2015-4-26   Bonaire (8-5): Eden Beach (Spice Resort) 

This was our first time to Bonaire and I was probably looking forward to here the most because of it's reputation for diving.  We don't dive, but that usually means snorkeling is very good, too.  We weren't disappointed.

 I had read that the whole island was a Marine Park and that we could walk to nearby hotels where there was good snorkeling.  Again the tourist advisers told us we would be better off going elsewhere.  So we ended up taking a taxi to Spice Resort/Eden Beach.  At least it was only about $5/person@ way.  It's where a lot of the cruise people go since there are lots of chairs and a bar, but the water looked promising.

 There was a rocky ledge by the shoreline, but we used the ladder on the dock for easy entrance and exit.  They even had boats running from here to Klein Island (where snorkeling was suppose to be really good) for $15rt.  I tried to persuade Ken we should go there, but he was content to stay here and even said maybe we'll do a land vacation here sometime.  I hope that happens!

 Looking one way from the dock.

 Looking the other way. 

 Lots and lots of parrotfish

 another kind of eel.

 I was really excited to see Lionfish.  I know they are invasive and will be killed by divers, but I was hoping to see one.

 a large scorpion fish not hiding very well.

 some sort of sea centipede

 the water was so crystal clear!

 an anemone, I presume

 The dark blue is where the bottom dropped off abruptly---not too far from shore.  That was rather spooky.

 another type of grouper

 beginnings of an artificial reef?

 yep, another scrawled filefish

 tons of schooling fish!

 a pelican wondering what we're doing in his territory.

 divers heading into the deep

 this is a restaurant near where we took the above pictures with the many schools of fish and the 2 divers.

 Heading back towards Eden Beach.

large  French Angelfish

 bone fish, I presume?

 Only place we saw Sea Cucumbers.

 The Lionfish still there.

 Harlequin shrimp

 Soldier fish

 under the dock at Eden Beach

 Spotted Drum under the dock.

 large Cowfish under the dock.

 Another new fish to me. 

 This was about the time my camera battery gave out.  I guess I didn't have it fully charged.  Too bad---saw some more really neat stuff by a couple other docks further along the coast and some great coral beds in deeper water.  Definately a great place for snorkelers to go!  This was where we actually spent about 6 hours in the water.