Dunno when you're planning on going, but you can sure get skunked in Aruba/Bonaire during hurricane season and on through October. I've seen a good number of light wind days on the B'aire cam lately:
Young ones cook quick in equatorial sun. Not a lot to do for non-sailing wifey unless scuba is on her list, in which case I understand Bonaire is world class.
Choice might depend whether emphasis is on family or windsurfing
I would love to go to Maui, but there is no way I would take a 9 month old and a 5 year on a 7 hour plane ride. That would be brutal.
Lac Bay in Bonaire is very family friendly. Shallow water for the kids, rentals right on the water, bathrooms, food etc... The big drawback is that most of the accommodations are are 15 minute car ride on the other side of the island. If you really want to be able to stay within walking distance of the sailing, then Aruba is the way to go.
Keep in mind that going to Bonaire during hurricane season is a bit of gamble. Not because you will get hurricane weather but rather because you might get skunked. And trust me - if there is no wind (which means angry mosquitos) and you have kids there isn't much to do in Bonaire.
thanks for all of the beta! i am thinking about a trip in april 09. anywhere else beside carribean? may just got to OBX but was wanting something little more exotic (been to the banks several times).
Curt,
If you can afford it Aruba is the best I've seen. Although the 5YO and 9Mo probably won't do a LOT of sailing. If you watch the kids tho you wife sure can. The Vela Aruba folks do a great job with beginner lessons. AND the Boardwalk (where we stayed) offers childcare.
See our recent journal of our trip... which was fabulous. My kids are 17YO and 15....
I've done Aruba and did not get skunked..had a lesson with Dasher!...but Chris has, so that would suck...I also have been to Hatteras and loved every Hatteras trip - why is that not exotic enough - just not getting skunked is exotic enough for me :-). Or is it too much driving?
For a family vacation, Bonaire would be my choice over Aruba. Aruba has more wind, but it is offshore and gusty, making it tough for beginners. Bonaire is idyllic for learning, perfect for perfecting you jibes and has excellent snorkeling and diving.
If you want someplace really different, go in April to Lake Arenal in Costa Rica. If you want 25-50mph wind, go in the Winter. A new airport opened a few years ago at Liberia, close to Lake Arenal, with direct flights to the US. There's lot's to do for the whole family and challenging windsurfing on fresh water.
ARUBA.....ARUBA.......ARUBA. Been 5 times and have had good wind all 5 times.
thx any place in particular to stay, etc
curt
Dunno when you're planning on going, but you can sure get skunked in Aruba/Bonaire during hurricane season and on through October. I've seen a good number of light wind days on the B'aire cam lately:
http://www.breathebonaire.com/index.php?CURRENT_CAM=bonairecam4&SET_CAM=bonairecam4
Young ones cook quick in equatorial sun. Not a lot to do for non-sailing wifey unless scuba is on her list, in which case I understand Bonaire is world class.
Choice might depend whether emphasis is on family or windsurfing
What time of year? Aruba and Bonaire are both good right now...as well as other places in the Southern Carib like Margarita.
There is no doubt in my mind where you should go.
Maui - if it is afforadable!
Something for everyone to do at every age and shade and grass for them while you sail.
No worries on the wind mate, it always blows.
PeelSkid
I would love to go to Maui, but there is no way I would take a 9 month old and a 5 year on a 7 hour plane ride. That would be brutal.
Lac Bay in Bonaire is very family friendly. Shallow water for the kids, rentals right on the water, bathrooms, food etc... The big drawback is that most of the accommodations are are 15 minute car ride on the other side of the island. If you really want to be able to stay within walking distance of the sailing, then Aruba is the way to go.
Keep in mind that going to Bonaire during hurricane season is a bit of gamble. Not because you will get hurricane weather but rather because you might get skunked. And trust me - if there is no wind (which means angry mosquitos) and you have kids there isn't much to do in Bonaire.
Albert
This a.m. at Lac Bay wind SW 9kts !
thanks for all of the beta! i am thinking about a trip in april 09. anywhere else beside carribean? may just got to OBX but was wanting something little more exotic (been to the banks several times).
thx again
curt
Curt,
If you can afford it Aruba is the best I've seen. Although the 5YO and 9Mo probably won't do a LOT of sailing. If you watch the kids tho you wife sure can. The Vela Aruba folks do a great job with beginner lessons. AND the Boardwalk (where we stayed) offers childcare.
See our recent journal of our trip... which was fabulous. My kids are 17YO and 15....
Otherwise - Cocoa Beach? Kelly Park?
Steve
I've done Aruba and did not get skunked..had a lesson with Dasher!...but Chris has, so that would suck...I also have been to Hatteras and loved every Hatteras trip - why is that not exotic enough - just not getting skunked is exotic enough for me :-). Or is it too much driving?
Richard
For a family vacation, Bonaire would be my choice over Aruba. Aruba has more wind, but it is offshore and gusty, making it tough for beginners. Bonaire is idyllic for learning, perfect for perfecting you jibes and has excellent snorkeling and diving.
If you want someplace really different, go in April to Lake Arenal in Costa Rica. If you want 25-50mph wind, go in the Winter. A new airport opened a few years ago at Liberia, close to Lake Arenal, with direct flights to the US. There's lot's to do for the whole family and challenging windsurfing on fresh water.
Barrett