Bonaire-- best house reef / most deluxe accommodations

[DeputyDan]

We're planning a one week trip to Bonaire at the end of May. I have received a quote for a package at Captain Don's. Before I pull the trigger on that I thought I'd just explore a bit further. We plan on doing a lot of diving on the house reef where ever we stay, so a really nice house reef is probably the highest priority. Second to this would be have as deluxe accommodations as possible. Any recommendations ? I've seen more recommendations for Buddy's than I have for Capt Dons... how different are they ? Just for reference, we spent a week in Curacao last year at Habitat and loved it.

Thanks !

Rent Vince's condo and use Wannadive for your dive needs....

 

[mintaka]

Much thanks to all for your considerate responses ! I think we are going to book at Buddy's for the week. We'll be there May 22nd-29th. If any other SBers will be there then , let me know, we'd love to meet you !

 

[oly5050user]

Much thanks to all for your considerate responses ! I think we are going to book at Buddy's for the week. We'll be there May 22nd-29th. If any other SBers will be there then , let me know, we'd love to meet you !

Good choice.Having stayed at both properties multiple times,I prefer Buddy's..Buddy includes a truck in their package,Habitat does not.You are also eligible for a FREE 2 tank boat ride to the wild side that week when you book a dive/drive package with 6 boat dives at Buddy dive,and 50% off on food at their restaurant. If they still have anniversary tee shirts (30th anniversary )you will also get a complementary tee shirt.
We are there with 14 people April 18th!

 

[bullockii]

Try Bamboo Bali Resort, inexpensive and different from all the other places, it's opposite Buddy's place. Capt Don is kind of run-down by now. Harbour Village is snobby and pretty much nose-up. Not worth the money!

 

[vladimir]

Harbour Village is snobby and pretty much nose-up.

Well, I certainly wouldn't be caught slumming with you and your ilk at the Bamboo Bali Resort.:scorned:

 

[gypsyjim]

You won't regret using Buddy dive, I think. Even when I rent elsewhere, when I have a choice I prefer to use the shore dive package offered by Buddy. 24 hr access to air/nitrox and a gear room, make diving a breaze. They run a good operation, and the drive threw air station makes grabbing tanks quick and simple.

Plus they are on Bari Reef, same as Dons, Sand Dollar, and Den Lamen.

 

[helimvee]

Bellafonte and BelMar are very nice and certainly in the "deluxe" range - but smaller than Buddy or Cap Don. BelMar does use Buddy for tanks and I believe is part of the Buddy operation. Both have rooms and patios with outstanding views of the ocean. I prefer BelMar as it has an on-site dive shop. When not diving or sleeping we spend our time on the balcony. What makes a "great reef" is very subjective. The BelMar house reef is not the best, but is certainly not the worst.

I am headed back there in June.

Have a great trip

 

[PARADISE HUNTER]

Try Bamboo Bali Resort, inexpensive and different from all the other places, it's opposite Buddy's place. Capt Don is kind of run-down by now. Harbour Village is snobby and pretty much nose-up. Not worth the money!

Sniper!

 

[christnk1]

We are trying out the Bellafonte...I thought it looked like a great place to relax after diving.

 

[Steve P]

Much thanks to all for your considerate responses ! I think we are going to book at Buddy's for the week. We'll be there May 22nd-29th. If any other SBers will be there then , let me know, we'd love to meet you !

mintaka, My wife, 18 yr twins and I will will be there same time as you. Staying at Den Laman which, I believe is very close to Buddy's.