Wife and I looking for a get away. Bonaire tops our list!
History - Coz, Bahamas, Patient, healthy/fit, briefing attentive, good buoyancy, computer/ own equipment, not fussy, luvin the critters and a new view.
Questions;
1. Minneapolis to Bonaire tips
You might want to look into direct Continental flights out of Houston or Newark first then pursue flights from Miami or San Juan.
2. Orientation/ dive the first day considerations
Depending where you stay orientations can happen twice a day or instantaneously (remember island time though and nothing happens fast). Unless you come in on a late flight you might be able to get in dives on your day of arrival.
3. pick-up or minivan for 2?
Most places offer some sort of drive and dive package. The trucks here are most Hilux Toyota's. Very easy to cart your gear... More options with a truck IMHO.
4. Night diving tips?
Do the dive in the daytime first, know the entrance/exit and what landmarks you can key on during the dive. Access to dive sites is 24/7 but no one else may be out there so make your plans accordingly. Most of the resorts have house reefs that are nice and easy.
5. Current?
Very few places here have true current. Most are a gentle flow, just enough to give the soft coral movement so you can pick a direction to go. The further towards the north or south ends of the island tend to be affected by more intense conditions. Eden Beach is the most narrow spot between Bonaire and Klein Bonaire so can have some ripping current there as well.
6. Really looking for a daily routine, what to expect.
Get up, listen to the Lora (parrots), eat breakfast, collect gear, dive. Come back for lunch, collect more tanks, dive. Come back, watch the sunset, dive or rinse gear and eat dinner. Sleep. Next day. Repeat process.:14:
Have a great time but be warned that Bonaire can be addicting!