11:36 a.m.
Sun., Apr. 13, 2014
Houston, TX (IAH - Intercontinental)
Travel Time:5 hr 6 mn
Flight: UA1401
Aircraft: Boeing 737-700
Fare Class: United Economy (X)
Meal: Food and Beverages for Purchase
No Special Meal Offered.
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Hey,
When you email HHH, ask Louise that you are with me and she will put in rooms near each other. I will arrive in Bonaire before you, get rental and will wait at the airport for you. Any questions, just ask.
Brian
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