Best open dive in Caribbean?

[seascallop]

Hi. I'm a new diver and I'm thinking of doing my first real dive in Bonaire or Curacao. I don't want resorty and prefer places where there are lots of other activities (hiking, cycling, etc.) I'm thinking Bonaire is the best choice. Any thoughts on this?

 

[SailNaked]

there is hiking, and cycling in bonaire but it is in a desert. there is also kayaking, and you can feed some needy donkeys. but resort wise it is absolutely not down town Miami. I have not been to Curacao however I think maybe there might be more night life as there was not much in Bonaire when we went last August.

 

[martinguitar]

I've done both in the past 2 years, and given a choice, I'd definitely go back to Curacao before Bonaire. Both of them have taken a hit from bad weather in the past couple of years, but we (wife and 2 friends) found the Curacao locations to be more pleasant. Nothing bad about Bonaire, mind you, but overall quality of the dives, plus excellent on-land accommodations and stuff, I'd take Curacao. (Well, there is one restaurant in Bonaire that has beaten anything else in the Caribbean -- Cappriccio's. Unbelievable.)