Experience the luxury of an oceanfront hotel and the advantages of staying in a condominium that meets all of your needs. http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/Bonaire/sanddollar/hotel/1423/34/ en-us Copyright 1998 e-TravelMedia.com/CaribbeanMag.com Sat, 6 Sep 2008 13:08:38 EST Sand Dollar invites you to discover the luxury and comfort of a home away from home in a tropically decorated studio, 1, 2 or 3 bedroom oceanfront condominium. Ideal for solo travelers, couples, families and groups alike, each spacious unit features a comfortable living area with cable TV, fully equipped kitchen with breakfast bar and dining area, and air conditioned bedrooms with private bathrooms. Secluded balconies or porches face seaward, offering limitless views of the ocean and nearby Klein Bonaire. Guest amenities include waterfront grills, and sun decks with thatched canopies for the ultimate in relaxation. AMENITIES: There is also a convenience store, bank with 24 hour ATM, ice cream parlor, day spa, art and souvenir shop, all within easy access. ACTIVITIES: A full service dive shop, a convenient dive pier, and a variety of eco-activities including snorkeling, kayaking, biking, and nature tours are available at Bonaire Dive and Adventure, which is located at the south end of our property. Whether you come to Bonaire for a week or a month, as a diver or a non-diver, there is always something to do for the outdoors-minded visitor. Here we list a few of our favorite things to do. Discover Bonaire Programs The Discover Bonaire programs based at Bonaire Dive and Adventure offer visitors of all ages and abilities the opportunity and means to explore the island's multifaceted natural treasures, both above and below water. (Click here for a sample of the weekly activities.) Trained naturalists are available to take you on guided tours of the island's numerous ecosystems, utilizing kayaks, mountain bikes, dive boats, air-conditioned vans, and even on foot. From the deepest reefs to the summit of Brandaris, Bonaire's tallest peak, the Discover Bonaire team can take you where you want to go. For travelers who prefer to go it alone, our fleet of sea kayaks, sit-on-top kayaks, and mountain bikes are also available for rent. Here are just a few of the activities offered: Birding: Bonaire's unique location off the Venezuelan coast attracts migratory birds in transit between North and South America. Bird watchers can also observe various species only found in this part of the Caribbean such as Flamingo's, wild yellow-shouldered Parrots and Parakeet's. Bonaire officially has over 200 species of birds that have been sighted here. Join one of our birding and nature tours with resident expert and naturalist Jerry Ligon. Note: Entry to these caves is expressly for the purpose of land based exploration and not for diving. Cave Exploration: Bonaire Dive and Adventure offers visiting adventurer the opportunity to go underground and explore two of Bonaire's cave systems. Lead by veteran guide Henk Sanders, this 3 hour excursion takes visitors to a dry cave where fossils of brain corals and other ancient life forms can be seen. hen journey to a second cave begins with a descent of more nearly 100 feet and rewards explorers with a relaxing dip in a fresh water pool. Impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations abound in both caves. Kayaking: Whether you opt for a gentle paddle in the mangroves of Lac Bay or an invigorating excursion to Klein Bonaire or the coastline, Bonaire Dive and Adventure has is all worked out. Kayak rentals, instruction and guided tours utilize a fleet of sea kayaks and sit-on-top kayaks. Age and experience restrictions may apply to certain tours and activities, but many are suitable for the entire family. Middle Island Tour: Tour leader Henk Sanders offers a unique excursion to a section of Bonaire rarely visited - the center! Begin with a visit to six traditional Barrios or neighborhoods, with stops at abandoned plantations and land houses where the spirits or the previous inhabitants are still rumored to dwell. Then continue on to the wild east coast with its natural blowholes, and the beautiful and remote Spelonk lighthouse and cave. Mountain Biking: A perfect way to tour the island at your own pace along miles and miles of uncrowded roads or off-road trails. On our guided excursions, we'll carefully select the distance and route to match what is just right for you. Those looking to venture out on their own will be given trail maps showing well laid out routes. Snorkeling: Bonaire offer snorkelers the opportunity to swim along shallow terraces teeming with colorful fish. Whether you go on your own or on one of our guided snorkeling excursions, Bonaire's shallow reefs offer superb opportunities for some family fun. Adjacent to the dive center is Fish Eye Photo, owned and operated by photo/video pro Tim Peters. DINING/RESTARUANTS: Mango's Restaurant and Pool Bar is located a short stroll from the units, and offers casual dining, a swimming pool with sun deck, and two lighted tennis courts, all of which are accessible to our guests. Type: Hotel Beach Location: Beach Front (Directly on Beach/Water Front) http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/Bonaire/sanddollar/hotel/1423/34/ Sat, 6 Sep 2008 13:08:38 EST