Bonaire trip report (Oct 25-28...Buddy Dive sux)

[chauncy19]

drdaddy,
got to think there are plenty of places that will fit your request. AS mentioned above there are a number of "big" resorts on bonaire. they have their supporters. there are a vast number of smaller resorts that also have their supporters. detractors everyone has them. I don't know maybe everyone has a bad day. have never stayed at Buddy's and its not really on my radar. that's not a knock on buddy's just not what i want on a vacation.
I have stayed 7 times at the black durgon inn and love the place. Have stayed once at Blachi Koko and loved that too. the black durgon fits us great but its small and so somewhat dependent on who else is staying there. Also because the kitchen and refrigerators are shared. Mostly been good but not always but really just requires adjusting and I'd say you have to want to be flexible not all do. Blachi koko is more downtown even smaller but close to water not on it. Wonderful owners. Own kitchen etc.
Close to Carib Inn (never can get in) which is great place and dive operation. So those two would work and if you can get into the Carib Inn that would seem a sure winner. But if you want a larger resort with amenities these are not it. You really have to identify what you want but I am sure most really are grateful for your business and want you to enjoy the island. I have never felt dinged, all cost have been known and upfront.
Go enjoy relax. I am sorry that SBP Studios had a bad experience but I really think that is the exception not the rule on Bonaire. Obviously it sucks if it happens to you but... .

 

[Kydonia]

All I can say is that I will triple check that my C cards are packed before I head to Buddy Dive Saturday morning.
Anxious to get back and hover over those stunning reefs. As long as I don't get bent, robbed or poisoned, I'm sure it'll be another AMAZING dive trip.

Best to all

 

[eidol@verizon.net]

Me and my wife have stayed a buddy 3 times and always found it to be pleasant experience.
On one trip we arrived in bonaire but are bags with are gear didn't, so once we arrived at buddy we went to the dive shop and spoke to Augusto and he loaned us gear for three days at no charge. Obviously this situation we were in really wasn't buddies problem but they help none the less
So I have a hard time understanding your problems, Did you speak to Marcel Westerhoff hes the customer relations manager ? he is always willing to help you with any issues.
Do think maybe it might have been your attitude that caused your problems just a thought

 

[phelana]

When you solicit opinion and feedback from a subjective party, in this case a diver, you are getting their perspective. When you contact one property they will sell their property. If you contact an agent that sells many properties and takes the time to sell what will fit for you, then you are in heaven. Yes, I am referring to myself and other dive specialists. Buddy is heaven for some and the pits for others...I hope the good of this trip outweighed the bad.

Peace

 

[Mike]

We get to the restaurant

"Do you mind if we take the seat by the dock with the view?"

"Sir do you have a reservation?"

"no"

"sorry sir those seats are all reserved."

"But there is no one else here, its 5pm"

"im sorry sir".

So we take the terrible seat in the corner and by the time we are finished with dinner, not one of those other seats had been taken.

Tons of stuff like that all over Buddy, we truly hated it. Sucks when you feel like are are completely unwelcomed at a place like this.

LOL.

This hit home with me cause we have experienced this in the Caribbean at different times.

We are from Colorado, originally from the East coast. Grew up always making reservations to go out to dinner. Move to Colorado and was 'taught' reservations were un-heard of. You'd call to make reservations and they would flat out tell you they don't take them. Anyways 15 years of that re-trained us not to make reservations. We also live in a place where we can go out to a top dollar restaurant in jeans and a dress shirt and fit right in, so we've been re-taught how to act.

Anyways we did a 7 island tour of the Caribbean a few years ago and discovered that every island based on what European origin it has as it's history will have different customs. One of which is dining.

We were 'taught' again very quickly on some of these islands that our Colorado laid back style was not appropriate in their country.

Being asked every time we went out to dinner in a deserted restaurant if we had reservations and being given the lepper treatment got to be an inside joke with us after awhile.

Bonaire being Dutch doesn't surprise me that you got that treatment. They have their customs and you're on their island. You weren't in Kansas anymore... no what I mean? Just because Americans go to a destination does not mean the destination has to conform to Americans.