Underwater slide shows provide entertainment for both divers and nondivers. The best shows are at Captain Don's Habitat (tel. 599/717-8290;). Shows are presented in the hotel bar, Rum Runners, Friday night from 7 to 9pm.
Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino, J. A. Abraham Boulevard (tel. 599/717-8285), promoted as "The World's First Barefoot Casino," offers blackjack, roulette, poker, wheel of fortune, video games, and slot machines. Entrance is free; hours are Monday to Saturday from 8pm to 2am.
Karel's Beach Bar, on the waterfront (tel. 599/717-8434), is almost Tahitian in its high-ceilinged, Tiki-hut design. This popular place perches above the sea on stilts. In Bogie's Casablanca, everybody came to Rick's. In Bonaire, everybody goes to Karel's: divers, sunset seekers, boaters, off-the-record couples -- you name it. Zeezicht's full menu is also available to patrons of Karel's. Johnan Visser also owns the restaurant. You can sit at the long rectangular bar with many of the island's dive and boating professionals, or select a table near the balustrades overlooking the illuminated surf. A sushi bar has been added. Wednesday is karaoke, with cocktailed crooners singing from 10pm; Friday and Saturday live bands, including reggae and pan, are brought in. Otherwise, a DJ spins discs as you drink the night away. Drinks are half price and beer costs US$2.50 (£1.30) during happy hour, 5 to 7pm.
We nominate the City Cafe, Kaya Grandi 7 (tel. 599/717-8286), as the island's funkiest bar. Painted in screaming shades of electric blue, scarlet magenta, and banana, it's a popular local hangout with a no-holds-barred vibe.
