Bonaire or Placencia?

[RussL]

Going diving in September and narrowed choices down to Bonaire or Placencia. Never been to Belize, but been to Bonaire twice decades ago. All thoughts and opinions welcomed.

 

[KathyV]

Do you prefer shore diving or boat diving, both? what types of things do you like to do topside? what kind of budget do you have?

 

[uncfnp]

September? Keep in mind that Bonaire is generally consider outside the Hurricane zone.

 

[RussL]

Do you prefer shore diving or boat diving, both? what types of things do you like to do topside? what kind of budget do you have?

. We enjoy both boat and shore diving, but I don't anticipate driving all over Bonaire to shore dive. When not diving, probably spend most of the time just relaxing and doing the occasional excursion. The last time I was in Bonaire, there wasn't much going on topside. Not sure if things have changed much. The main draw to Bonaire is ease of getting there, known quantity, excellent diving and fairly easy on the wallet. Downside is been there,vdone that. As for Placencia, would be more effort and cost to get there, but a new experience and perhaps more options to do things in addition to diving. While I like to explore, diving is my #1 priority, so that has to be great, otherwise why bother going.

 

[Snoweman]

I'm curious as to why you picked Placencia in Belize? That's usually known for whale sharks in March though May/June.

 

[KathyV]

. We enjoy both boat and shore diving, but I don't anticipate driving all over Bonaire to shore dive. When not diving, probably spend most of the time just relaxing and doing the occasional excursion. The last time I was in Bonaire, there wasn't much going on topside. Not sure if things have changed much. The main draw to Bonaire is ease of getting there, known quantity, excellent diving and fairly easy on the wallet. Downside is been there,vdone that. As for Placencia, would be more effort and cost to get there, but a new experience and perhaps more options to do things in addition to diving. While I like to explore, diving is my #1 priority, so that has to be great, otherwise why bother going.

Things have changed, it's may not be that easy to get to Bonaire anymore, check flights before you decide.

Have you been to Curacao? It's like Bonaire but easier to get there, more to do topside, and it is also below the hurricane belt.

 

[Snoweman]

Things have changed, it's not that easy to get to Bonaire anymore, check flights before you decide.

Have you been to Curacao? It's like Bonaire but more to do topside and it is also below the hurricane belt.

Bonaire is easier for me than Curacao, so long as I am willing to fly Friday, Saturday and Sunday (it appears Delta added a day!). Delta is a direct flight for me. Curacao demands at least one stop from ATL. Plus, I can get better seating and free bags on Delta (so long as the wife is willing to come along). Ironically, Curacao is a better choice for us, as my wife doesn't dive. Dilemmas, dilemmas...

 

[RussL]

I actually can get to Bonaire pretty easy...and cheaper than going to Cozumel. Go figure. For whatever reason, it's over $900 for me to fly to Coz, but $722 to Bon (PHX - IAH - Bon). Since my last trip was to Coz and I haven't been to Bon in 20 years, it seems likea good enough reason to go back.

 

[chillyinCanada]

Placencia offers the land access to other Belizean adventures. The diving is all boat diving with significant boat rides.

 

[drrich2]

How much diving over how many days do you want to do? Placencia is often brought up for people with mixed vacations who want to enjoy mainland excursions like the rainforest and visiting Mayan ruins, plus some diving, but IIRC, from a 'we're just diving' perspective, aren't you looking at longer boat rides? I've seen Splash Divers recommended a number of times; I'd go to their website and see what activities they may suggest.

Bonaire tends to call to the hard core diver, with shore diving freedom, and I love it for that reason.

I would expect Placencia and Bonaire to draw different crowds, or at least people looking for something different in the current hoped for vacation.

Richard.