Bonaire, Honduras or Cabo (Baja)

[Jinx]

Hello
I am considering a dive trip to Bonaire, Honduras or Cabo (Baja). I'm really just looking for people's thoughts and suggestions. I live in Ontario, Canada and have dove in Belize, Aus, Turks and Caicos, and Cozumel.

Some of my considerations are:
-- a different diving experience
-- water temperature
-- diversity of sea life
-- cost

I would love any thoughts or suggestions.
Thanks.

 

[markfm]

I went to Utila, Honduras, in 2005, had a great time. The op was Deep Blue, excellent people, lots of critters, good reefs, walls,... Steve and Jasmine run a good resort, really focused on diving, with super dive staff

This past Summer I went to Roatan, Honduras, FIBR. Another really solid, enjoyable, experience. FIBR was definitely dive oriented, but offered some other activities if you wanted to mix things up differently (air tour of the island, zip line over the jungle, nightly entertainment).

Personally I preferred Deep Blue for the diving, though FIBR was good as my GF was just getting into diving, the FIBR setup had more amenities. Night diving at FIBR is easy, pleasant.

Both trips were August, I wore just a skin and was fine, never chilled. For my GF we picked up a microprene before the trip, she was fine.

 

[Fouremco]

See this month's Scuba Diving magazine for full ratings. Bonaire is rated #1 overall, and in several individual categories. The article aside, my own research earlier this year led me to the same concusion, and my wife and I are off to Bonaire in January.

Of course, it's all a matter of individual preference. We're looking for a lot of good diving, at our own pace, and night life and other activities are low on our list of priorities for this trip.

 

[OceanSailor]

Having experienced diving in the places you mentioned, I would recommend the CocoView resort in Roatan, Honduras as the best bang for your buck. The resort is strictly dedicated to diving. In addition to the four boat dives a day, there is limitless shore diving. The resort is isolated on a small 'barrier' island, but there are some opportunities to get over to the main island and have a look around.

Cap'n Ed

 

[PNW Dive Girl]

You're looking at different types of diving. I stayed at Laguna Beach resort on Utila a couple of years ago. It was awesome! I'd love to go back. Bonaire is diving on your own schedule, or diving to "schedule, what schedule?" I loved Bonaire too.

 

[CUunderH2O]

I would agree about Roatan, if cost is the determining factor. I was there last April and all we did was dive, dive, dive all week. They offer a nice shark dive experience, too, if you're into that sort of thing. Direct flights from Toronto via WestJet is great, too... check out http://www.squbaholidays.com

BTW, Roatan is not known for its nightlife, and most of the dive-oriented resorts' bars close early. This worked fine for us, but may not be so great for others.

 

[Al Mialkovsky]

Cabo should be off the list. Bonaire comes in first with the shore diving BUT if you want the nicest accomadations then go to Roatan and stay at Anthony's Key. Great dive sites and like most other resorts there a very very short boat trip.

 

[Natasha]

Hello
I am considering a dive trip to Bonaire, Honduras or Cabo (Baja). I'm really just looking for people's thoughts and suggestions. I live in Ontario, Canada and have dove in Belize, Aus, Turks and Caicos, and Cozumel.

Some of my considerations are:
-- a different diving experience
-- water temperature
-- diversity of sea life
-- cost

I would love any thoughts or suggestions.
Thanks.

If you're indeed looking for a different dive experience then you already have had..all three of your suggestions would give you that. So you will need to visit all of them at one time, during your diving years. Pick which ever one works the best for your budget..and go.

Bonaire is easy relaxing..'bath tub' diving. Over 80 shore dives..so if you like to shore dive..that's your place.

I was just at Anthoy's Key.. Excellect operation..several possibilities for wall diving wrecks, and reef.

Cabo is for the more experienced diver..not sure what your level is..but there you have it..IMHO

Have fun and write a report when you return.

 

[em2dibe]

Hello
I am considering a dive trip to Bonaire, Honduras or Cabo (Baja). I'm really just looking for people's thoughts and suggestions. I live in Ontario, Canada and have dove in Belize, Aus, Turks and Caicos, and Cozumel.

Some of my considerations are:
-- a different diving experience
-- water temperature
-- diversity of sea life
-- cost

I would love any thoughts or suggestions.
Thanks.

Hi,
I dove both Bonaire and Roatan this year. I think the diving in Bonaire was amazing. I will probably go back sooner to Bonaire than to Roatan. I stayed at Buddy Dive. I was very happy with the resort and they have an outstanding dive shp. Definetly BONAIRE!!.
I see that you went to Belize. Did you like? I am looking into going to Belize sometime in May next year. Any advise? Where did you stay? When did you go? I read an article that the reefs have not fullu recovered and that is not worth going. thoughts?

 

[booth22]

You're looking at different types of diving. I stayed at Laguna Beach resort on Utila a couple of years ago. It was awesome! I'd love to go back.

I second the feelings! We had so much fun last March, we're going back this March for more!