Bonaire - Adventure Guide to Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao - page 179

WANNA DIVE
Eden Beach Resort and City Café

717-8884; fax [phone]
www.wannadive.com
This new shop has two locations, one at Eden Beach Resort (about a five-
minute drive north of town), and the other at City Café (in Kralendijk).
Owners Roeland “Bob” Labots and Bart Snelder explain that the two loca-
tions allow divers to experience different types of dive sites, right from
shore, without hauling equipment around the island. Both locations are
just a quick boat ride from Klein Bonaire, and both shops are fully
equipped. Nitrox is available. Bob and Bart are from the Netherlands and
both are fun-loving multilingual PADI instructors. Bart is also an SSI
Platinum Pro. The two are committed to environmental issues, customer
safety and satisfaction... and having a good time.

Windsurfing
The most popular watersport on Bonaire, after diving and
snorkeling, is windsurfing. Lac Bay , on the east coast, has
excellent conditions: shallow water, steady breezes, few or no
choppy waves. Beginners stay close to shore where the water
is smooth and protected. Experienced riders head farther
out, where the sea provides challenging two- to four-foot swells. The bay is
about three miles long and a mile and a half wide, with winds blowing
directly onshore from the east at a steady 20-25 knots from January to
August. September to December, the breeze drops to a constant 15-20
knots. A coral barrier reef partially breaks up the long waves outside the
bay, but the bay itself has no obstacles and fairly flat water.
Rental rates run about $20 per hour, $45 per half-day, and $60 per day to
rent basic windsurfing equipment. Upgrades are an additional 10%-20%.
Lessons start at around $45 per hour, including equipment.

Windsurfing Operators
JIBE CITY

717-5233; fax [phone]
www.jibecity.com
Closed the month of September
Learn to windsurf or brush up on your techniques at this easy-going shop
owned and operated by Ernst van Vliet. The staff includes Peter, a popular
instructor who has been teaching windsurfing skills at Jibe City since
1997 and is known for his ability to quickly get beginners up and sailing. A
well-stocked shop sells all the gear and some souvenirs, and the Hang Out
Bar serves drinks and sandwiches. When you've had enough windsurfing,
rent one of the sea kayaks ($10 for single seaters, $15 for doubles, per
hour) and explore the bay.