Bonaire Recommendations on Place to Stay

[gypsyjim]

Both my brother and I have rented private homes on Bonbaire threw Remax, and booked our own truck (AB)and shore diving packages (I prefer Buddy's 24/7 access). We have been very satisfied, and save a good deal of money doing Bonairer trips this way, but for a first time visitor, looking for training and noty yet familiar with the island a resort might work out better. My opinion, only, of course.

 

[tkaelin]

Coral Paradise would be perfect. We stayed there last two April's. Clean, safe, comfortable, great hosts, Kenny and Margaret. Diving thru Capt Don's is easy, right next to the property. Shore diving out of Capt Don's could occupy you for a week, whether heading towards Buddy's house reef or towards Small Wall. The big plus is the nice small resort feel of CP and the hosts. You will enjoy it. TK

 

[tkaelin]

PS On the certifications, on our 1st trip, our kids completed their open water at Capt. Dons. They were great. Ask for Leo H.

 

[helimvee]

There are good things and really good things about any place on Bonaire (There is really no "bad" place.) Everyone has different wants and needs and there are probably as many opinions on places to stay as there are members on ScubaBoard.

Decide whether you want big or small, on the water or off, what your budget is and then pick a place. (There are numerous threads in this forum that you can read.) Then stop worrying about it and start thinking about what a great time you will have. I think that everyone went through the same process on their first trip to Bonaire and you rarely hear of anyone having a bad experience.

Once you are there, take some time to visit some of the other places for your next trip.

Have a great time.

Just to throw in my opinion, my choice with GF would be BelMar and solo - Happy Holiday Homes.

 

[diversteve]

+1 for BelMar. http://www.belmar-bonaire.com/

It's on the water, the patios face west, has a full kitchen, a decent shore dive off the property, pool, and the other Buddy Dive location is on-site. 5 minutes drive or less to the start of the really good south dive sites. You also get to use Buddy's drive-thru tank pickup when shorediving on the north side. Downside is no restaurant within walking distance. But it's only 5 minutes to town. It's on ironshore also so no beach - not that any resorts have much of one - except Plaza and Harbour Village. Fairly new property as well. And quiet at night.

 

[helimvee]

+1 for BelMar. Welcome to Belmar Bonaire

... Downside is no restaurant within walking distance. ...

There is (unless it has closed) a restaurant across the street from BelMar at The Roomer Hotel.

 

[diversteve]

Technically you're right but you're not going to eat all your meals there. We went there once for breakfast and they seemed a little surprised to see us. It was fairly late as we had a 9:00 boat dive.