Bonaire: VIPdive shop and The Lodge Bed and Breakfast?

[jennfl]

Has anyone heard of VIPdiving in Bonaire? They are highly rated on tripadvisor and I have been emailing with Bas, the dive master there. He says they offer guides with a DM to do the shore dives until we are comfortable. We are very new divers.

It seems to be a small dive shop.

Any other reccomendations for dive shops that cater somewhat to new divers, offering private guides?

Also, has anyone heard of or been to the Lodge Bed and Breakfast in Bonaire? Not much info available review wise.

Thanks!

 

[Maine Diver]

Bas is the best. We used him for some guided dives last year. We are leaving for Bonaire today and we will be diving with Bas. the whole crew there is very nice. I highly reccomend them.

 

[helimvee]

We did a UV dive and "drift" dive with VIP. Bas was busy welcoming in his new child so we did the dives with one of his associates. They were very professional, on time and responded to all emails and questions.

I would not be too concerned over the fact that they are a small shop. They are off the beaten path and not on the water, but again that is not an issue.

I can't help with the Lodge B&B.

Have a nice trip.

 

[chauncy19]

jennfl,
Like what others have posted, Bas is great and see him working well for you. Would definitely use him.
I have walked past the lodge when I was staying at Blachi Koko in march 2009. its one block further away from the water.
The Divi is the major resort in the area. its a short walk from Town and also super markets. Not really sure what your looking for but wish I was going back soon to Bonaire.
Of course where you are staying is irrelevant to using Bas.
I think the lodge caters mostly to Europeans so you won't find much here or on Bonaire talk about it.

 

[akirawut]

You say the shop is off the beaten path. Where on the island is it located?

-Tom

 

[Bas Noij]

Hi Akirawut. VIP Diving is located one street behind the Divi Flamingo Resort (Kaya Inglaterra). So although not on a main through road we are centrally located in Kralendijk. We are in the same street as the Lodge. Our dive shop is connected to a small (10 room) resort which is why it is nice to be in a nice quiet street. Better for our guests.