We've been to a number of the ussual islands the boats stop at . It is always nice to hear from folks who may have stayed at places (hotels, resorts, etc.) that they would really like to return to. I'm going to Bonaire this spring and that may be an option, but ussually what you hear is that it is a dive destination. Any places you folks have first hand knowledge of and would like to share would be great. Thanks!
Bonaire is fabulous diving but not much as far as topside activities unless you want to hike in the national park (cactus, birds, flamingos, parrots, lizards, iguanas) or visit the donkey sanctuary (same as above with donkeys). Downtown is only about 2 blocks square with a few shops and restaurants. We loved our trip there and want to go back, but we are divers.
<Ron & Robin's Bonaire Trip> <>Photos (our pics from the trip)
Cozumel is good, not as good diving as Bonaire but more topside shopping, etc. and ruins to visit over on the mainland. I have heard non-divers like it as long as they are staying at one of the all-inclusives and rent a car to visit the other side of island and downtown. We have been there 5 times but not in the past few years as to us it isn't the "diver's paradise" it used to be. Too touristy for us now.
Also, right across the water from Cozumel is the Riviera Maya - lots of nice resorts, lots of shopping and Mayan ruins, etc. and you can dive the ocean or do the cenote dives!
You might want to check out Belize outer islands, like Ambergris Cay. We haven't been but it seems like something in between Bonaire and Cozumel. And also the Roatan resort I mentioned
Welcome to CoCo View Resort . We have friends who go there once or twice a year (divers and snorkelers) and love it.
If you want to try the Pacific, we think Kona on the Big Island, Hawaii is great for divers and non-divers. Lots of great snorkeling and also topside stuff - rent car and visit rainforest, waterfalls, horseback riding, trip down to see the volcano national park(gotta do this).
robin
