Bonaire (?)

[Ishkrbibbl]

Rec diver (wife is a non) in search of our next trip.

Favorites so far are Grand Turk, Bequia, and Belize - have done Cayman's, Honduras and Mexico too.

Looking hard at Bonaire - have always heard it's spectacular.

Probably not going to do a lot of "shore dives" but you never know, so, besides that what makes it such a "hot spot"?

Smaller, low key dive ops?

Also, wife is not a diver so we need a refreshments, and a pool or beach for her during the day while I am out - so need ideas on where to stay?

Thnx - d

 

[tridacna]

If Bonaire, Harbor Village or Delfins are probably your best choices with your requirements.

 

[Lorenzoid]

Probably not going to do a lot of "shore dives" but you never know, so, besides that what makes it such a "hot spot"?

What makes it such a "hot spot"? The shore dives. And did I mention the shore dives? Seriously, though, in my opinion Bonaire is not a "hot spot" for diving because the diving is THAT much better than in the pretty good places you mention but rather because that kind of pretty good diving is so accessible--from shore, that is. There are very few walls to speak of--the underwater topography can seem somewhat monotonous at most sites--but the marine life is at least as abundant and varied as in the places you mentioned, if not more so. But the biggest attaction is you don't need a boat to get out there.

 

[arew+4]

Shore diving is the primary draw on Bonaire, not much in the way of beaches, minimal night life. With a non diving spouse Curacao may make for a much better destination. Similar diving, boat and shore options. Beautiful beaches with amenities for the wife to enjoy while you do a guided, solo, or insta buddie shore dive.

Pic below was one of my favorites, Playa Porto Marie. Nice little restaurant between dives lunch, after dives drinks and sunset

There is an operation on the island called "the dive bus" might be ideal for some one in your circumstance. I don't know if they can accommodate a non diver tagging along but expect they could. If the wife is a strong swimmer and or experienced snorkeler they could follow along on the surface, maybe get the OW bug going.

 

[mbs]

The Plaza Resort on Bonaire might work for you both. Has a sandy beach and a very nice new pool area and beach bar. All inclusive is available. The house reef is a very nice dive so it would be a shame to skip the shore diving! The dive op, Toucan is excellent as well.

 

[GreggS]

The Plaza Resort on Bonaire might work for you both. Has a sandy beach and a very nice new pool area and beach bar. All inclusive is available. The house reef is a very nice dive so it would be a shame to skip the shore diving! The dive op, Toucan is excellent as well.

I was going to mention The Plaza as well. Nice, big rooms, good food, excellent dive op plus on site shore diving. Has everything the OP mentioned.

And @Ishkrbibbl, if it is just going to be the 2 of you, since your wife doesn't dive, I'm sure you can find someone willing to let you tag along on a shore dive on the house reef (18th Palm) if you want to do it, which I highly recommend. A night dive there is amazing. As you get into the shallows at the end of the dive, large tarpon will flash by you using your light to hunt by.

We certainly enjoyed our time there. And it's fairly reasonably priced for all-inclusive.

 

[RIHappyDiver]

I tend to agree with @arew+4 when it comes to Curaçao. We went there before my wife started diving and it worked well. Bonaire would not have been as good of a choice.

Erik

 

[wlecyt40]

We stayed at Capt Don's with our dive group. The diving to me was okay but I prefer Cozumel or Roatan over it. Maybe once every few years but not an annual trip by any means.