Curacao or stay with Bonaire?

[Ray and Pam]

Been to Bonaire about 14 times, mainly stay at Capt Dons or Buddy Dive.
Really like the setup at both, easy access to great house reef and boat diving. Sometimes don't rent a truck just dive the house reef and do boat dives. Always get at least a uwave and minifridge, Buddy Dive studios are perfect with full kitchens, bring lots of food with us and walk to local eateries, grocery stores in evenings.
If we do Curacao it would be for about 2 weeks and we would rent a truck for at least a week to explore.
Is there anything like that on Curacao?
Thanks

 

[arew+4]

Been to Bonaire about 14 times, mainly stay at Capt Dons or Buddy Dive.
Really like the setup at both, easy access to great house reef and boat diving. Sometimes don't rent a truck just dive the house reef and do boat dives. Always get at least a uwave and minifridge, Buddy Dive studios are perfect with full kitchens, bring lots of food with us and walk to local eateries, grocery stores in evenings.
If we do Curacao it would be for about 2 weeks and we would rent a truck for at least a week to explore.
Is there anything like that on Curacao?
Thanks

There are a few resorts that might have a similar vibe, house of reef boat dives etc. I've been once and I'm planning on getting back soon. We do VRBO, (family of five). Coral Estates has all the things except for and groceries within walking distance

 

[dmaziuk]

ALlWest has the kitchens and house reef, but the boat is in the next playa over (5 min drive) and the nearest groceries are 15 minutes away. There's options above GoWest -- that "next playa over" -- but we never stayed in any of them, so no idea what's there.

 

[joalemma]

We stayed at Lions Dive on Curacao, and there were non divers with us, and it worked out wonderfully. There is an on site dive shop and there are lockers to store your gear. Very convenient to wake up, walk to the shop and lockers, and get right on the boat. You can shore dive at Lions Dive, as well. We could also walk to the Dive Bus, and numerous restaurants.

We did have a rental car and went exploring as well.

 

[Ray and Pam]

Thanks for all the info...may get to try Curacao next spring, just booked Captain Dons on Bonaire again for this fall.

 

[tkaelin]

Been to Bonaire and Capt Dons twice this year and you can’t go wrong. Thinking of returning to Curacao in ‘27. Looking at cayman Brac and little for ‘26.

 

[Jake 10]

We have been to Bonaire couple of times. Capt.'s Don Habitat and Plaza Beach & Dive Resort, both great with their own perks. We will be in Curacao in two weeks at Lions Den and will let you know how they compare.

 

[Ray and Pam]

Bonaire is our go to, never been to Bonaire and said we should have gone somewhere else. It's the unguided shore diving that keeps bringing us back. No schedules, no keeping up with the group, no dive time limits. Stop and check out a small area as long as you want, dink with camera settings until you get the shot you want.
Staying in one of Captain Dons new Deluxe Garden View Suites again just like we did last year.
These rooms are huge, large bedrooms, living rooms, balconies, large and full kitchens. There is way too much closet and drawer space in hallway and bedrooms.
Trying to get the one my sister had last year which overlooks the pool and even has partial ocean view.
Learned a long time ago we don't need oceanfront room when we're on it most of the day anyway.

 

[arew+4]

While I mostly agree, you should give Curacao a try. Playa Porto Marie is just about the ideal shore dive. Beautiful beach, full service restaurant/bar, clear warm water, pretty fish and coral, interesting reef structure..

Dive, lounge, dive, diner drinks and sunset. Oh yeah tanks on site, no schlepping.
,

 

[rhwestfall]

Very different.... Bonaire is a dive trip, Curacao is a vacation....

Both are excellent, but a different vibe...