Belmar Condominiums question
- Thread starter jorgie6
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Ray and Pam
Contributor
How's the house reef in this area?
We've been alternating between Capt Dons and Buddy Dive for about the last 5 years doing boat and pier dives only, no rental truck. We really like the house reefs in this area and between that and boat dives to Klein didn't feel the need to rent a truck for shore dives.
We've done it all before when we first starting going to Bonaire snorkling north and south on the west coast and then again when we started diving. But we lazy and spoiled on the boat/pier diving and haven't rented a truck in years except for nondive days.
But, have been missing the topography of the south side but dont know if we can or want to exert that much energy on the shore entries anymore. I see Buddy Dive services Belmar, so I thinking since they are down there maybe they dive the south side?
We've been alternating between Capt Dons and Buddy Dive for about the last 5 years doing boat and pier dives only, no rental truck. We really like the house reefs in this area and between that and boat dives to Klein didn't feel the need to rent a truck for shore dives.
We've done it all before when we first starting going to Bonaire snorkling north and south on the west coast and then again when we started diving. But we lazy and spoiled on the boat/pier diving and haven't rented a truck in years except for nondive days.
But, have been missing the topography of the south side but dont know if we can or want to exert that much energy on the shore entries anymore. I see Buddy Dive services Belmar, so I thinking since they are down there maybe they dive the south side?
phelana
Contributor
Head north and in front of Bellevue are nice coral heads and sea life. I must say, pier diving will limit your options, IMHO. Belmar is a fantastic property with a top notch group of professionals.
Ray and Pam
Contributor
Thanks Ann, we feel we could dive the house reefs in front of Capt Don and Buddys for a week and throw in some boat dives and we're good. Is the house reef at Belmar that good?
Are there any restaurants or shops in that area for some walking in the evenings?
Are there any restaurants or shops in that area for some walking in the evenings?
phelana
Contributor
I defer to those who dive, as I do not. I book Belmar all the time but most of my dive clients shore dive down south. Honestly, it's the way to go on Bonaire. With that said, if you go to the left, you can head down towards Lighthouse Beach and might see some diversity. Why not rent a truck, even for a day?
There are no shops nearby. Belmar is in a residential area and oh so lovely. You can walk about a mile north to The Beach, located across from Windsock Apartments. They serve 9 AM into the night. Alex and Nicky have a great spot and a nice menu. Also Kite City is a bit further up and serves 12 ish to dark. SUPER fish and a fun kite truck experience.
The Beach, a New Dining Hot Spot
phelana
Contributor
AdivingBel
Diver
Ray and Pam
Contributor
Ok, I hear ya, spend a week at each. Thinks for the info guys and nice wetsite Ann.
We have stayed at Belmar a couple of times, though not in a few years. The house reef is fine, but to answer your question, no, I don't think you have been missing anything by not diving the Belmar's house reef. Of course, the diving at southern sites can be pretty awesome, but you need a truck. But if you're simply comparing the house reefs up at Buddy's/Captain Don's with Belmar's, then I stand by my answer.
In my mind, part of the attraction of Bonaire is the ability to sample dive sites all over--they all have their individual nuances--and I wouldn't spend all or even a majority of my dives at any one site. I would go crazy diving a house reef and boat diving exclusively, but to each his own. Wherever we stay, the house reef serves as a convenient place for the night dive, and sometimes a pre-breakfast dive, but during the day we go out and explore dive sites up and down the island. Getting back to the question, I think the house reef at Buddy's and Captain Don's is a little more interesting than at Belmar, but not enough that it would sway my decision where to stay. To us, the Belmar reef is as good as any other house reef for a night dive or early morning dive.
In my mind, part of the attraction of Bonaire is the ability to sample dive sites all over--they all have their individual nuances--and I wouldn't spend all or even a majority of my dives at any one site. I would go crazy diving a house reef and boat diving exclusively, but to each his own. Wherever we stay, the house reef serves as a convenient place for the night dive, and sometimes a pre-breakfast dive, but during the day we go out and explore dive sites up and down the island. Getting back to the question, I think the house reef at Buddy's and Captain Don's is a little more interesting than at Belmar, but not enough that it would sway my decision where to stay. To us, the Belmar reef is as good as any other house reef for a night dive or early morning dive.
