My husband and I've heard Bonaire is the place for diving, but we need help with resort recommendations from the resort itself standpoint. We don't want a musky old dive shop for a resort. Is it better to stay one place and dive another? Snorkel is equally important as scuba to us as we like the jump-in,snorkel equipment freedom. Also, is Bonaire open to topfree/co at any particular resorts/beaches.

There is a great Bonaire forum I can't remember the name, google Bonaire forum. Used to be very active with lots of info and helpful folks.

The Bonaire chat board is http://www.bonairetalk.com. Resorts range from top of the line to smaller facilities. Walk-in snorkeling is possible just about anywhere and there is one very good boat trip - the Woodwind catamaran. As for clothes optional, sorry but there really is none. Sorobon Beach resort went textile about 3 years ago. I've heard that some very small guest houses may be c/o but a web search normally comes up empty. I'm a seven-time visitor and past guest at the "old" Sorobon. If you're divers, I feel the best independent (not captive to a resort) dive shop is Dive Friends Bonaire. Headquarters is the Yellow Sub location. They'll take excellent care of you.

We seem to go back to SXM after visiting other islands; really love it there. Always looking for new places though, how does Bonaire compare with SXM?
Thanks

They're both Dutch. That's the only similarity. Outside of that, two completely different islands.

As 2fingers said, totally different. Check out some pictures online of Bonaire. It's physically much more similar to Aruba than SXM, very flat, just scrubby brush for vegetation. Bonaire has outstanding diving and snorkelling opportunities. Bonaire is not built up at all, very little development there.

Thanks for the replies!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

TripAdvisor has some great reviews of Bonaire accommodations. Give it a shot as the reviews really give you a feel for each place along with a rating system.

There are also some excellent condos/houses for rent on Bonaire, quite a few of them on the water. Good value for the money, generally speaking. BonaireTalk.com is a great source for Bonaire info. Feel free to PM me for more info. We've vacationed on Bonaire twice (it's time to return!), in the BVIs and USVIs, Anguilla, and Turks & Caicos.

For diving Bonaire is probably as good as you'll ever find anywhere.
Good Snorkeling can be found almost anywhere along the road right from the shore.
Bonaire has some large salt flats and Flamingos in the hilly area where at the base are more salt flats there are also brightly colored lizards running around. You could say its like one of the Galapago islands in the Caribbean.
Captain Dons Habitat and the Divi Flamingo are two good places for lodging and dive trips. The food at the Divi is 1 star but there are plenty of restaurants nearby. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" />

Was at the Divi Flamingo last month diving. Had a great time. Diving is amazing! The Divi was clean, our dive masters were good (did 3 dives/daily) and it had two fresh water pools for happy hour. Planning on going back next year.

I have a studio time share at the Divi, and have always enjoyed it.
I've got to start using it more often.