Bonaire accommodations?

[cowfish007]

I'm travelling alone (wife can't even swim) and looking for a relaxing setting where I can meet other divers. I drink, but am not a heavy partier. My main focus is diving, but I'd like my stay to be comfortable. A vehicle is a must.

I've looked at many boards and hundreds of posts and am interested in dive packages at Captain Don's Habitat and Den Laman. I'm leaning towards Den Laman (full kitchen = less $), but am concerned about not being able to meet people there as it is a smaller facility without a pool or beach. Any feed-back or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Eric

 

[CUunderH2O]

Both of those are in a small "strip" of hotels/condos that includes Eden Beach, Den Laman, Sand Dollar, Buddy Dive, Captain Don's Habitat, Coral Paradise and Hamlet. Buddy Dive includes a rental truck, daily breakfast and free Nitrox upgrade, and apparently has a good bar scene, however I'm always too busy diving to check it out. The nice thing is that walking between all of those hotels/condos is not far, so you can always visit others near where you're staying. Golden Reef Inn is just down the road, but not on the water. I stayed at Black Durgon Inn one time when I travelled alone (nice & quiet and on the water) but it is away from the other hotels and there were no other divers there for the first 4 days I was there (not an issue for me, but you seem to want to find dive buddies).

What time of year are you going?

 

[cowfish007]

Either May or June of this year.

 

[CUunderH2O]

While it won't be high season, there will still be plenty of divers to be able to find buddies whereever you stay. I've also heard good things about Wannadive, especially for lone travellers wanting to meet other divers.

 

[mocepts]

Stayed at Den Laman last August, and would definitely stay there again. There is a busy dive shop in the parking lot, and lots of divers diving off the dock in front of the hotel, so I don't think you would have any trouble meeting anyone. The only issue you might find with the Den Lamam, is if your wife doesn't dive, there is really nothing for her to do there. No pool, beach, etc.....

 

[cowfish007]

She isn't coming.

 

[oly5050user]

She isn't coming.

I have a group there May 31-June 7th..PM me if interested..airfare dropped today on flights..good time ti book is now..

 

[cowfish007]

is this the midnight to 4AM flight?

 

[oly5050user]

yes,it is the red eye out of newark-this way we have an extra dive day out of the trip 7 dive days instead of 6..just try to sleep on plane..

 

[dvrliz1]

Cowfish,

Check Delta, they have a flight direct out of JFK.

Liz