Bonaire - Buddy Dive Resort or Captain Don's Habitat

[TravelDave]

A few of us are going down in May. We are all intermediate divers (we generally go on one to two trips a year). We have heard several good comments on both Buddy and Captain Don's. Thought we'd throw it out for your input. Any other information for first-time Bonaire visitors would also be appreciated.

Thanks,
Dave

 

[Rick Murchison]

A few of us are going down in May. We are all intermediate divers (we generally go on one to two trips a year). We have heard several good comments on both Buddy and Captain Don's. Thought we'd throw it out for your input. Any other information for first-time Bonaire visitors would also be appreciated.

Thanks,
Dave

They're next door to one another (the old Lions Dive is the part next to Capt Don's) and you can walk between 'em and dive the same "house reef(s)".
My preference is for Buddy Dive, but that's 'cause I have known the folks there for years and like 'em a lot.
I think you'll be real happy either way.
Rick

 

[reefdiva]

While I have not stayed at either resort I have visited both and think that the drive up tank area at Buddy's can't be beat for shore diving. A few other tips for first time visitors ...
* be sure you have booties with a hard sole for shore diving
* NEVER leave anything of value in your truck and always leave the windows down and doors unlocked at dive sites
* in restaurants you need to ask for your check as it is considered impolite to bring the check to the table without it being requested
* larger restaurants will present the check in both dollars and the local currency
* US dollars are accepted everywhere but in smaller places you should try not to have bills larger than twenties
* if you pay in US dollars you will get your change in local currency
* pay your departure tax at the airport the day before you leave so you can avoid any lines
* and what I think is the most important tip of all for first time Bonaire divers --- purchase a copy of Bonaire Shore Diving Made Easy by Susan Porter. It is available at Bonaire Shore Diving Made Easy, BSDME, Author Susan Porter and gives fabulous info on entries, exits, what you might see, etc.

Have fun!

 

[spectrum]

We stayed at Buddy Dive for a week straddling April/May last year and wanted for nothing, absolutely nothing. Looking down the shore to Captain Dons it was clear that Buddy was the happening place. Other than that I can't speak to Captain Don's we never got over there.

Buddy Dive does not provide washcloths (face cloths) in the bathroom. Only one scrunchie thing for everyone to share. If it matters to anyone bring your own. I don't know if it's laundry conservation or local custom.

Have a great time!
Pete

 

[herman]

What they said., my choice would be Buddy. Great staff and a well run operation. I would encourage you to do a search on this board with the keyword Bonaire. There is hours of reading with loads of favorite restautrants, dive sites, customs and other tips that will make your trip go a lot better.

 

[jupitermermaid]

I agree with what everyone has said so far, especially buying the book about the shore dives. Fabulous information and a great way to plan your dives. It tells how easy or hard the dive and the entry is for each site.

If you do a night dive in front of Buddy's, make sure to watch for Charlie, the large tarpon who makes his home there and likes to follow the divers. Otherwise, he'll find you....lol.

Have a great trip. You can't go wrong diving Bonaire. And Buddy's goes the extra mile to make sure you have everything you need.

(If you're an animal lover, you might enjoy getting some cat food for the cats that hang out at Buddy's (the owners encourage it by signage only), and maybe some dog food to feed the strays you find along the road.)

 

[flatwood]

I would opt for Buddys. I've stayed there three times is the last two years and never had a problem. I like their house reef for daylight and night diving and their drive thru tank pick up can't be beat! Enjoy Bonaire!!

 

[DeputyDan]

I vote Buddy Dive

 

[Jim Lapenta]

We were going to stay at Buddy but after calling them I found out that they are not handicapped accessible. We are going to Divi. The other option was Capt Don's but they were booked for the time we wanted for the number of people going(we booked 20 spots and 15 filled in about a week and a half).

 

[Sorrows]

I would also opt for Buddy's--I also think their house reef is better and so is the food.

When we were there, I got a minor ear infection. Someone on staff was kind enough to drive me to the doctor's office and wait with me and then drive me home again. And this was during the Christmas holidays! Now, THAT is service!