There are bugs on every beach here. Bolongo is fine, neither luxurious nor dumpy. I wouldn't go all-inclusive anywhere, unless you really don't want to explore the other offerings on island.

Bolongo is where we put our sales people when they're on island. They seem to like it - maybe it has something to do with Iggie's being there.

Not much snorkeling there and, to add to dntw8up's thoughts, AI isn't the way to go here which is why so few places offer it. Find what suits you and rent a car so you can explore. The sand fleas, a/k/a no-seeums hit ALL beaches here as the sun sets so plan on using plenty of repellant if you plan on hanging around beachside at that time. Cheers!

We have stayed at Secret Harbor,Bolongo Bay, Gallows Point and The Westin. Bolongo was by far our least favorite. Pool area is nice and the bar is cool but the rooms and beach leave a lot to be desired. Rooms are kind of run down. The beach is small and narrow. And to make matters worse, when we were there, a tractor drug the beach every single day. Try to relax with that happening. On the plus side they seemed to give a lot of rum when we were there. Probably to keep us drunk so we would not notice their faults. I would stay somewhere else.

Our 1st visit was at Bolongo,15 years ago, when they still owned what is now Bluebeards Beach so we had several choices for meals. We didn't rent a car and just thought this was a typical island place. The food was wonderful, not your usual AI. We now rent a car and have stayed at most of the larger hotels then we discovered VRBO and rented a studio unit at the Watergate Condo, next door to Bolongo, it is perfect for what we want, Bolongo does own some units but we have rented from Scott and Leah Browning, we can walk on "our" patio with coffee and a bagel, the pool is right in front of us with the Caribbean just beyond. We can walk to either of Bolongos restaurants or just walk out the door to Mimms restaurant which is only open in the evening, very romantic, good food and service , right on the water with most of the seating outside.

There are people who wouldn't stay anywhere else, Bolongo does get a lot of repeat business and I think their long time employees have a lot to do with that,the beaches and pools are never crowded, there is always a nice breeze and Caribbean night at Iggies is a lot of fun,our Grand kids loved that!
Last year I rented a condo on Sapphire Beach, we needed a larger place, our kids and 2 Grand kids were there with me, my hubby stayed home to run our business which gave our son a chance to come down for his 1st visit. Very nice condo, expensive restaurants beautiful beach. Now the restaurants are closed and I don't cook on vacation. They do drop off cruise ship groups but the beach is long and the pool is kind of tucked away ,on the beach away from the busy areas so it is seldom busy ,and again a good breeze. Another favorite with the spoiled Grand kids,now 7 and 11.
You just need to keep going back to find "your place" Donna

We recently returned (July 4th). We stayed in the Watergate Villas that shares the beach with Bolongo. For the week that we went, we did /could not use the water there. There are alot of sea urchins and jellyfish. Not sure if this is seasonal or not - but the water was dark and very rough (waves).
We did enjoy Iggies and Mim's. Our kids (19 & 22) took advantage of the dive lesson in the Bolongo pool and then booked a dive session for later that day. It was the highlight of their trip.
The area is perfect for a "home base" as it is centrally located between Charlotte Amelia and Red Hook.
If you are looking for the perfect "step out of room and swim/snorkel and sunbathe spot" - I would look elsewhere.
I, personally, would not do an all-inclusive as there are sooooo many fabulous places to eat on the island. Why limit yourself to Bolongo Beach?
Wherever you stay, stop by Iggy's on Wednesday eve for Carnival - it was fun!