I am AOW (but light on the TBT), and my wife doesn't dive. Not that she doesn't want to, oh yeah, it's because she doesn't want to. Anyway, we are trying to find a vacation that won't end us up in marriage counseling (or criminal court). She suggested Bonaire over Cozumel because she feels that it would be more fun for her. From what I read the opposite may be true. Are these places nice topside for someone who likes to go to the beach, shop, collect seashells, etc. What have you married singles found? Is another destination better to make us both happy?
H2Andy
May 3rd, 2005, 03:46 PM
Bonaire is very nice, and low-key. it does have quite a few stores to browse
around, all of them in Kralendjick (sp?)
you can also drive around the island, see flamingoes, parrots, the national park,
donkeys, and goats =)
there are some excellent restaurants to go to for lunch and dinner
my wife doesn't dive, loves to shop, and she loved Bonaire
sjspeck
May 3rd, 2005, 04:57 PM
I am AOW (but light on the TBT), and my wife doesn't dive. Not that she doesn't want to, oh yeah, it's because she doesn't want to. Anyway, we are trying to find a vacation that won't end us up in marriage counseling (or criminal court). She suggested Bonaire over Cozumel because she feels that it would be more fun for her. From what I read the opposite may be true. Are these places nice topside for someone who likes to go to the beach, shop, collect seashells, etc. What have you married singles found? Is another destination better to make us both happy?I've never been to Coz so I can't compare the two but there's no beaches on Bonaire to speak of, except at the Plaza, Divi or Harbour Village resorts. We browsed through most of the shops in Kralendijk in about 4 hrs. our last day there. And I don't think there's a lot of(any) shells there. And if there is does the Marine Park have jurisdiction over them? I don't know. The diving's the best though of course.
Thought about Grand Cayman? Georgetown and Seven Mile Beach have lots of topside attractions. Lots of shopping in Georgetown since it's a cruise port. And SMB is a georgeous beach, and the diving's super too. There's still post-Ivan recovery going on though.
Or Nassau? My GF spent the better part of a day in Nassau buying things. And there's Atlantis/Paradise Island if she gets bored. Lots more crowded than the other places though - well except for Coz.
What you've described is Maui, although it's a long flight from your side of the country.
Shasta_man
May 3rd, 2005, 05:11 PM
What's a married single?
I am AOW (but light on the TBT), and my wife doesn't dive. Not that she doesn't want to, oh yeah, it's because she doesn't want to. Anyway, we are trying to find a vacation that won't end us up in marriage counseling (or criminal court). She suggested Bonaire over Cozumel because she feels that it would be more fun for her. From what I read the opposite may be true. Are these places nice topside for someone who likes to go to the beach, shop, collect seashells, etc. What have you married singles found? Is another destination better to make us both happy?
SueMermaid
May 3rd, 2005, 05:16 PM
but there's no beaches on Bonaire to speak of, except at the Plaza, Divi or Harbour Village resorts.
Um. Are too! There are some of the most spectacular beaches I have ever seen, and a LOT of them. Which Bonaire did you go to? :06:
There are amazingly diverse and beautiful beaches all over the island. Nukove beach was something that will be burned in my memory forever.
Go to Bonaire! Cozumel is a great place, too, and I love it there, but it's bustling and touristy. Bonaire is quiet and achingly beautiful. Plus, they have goats. :D We ate some, because the locals told us they were "dushi" (delicious), but trust me, they aren't. :nope: The wild donkeys and bright blue monitor lizards that abound are also fun to hang out with.
Oh, if only I could live in Bonaire.
El Orans
May 3rd, 2005, 05:23 PM
Just read the signature! :D
Scuba65
May 3rd, 2005, 05:24 PM
I just returned from Bonaire..and I can easily say in MHO that if you don't dive it's a boring place to go, unless you like to lay by the pool or beach and read and get sun otherwise it's boring..not much to see, besides the national park, donkey sanctuary, the flamingos. and some stores to shop. it's a diving paradise though.
Goose75
May 3rd, 2005, 06:26 PM
I can't comment on Bonaire yet. I'm going in August. As for Cozumel...my wife and I went there before we were divers. We chose Coz over Cancun because it is an easy ferry ride across but we wouldn't have to stay with all the college crowd. Coz had a big market to wander through, Mayan ruins on the island and a conservation area to visit. The beaches were great except it is a bit rocky bottom getting in and out with bare feet. The best looking beaches were in Cancun if you don't mind people. Coz was better for seclusion. The hotels had kayaks, snorkel gear, wind surfing, open bars, pools, shows, etc. Day trips were available to Tulum, Chitchen Itza, etc. Coz has plenty for a non-diver and a diver on a surface interval. From the sound of it, either place will be fine if you take advantage of what is offered.
SoCalOffshore
May 4th, 2005, 12:31 AM
Coz over Bonaire for the non diver. Plenty of sites and shops in Coz.
Divingnthedark
May 4th, 2005, 01:00 AM
I vote for Cozumel... the locals are friendlier in Coz not just the ones on the resort. I did some shopping in Bonaire and the locals were distant and sometimes down right rude. There is also a very high crime rate on Bonaire. The diving is excellent in both places but there is more to do on Cozumel.
Loretta
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Tim Ingersoll
May 4th, 2005, 09:44 AM
My non-diving spouse is very happy in Cozumel. Loves to shop, loves the beach, etc.
xdfireguy
May 4th, 2005, 09:50 AM
I have been to Cozumel (although it has been too long ago!) and will be heading out to Bonaire soon. Although my wife dives, she does so an a very limited basis and would be just as happy sitting on the beach, or doing some land-based activities.
We heard that the surface activities were limited in Bonaire, so I am going solo. However, we are looking at a trip to Belize to get the best of both worlds together. For us, it will be less expensive to get to than Bonaire, but have much more to do than either. I would suggest you check Belize out as an option.
Linthorn
May 4th, 2005, 06:28 PM
What's a married single?
Someone who is married, but dives single (spouse doesn't dive so I don't have a buddy)
dimitrik
May 4th, 2005, 06:46 PM
Deffinitely Coz for a non diver over Bonair. Playa Del Carmen is also just a short ferry ride away. The beaches at the southern resorts in Coz are better. The Presidente and the Iberostar have a nice beach for non divers. Those hotels are also closest to the best dive sites. Only draw back is the cab ride to shopping/dining from the southern spots.
caymaniac
May 4th, 2005, 08:32 PM
I've been to both.
If you like the beach choose Cozumel. If you like easy diving, choose Bonaire. If you like shopping I think it's a toss up (but remember I don't care for shopping at all). If you are a beginner diver choose Bonaire. If you want to keep the cost down, shore dive Bonaire. If you like night life, choose Cozumel. As far a cruise ships coming into town at either Island, Cozumel has a slight edge on having more people in town on cruise ship day. If you are into visiting ancient ruins, choose Cozumel. If you really like small critters, Bonaire has the edge. If you want the possibility of seeing pelagics, choose Cozumel. If you love current dives, choose Cozumel. If you like more bottom time choose Bonaire and go at your own pace, if you like boat dives then it's a toss up.
It all depends on what you like or what you want from your vacation.
How's that?
Caymaniac
Linthorn
May 5th, 2005, 10:31 AM
I've been to both.
If you like the beach choose Cozumel. If you like easy diving, choose Bonaire. If you like shopping I think it's a toss up (but remember I don't care for shopping at all). If you are a beginner diver choose Bonaire. If you want to keep the cost down, shore dive Bonaire. If you like night life, choose Cozumel. As far a cruise ships coming into town at either Island, Cozumel has a slight edge on having more people in town on cruise ship day. If you are into visiting ancient ruins, choose Cozumel. If you really like small critters, Bonaire has the edge. If you want the possibility of seeing pelagics, choose Cozumel. If you love current dives, choose Cozumel. If you like more bottom time choose Bonaire and go at your own pace, if you like boat dives then it's a toss up.
It all depends on what you like or what you want from your vacation.
How's that?
Caymaniac
Amazing, like reading a tennis match!
dvrliz1
May 5th, 2005, 09:12 PM
Yep, Yep....tennis match I agree....
Once again, things to do topside on Bonaire....incredible VERY reasonably priced restaurants, shopping, mangrove kayak, guided mangrove tours, museums, art galleries, casino, the wonderful white sandy beach at Sorobon, watching the windsurfers, watching kite surfers, horseback riding, mountain biking, lunch cruises, snorkeling (especially cave snorkeling), day spas (yes they have them and they are wonderful) the market in Rincon on Saturdays, Dee Scarr presentations, Capt Don's storytelling.....so much more..... Believe me I'm an avid diver who cannot dive until April, I've been out of the water since May last year and I've done a lot of research on this one...If you are not into partying all the time (you can enjoy local bands and libations at Karel's bar in town (on a pier) on the town waterfront). Bonaire is PERFECT....When we started going to the island over 15 years ago we were like any other avid diver and had tunnel vision. Initially we saw NOTHING but diving (well back then that was about it). But now...oh yeah, sunset cruises, picnic on Klein Bonaire...snorkel where you dive....so much.
Dapher
May 5th, 2005, 09:45 PM
I have a non diving friend who just returned from Bonaire and she liked it better than other places where she has gone. Usually the divers take off in the boat and she does not see them again until later that afternoon and so she is bored and lonely. In Bonaire she was able to snorkle while the others were diving and when they came up for their surface interval she was there with them to have a picnic and such.
I have been to cozumel and there are lots of stores, but I did not like the hecklers. I am heading to Bonaire in July and am hoping things are more mellow there.
caymaniac
May 5th, 2005, 10:28 PM
Amazing, like reading a tennis match!
I love playing tennis!
At least let us know who wins......Bonaire or Coz. :eyebrow:
