Bonaire - Staying at Lion's Dive ... Recommended Dive Shop

[zzzScuba]

Usually, when we come to Bonaire we stay at the Divi and dive w/their in-house dive shop.

On our next trip, we're staying at Lion's Dive.

Should I just use the dive operation at Buddy Dive Resort, or are there any other recommendations? (We'll be doing shore and a few boat dives.)

 

[reefdiva]

I would opt for Buddy since it is right next door. Lions Dive is now owned by Buddy so it is technically the "house shop." Can't beat the drive through for tanks and rinsing at Buddy!

 

[Tom Smedley]

This post is dated recently. The Lions Dive Resort on Bonaire was bought out by Buddy Dive Resort several years ago. There is no Lions Dive on Bonaire anymore.

 

[herman]

What they said.
Buddy is one of the best dive ops on the island and has the most convient tank access of any shop. No need to look elsewhere.

 

[DeputyDan]

I agree - Lion's Dive as a resort is long gone. The restaurant is still there and operates independently

 

[battles2a5]

I haven't been to Buddy's but I have had 2 great experiences w/ Wanna Dive. They have two shops when I was there last (Aug 07) and they were talking about a third closer to the airport for the southern sites. Always plenty of tanks, they have a membrane nitrox system, and Bob, Bart, and the crew are very friendly and helpful.

 

[driftwood]

Stick with Buddy's for your dive shop, they are excellent. Great service, good DM's, and big boats. (my avatar was taken on one of Buddy's docks)

If it were me, I would stay on the Buddy Dive side of the resort over the Lion's Dive side. We have stayed in both and the difference is night and day. While some of the rooms on the Lion's side have been remodeled ours was one of the rooms that was not and it was pretty shabby. Since Buddy's charges the same rate for either side, push them for a room in the newer part of the resort.

 

[scubadobadoo]

Yeah, Buddy's. Most convenient with the drive through and they rent their own trucks too so no need to mess with the rental at the airport. They pick you up and drop you off at the airport. The trucks are already parked at Buddy's resort and are ready to go when you get there. No complaints from my stay other than they are a bit expensive compared to other places on the island. Still, no complaints at all! Have fun!

 

[zzzScuba]

Thank you all for your information.
We'll be diving w/Buddy's.

I'm aware that Buddy's bought Lions's.
We did a RCI Trade, and RCI still calls Lions Dive by its original name (don't know why).

Since this was a Trade, I doubt they'll move us over to the "Buddy's" side of the Resort, but who cares... we'll be @ Bonaire!

 

[scubadobadoo]

Have fun! I prefer the "Lion's Dive" side.