Accommodations for 4 (only 1 diver)

[jf3193]

Greetings,
Well, our plans have changed. Were now going to be joined by another couple (non divers), and we have offered to go in halves on perhaps a VRBO.
The key for me is diving. I will be the only diver of the 4, and i plan on being underwater most of the time. Are there any good VRBO options ocean front (with a nice shore dive reef) that anyone is familiar with? We were looking into buddy dive, but since their non divers, we figured a better financial option would be to just get a nice VRBO. (pool, beachfront, etc). They don't travel much, so we want them to really have a good time.
Best packages for unlimited shore diving for a week? This will be our first time there (November/December), and Im trying to find something that gets me the unlimited diving, and them a nice tropical vacation. (also, not extravagant on the budget).

 

[diversteve]

Here's some options that may work for both groups.

There are 2-3 br villas available at the Plaza Resort besides the regular hotel rooms - it can be bought as an all-inclusive. Toucan Dive is on site - we've dove with them. Their boats are kept in the lagoon at the south end of the property but the north end is the 18 Palms dive site - they stage tanks there for guests.

Nice beach, pool complex, tennis courts, a couple of restaurants - Coconut Crash beach bar does a bbq one night a week

It's also under 5mins south of downtown Kralendijk - kind of a long walk though.

It's not as dive oriented as some of the dive resorts which your non-divers may appreciate more.They or Harbor Village are about the only beachfront resorts and HV is pricey. There's also a small beach at the Divi Flamingo in town but there's soething odd about it - I forget what - maybe a fence?.

Then there's condos north of town. Just south of Buddy's is the Sand Dollar 2-3 br condos right on Bari Reef - one of the best known shore dives. Small beach in one area - most of the resort is on the ironshore above it, Sand Dollar's pool is in the parking lot though - no view. And Eddie's restaurant borders it. Dive Friends is on-site there.

Next to it is the smaller, newer Den Laman condos - no beach there either but Dive Friends is also on-site there. It's the south end of Bari Reef. No pool.
Afaik all the units except the studios look out over Bari Reef. Small restaurant on-site but for the non-divers Coco Beach Club is literally next door. A few years ago they added sand and a beach bar.

We stay south of town at BelMar condos but they may not be ideal for you. It's a small complex, 1-3 br. units that all face the water. The other Buddy Dive shop is there and they have an average house reef. You do get drive-thru privileges at Buddy's also. And I believe they keep a boat there now also. Small pool but absolutely no beach - the resort is steps down over the ironshore to the water - there's two docks there. Also there's no on-site food or even walking disance - the nearest is the Plaza then 5mins. to town. It's very quiet in Belnem at night.
All the really good south dive sites are 5mins.(driving) south. The nearest beach for your friends is Bachelor's but it's only a beach when the tide is out.

besides vrbo also check out - Bonaire Vacation Rentals Archieven - SunRentals Bonaire

be aware that on Bonaire oceanfront seldom means beachfront. Much of the shoreline is ironshore down to the waters edge. Some weird things there - Buddy's has sand on top of the ironshore but you use steps/ladders to get to the water. Ans Eden Beach keeps theirs in place with retaining walls - you step over them to the water. It's a little odd,,, I believe even Coco Beach Club has a curb to keep the sand onshore - probably a Stinapa restriction.

 

[Kharon]

For unlimited air you can't beat Dive Friends Bonaire. They have 7 pickup locations and are inexpensive ($160 for a week). If you have a nitrox cert the upgrade to nitrox is free.

 

[Trailboss123]

I have stayed at Den Laman Condos with 2 couples in a 2 bedroom condo and it was ideal on many levels. The condos are super nice and modern and clean. The bedrooms are on opposite ends of the condo for some privacy with an expansive dining/living/kitchen area in between. If you opt for a waterfront condo, you get an expansive patio overlooking the water and gorgeous sunsets (highly recommend). You have Bari reef right out your front door with the easiest entry/exit on the island. Dive Friends is your on site dive operator. Great rinse tanks and storage facility and access to the other 6 Dive Friends fill stations on the island. Home - Den Laman

I have also done a waterfront condo VRBO just up the road from Den Laman; but it is a 5 bedroom/5bath and too big for your needs. As @diversteve mentioned, there are not a ton of places with white sandy beaches. If you go the VRBO route, then I would agree with @Kharon that you do your dive package with Dive Friends Bonaire. 7 locations to drop off and grab tanks, great price, great air fills- very convenient.

Here are some other VRBO's that I have looked at that might suit your needs:
Spacious Oceanfront Apartment Belnem, right... - VRBO
Best Beachfront Location. Spectacular ocean... - VRBO

 

[bethie]

Greetings,
Well, our plans have changed. Were now going to be joined by another couple (non divers), and we have offered to go in halves on perhaps a VRBO.
The key for me is diving. I will be the only diver of the 4, and i plan on being underwater most of the time. Are there any good VRBO options ocean front (with a nice shore dive reef) that anyone is familiar with? We were looking into buddy dive, but since their non divers, we figured a better financial option would be to just get a nice VRBO. (pool, beachfront, etc). They don't travel much, so we want them to really have a good time.
Best packages for unlimited shore diving for a week? This will be our first time there (November/December), and Im trying to find something that gets me the unlimited diving, and them a nice tropical vacation. (also, not extravagant on the budget).

We use VRBO and Dive Friends. If you are there Nov25-Dec 8, we could meet to dive (my partner does not dive, but is an awesome driver/porter!) Do the others snorkel? I have had fun diving shallow under my snorkeling partner.
We have been to Bonaire many times and really love this VRBO. But it is booked for us on those dates! Winter Special Ocean View and ocean access... - VRBO

 

[jf3193]

We use VRBO and Dive Friends. If you are there Nov25-Dec 8, we could meet to dive (my partner does not dive, but is an awesome driver/porter!) Do the others snorkel? I have had fun diving shallow under my snorkeling partner.
We have been to Bonaire many times and really love this VRBO. But it is booked for us on those dates! Winter Special Ocean View and ocean access... - VRBO[/QUOTE
My wife likes to snorkel, but the other couple probably never has. ( they never been around any resemblance of a reef). I’m betting they would like it when on site!

 

[jf3193]

Thanks everyone for the responses!