Day 6: Plaza Resort Bonaire (part 1)

After a 15-20 minute walk, we arrive at our final destination, Plaza Resort Bonaire.  There is no official sign welcoming us and I assume we are standing outside a side gate.   Also, to the left looks to be a parking lot (think rustic).  I see signs on the gate:



 These are rates for day passes.  You can do a lot at the resort (all inclusive) or very little.  We chose the very little or Beach, Bed & Beverage for $10:


A caretaker approaches the gate.  I think he’s suppose to be the security guard, but is not wearing any official uniform.  Maybe along with this rustic island casual clothes is the norm.  No worries.  He opens the gate and welcomes us to the resort and tells us to go to the blue hut/stand and they will take care of us.  We purchase our $!0 per person pass and given "half a chip" for our included beverage and a card to show that we paid for a spot on the beach.

Hubby and I wander around the beach and find a group of loungers in row under a palm tree.  Here’s our view:


Bonaire is a hub of calm water activities.  I say calm because you will not find any jet skis here.  Remember the whole island is a marine park.  They are doing a lot here to preserve the natural beauty especially underwater.  You will see folks kayaking, snorkeling, and diving:


This has got be the coolest pier I have ever seen:


I looks and feels like hard rubber.  More than likely made from recycled material.  It moves with the waves.  At first I had a hard time walking on top of it.  It would sway, dip, rise, and then sway again.  Kind of like being on a ship in rough waters.


Incredible views of the Caribbean water.  Would you agree?


If you squint, you can see the island of Klein Bonaire behind the kayakers.  One side of Klein Bonaire is known for “drift snorkeling”.  The other side is the turtle sanctuary.


That’s the Caribbean Princess.  We are the only ship in port.  I believe the island has a limit to the number of ships that can dock here at one time.  A few years back I only knew of two cruise lines that had Bonaire on their itinerary:  Princess and Celebrity.  Now, I have seen Royal Caribbean add Bonaire.  I have to believe it would be RC’s smaller ship that could dock in Bonaire and not their “humongous” of the Seas type ship.  I hope Bonaire stays true to their rustic island feel and continues to limit the ships in port.  


Looking back at the beach.  On the left side is the blue building where purchased our day pass.  You  can also rent snorkel gear here:


I see a handful of fellow Princess cruisers here with their blue and white towels:


How about another shot of the gorgeous blue water: