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Bonaire – A Paradise for Snorkelers

Travel is all about adventure and trying new things, so what better place and time to try snorkeling – for the first time – than on my first ever cruise and my first time around the Caribbean.

Two things had been keeping me from trying snorkeling till now; First and foremost the fact that I would have to wear my prescription glasses under the snorkeling gear, which I believe would be quite uncomfortable.  And secondly, I was a little hesitant about breathing through a tube for a considerable amount of time.

Nevertheless, as we docked at Bonaire on our third day of the cruise, I along with my sister headed out to meet the representative of Woodwind Snorkel Sail.

One of the points that stood out about Woodwind during our search was the fact that they run a guided snorkel. It’s not just about taking you to a spot and dropping you off, but also about trained and learned guides helping you and informing you about the underwater flora and fauna.

As we made our way to the 37-foot trimaran, my nerves started to act. Thankfully, small diversions en route like the Tourist Tree – so named because it is “red and peeling”- and the beauty of Bonaire kept things at bay. Now, I’m a decent swimmer and not afraid of water, so the ride to Klein Bonaire on the boat was fun.

Things began to look up even more when Dee – the tour organiser/guide – came up and explained the whole process to us reassuring first timers and the professionals alike that the entire trip is exceptionally safe.

We found out that we will be doing “drift snorkeling” where we snorkel in a drift from point A to B making it easier for everyone, especially the beginners. Drift snorkeling allows the swimmer to go with the flow, literally, rather than working out a sweat. Thus, more time for everyone to enjoy the marvels of underwater life.

Once the drinks were served, keeping the food for after the snorkel, everyone was in a good mood and excited about discovering what Bonaire had to offer.

Klein Bonaire was already in sight by this time. A tiny uninhabited island off Bonaire, it has some of the most amazing views around it that are explored daily by snorkelers and divers. The island at one point was to be sold off to become a resort when the locals along with the government worked together to “buy” it and keep it in its natural state. Now it is a part of the Bonaire National Marine Park.

As stories about the history of Bonaire ended, Dee mentioned something that literally made me jump off into the sea with joy. They had prescription snorkeling gear. Plus, this is where things get much better; they had prescription gear for someone like me who has -5.0 eyesight.

Never did I expect that!

Photos by Zsuzsanna Pusztai of BonPhoto

But all good things must come to an end.

We reached our drop off point and were divided into three groups, each with a trained diver/guide. Being in the last group, I was handed over the gear freshly dipped in soapy water. Since there was time, I decided to try it out.  Suddenly, a feeling of nausea took over me. I felt like throwing up and was thankful that I had had a very light breakfast.

Tears rolled down (not crying) as my breakfast eggs tried their best to come up and appreciate the view. It seemed that I was going to have to sit and wait on the boat. Nor did it help that a couple of people from the first two groups had returned as they were unable to snorkel for various reasons.

But, I kept trying. Sat down, took a few deep breaths, had a sip or two of water and low and behold finally started feeling better. Later, I realised that it might have been the soapy water the snorkel was washed in that caused sudden nausea. I came so close to missing out, it was not even funny.

Once I was in the water the beauty of the sea took over, and I forgot everything else. As Dee free-dived time and again to point out the fishes, the turtles, and the barracuda as we drifted along, it was a good 40 odd minutes that not only made me a fan of snorkeling but opened up a whole new world.

Zsuzsanna Pusztai of BonPhoto – a professional underwater photographer – accompanied the snorkelers taking various pictures of everyone and the flora and fauna which could be picked up later on the boat in the form of a CD. She has been kind enough to let me use some of her photographs in the blog because I feel the beauty of the Caribbean around Bonaire can only get justice this way and not from my underwater pictures taken with a cheap water-proof use-and-throw camera.

Our trip back to shore was filled with more drinks (they just kept asking if we wanted more), food, and stories of what we had seen.

Woodwind is a company I would strongly recommend for anyone going to Bonaire. Not only was the entire trip well organised, but they literally spoil you so much that other guided tours will feel lame in comparison.

Those were the ups and downs from my very first snorkeling experience and exploring the beautiful, tiny, Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire after the snorkel was the cherry on top.

25 Comments

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  • Gokul Raj
    Posted 19 November, 16 at 2:52 PM

    I have read so many posts on snorkeling but I am so scared for water. I really need to get over my fear.

    Reply
    • Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 19 November, 16 at 10:21 PM

      If you’re comfortable swimming then Snorkelling is easy, even if it doesn’t look like that at times because of the “breathing out of a tube”. Give it a try where you can do it near a beach rather than in the middle of a ocean first. Cheers

      Reply
  • An Outcast Wayfarer
    Posted 19 November, 16 at 3:03 PM

    Oh my I absolutely adore the ABC islands and I also like the idea of snorkeling, but I faced the same prescription issues, but thanks to your post I realized that I do have hope!

    Also great pictures!

    Reply
    • Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 19 November, 16 at 10:22 PM

      Cheers and it’s just one of those things that you have to do once and within five minutes you’ll start enjoying it a lot

      Reply
  • Christina
    Posted 20 November, 16 at 9:33 AM

    You got some beautiful photos there. Congratulations on your first time snorkelling. I sometimes get seasick while snorkelling, especially if there are a few waves.

    Reply
    • Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 20 November, 16 at 9:46 AM

      Thanks and sorry to hear that. I’m usually okay with that touch wood.

      Reply
  • mags
    Posted 21 November, 16 at 4:54 AM

    I thought I was the only one who was a little nervous about snorkeling! I’m glad you fell in love with it (I’m still working up to that!)

    Reply
    • Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 21 November, 16 at 8:42 AM

      I think the best way to start is to do it at a place where you can do it right off the beach. Thanks

      Reply
  • Mr Mike
    Posted 21 November, 16 at 7:57 AM

    This looks like my kind of trip! I love snorkeling and you had a perfect spot with beautiful corals and fish! I love the colors of the ocean that you captured here

    Reply
  • Fiona Maclean
    Posted 21 November, 16 at 3:11 PM

    I love snorkeling – didn’t know you could do a guided course – And how great there are prescription kits! I wear lenses so it’s not an issue for me, but I can imagine how frustrating it could be!

    Reply
    • Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 21 November, 16 at 7:54 PM

      Thanks and yeah the prescription kits were God sent. It wasn’t a course as such, but they have a couple of experienced divers with a group of about 10, so they kept everything under control. Extremely well managed.

      Reply
  • Vishal Vashisht
    Posted 22 November, 16 at 8:15 PM

    I love snorkeling, however, I am scared of the ocean (not water). Working on my fear so that I can snorkel next summer in a sunny destination.

    Reply
    • Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 22 November, 16 at 8:22 PM

      I would recommend to start with a place where you can snorkel just off the beach. That was you won’t have to go deep in the sea/ocean for it. We went about half hour into the sea but we’re still close to Klein Bonaire. If it was in the middle of nowhere, I’d be scared too. Being with a group also helped.

      Reply
  • Shane
    Posted 23 November, 16 at 6:31 AM

    Wow did you take the stunnng underwater photos?! I love snorkeling and want to learn to scuba dive next time I’m in the tropics

    Reply
    • Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 23 November, 16 at 8:10 AM

      I wish. They are by a local photographer who goes with the tour. Her link is there. My photos using a waterproof camera were just about passable.

      Reply
  • carla
    Posted 23 November, 16 at 7:59 AM

    Your first statement is so very true! I also feel that if I didn’t do something new while travelling, it doesn’t feel that good. Its great that you had fun during your first snorkel experience. Cheers to more snorkeling trips.

    Reply
    • Ticker Eats The World
      Posted 23 November, 16 at 8:11 AM

      Thanks Carla. I think I’m adventurous to a certain level, not too dare-devilish. Still doing something different and new is always fun. Thanks

      Reply
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  • Pamala Carwell
    Posted 2 October, 19 at 8:45 PM

    Have you ever thought about creating an e-book or guest authoring on other websites? I have a blog based upon on the same ideas you discuss and would really like to have you share some stories/information. I know my subscribers would value your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to shoot me an e mail.

    Reply
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