rakayaker
Registered
We're planning on a dive trip in mid-may and are trying to decide between Aruba and Bonaire. Does anyone have any opinion as to which to start with (assume I'll do both one day)?
Aruba vs. Bonaire to dive
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scubadobadoo
Contributor
The answer is Bonaire. The answer is always Bonaire when the number one criteria is diving flexibility.
Aruba will give you more night life but Bonaire gives you more dive sites to reach AND shore diving to your heart's content and that means you dive when and where you want! If it's a "dive trip" you want, then it's Bonaire you need.
Aruba will give you more night life but Bonaire gives you more dive sites to reach AND shore diving to your heart's content and that means you dive when and where you want! If it's a "dive trip" you want, then it's Bonaire you need.
pa diver
Contributor
The answer is Bonaire. The answer is always Bonaire when the number one criteria is diving flexibility.
Aruba will give you more night life but Bonaire gives you more dive sites to reach AND shore diving to your heart's content and that means you dive when and where you want! If it's a "dive trip" you want, then it's Bonaire you need.
Ditto, ditto, ditto.....................Aruba for other activities, Bonaire for diving.
Damselfish
Contributor
If I were in Aruba I would dive, but I probably wouldn't go to Aruba TO dive. From all reports there are some nice enough dives, but they don't compare to Bonaire. Now if you really like wrecks, Aruba might be appealing. (Curacao is another place to consider, as long as you stick to the right areas it's much like Bonaire, but a bit easier to get to.)
I've been to Aruba, but it was before I started diving, and probably wouldn't go back. It's a nice enough island, but I've seen it now, and it's too touristy for me anyway.
I've been to Aruba, but it was before I started diving, and probably wouldn't go back. It's a nice enough island, but I've seen it now, and it's too touristy for me anyway.
dvrliz1
Guest
I live on Bonaire and have been to Aruba. Definitely Bonaire for the diving, and actually other things to do to. If you don't dive as much as some, than you will find lots of things to do on Bonaire. Aruba was great, and the only nightlife we found was bars and casinos. Unfortunately the show at the place we stayed was 'black" for the week due to vacation.
From experience, and based on it's closeness to the equator, if you are busy all day with diving, windsurfing, landsaililng, snorkeling, sailing, fishing, biking, horseback riding, rapelling, caving, spelonking, and so much more....with the beautiful sun and crystal clear blue waters, you will be "zonked".
I can tell you the majority of our guests are back in their rooms, with the lights off usually between 9 and 10 pm....exhausted, but happily!
Liz
From experience, and based on it's closeness to the equator, if you are busy all day with diving, windsurfing, landsaililng, snorkeling, sailing, fishing, biking, horseback riding, rapelling, caving, spelonking, and so much more....with the beautiful sun and crystal clear blue waters, you will be "zonked".
I can tell you the majority of our guests are back in their rooms, with the lights off usually between 9 and 10 pm....exhausted, but happily!
Liz
rakayaker; Where are you located.? Is it northeast area?I have a trip to Bonaire May 4-11..I feel I got a good rate on the airfare and land package for the group.If interested you can pm me.
dogenia
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I live in Curacao (The island of Curacao - A real, different Caribbean vacation | Bon Bini Curacao) if anybody got questions.
Same kingdom, bigger island. There's a bunch of dive shops five mins from my house and an actual dive hotel.
So if anybody needs help PM me or email me at dogenia@gmail.com .
Anybody collect dive watches? I'm thinking of getting an Citizen 20th Anniversary later on.
Don
Same kingdom, bigger island. There's a bunch of dive shops five mins from my house and an actual dive hotel.
So if anybody needs help PM me or email me at dogenia@gmail.com .
Anybody collect dive watches? I'm thinking of getting an Citizen 20th Anniversary later on.
Don
Ontwreckdiver
Contributor
I have been to Aruba diving 4 times, and going back this fall. I have been to Bonaire diving once.
Bonaire has nice easy diving and lots of shore diving, but it is BORING unless you are a new diver.
Bonaire has nice easy diving and lots of shore diving, but it is BORING unless you are a new diver.
Stichus III
Contributor
I have to agree with Ontwreckdiver. Diving in Aruba is more varied and more exciting than diving in Bonaire. Anyway I'm sure you'll have a great time diving in Bonaire or Aruba.
If you do go to Aruba make sure you dive the reefs at the South coast and the reefs in the San Nicolas area. The diving in the hotel area sucks.
If you do go to Aruba make sure you dive the reefs at the South coast and the reefs in the San Nicolas area. The diving in the hotel area sucks.
scubadobadoo
Contributor
I think your post should read..."unless you are a wreck diver." I don't find it boring at all but then again I would rather look at life and have little interest in wrecks although I do enjoy them. I'm assuming you disagree given your name. OntWRECKdiver.
But you do have a point. Want wreck and reefs? Bonaire only has one wreck (others but they don't count) and it's just okay IMHO. However, boring is not a word I would use to describe Bonaire diving.
It all depends on your interests. Both wrecks and reefs have a "story" if you stop long enough to look at them the right way.
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