Bonaire (?)

[mbs]

I'm lurking as I was considering booking the Plaza for my family but it's considerably more expensive than Iberostar Cozumel (our favorite diving AI, so far). I'm having a hard time justifying the cost of the Plaza over IB Coz, esp since the Plaza appears to have a number of exclusions (espresso drinks, ice cream, etc. outside the buffet is charged to your room). I was also surprised at the cost of AI at Divi where adding AI for 2 adults 2 kids is an *additional* $400/night (my nightly rate at Iberostar in May).

Yea, it helps to catch them with one of their deals... I think we have 35% off DEMA rate this year.

 

[wgw04024]

Realistic expectations. The life itself on the reef I don't find mind blowing. The best part of the peace and quiet and pace at which one can dive and explore the island. It's very very relaxing for me. No boat times, no groups of divers to dive directly with. Just a truck full of tanks. Now that I'm getting a real camera setup, my enthusiasm for Bonaire may peak a bit more once again...

 

[wateraddiction]

Realistic expectations. The life itself on the reef I don't find mind blowing. The best part of the peace and quiet and pace at which one can dive and explore the island. It's very very relaxing for me. No boat times, no groups of divers to dive directly with. Just a truck full of tanks. Now that I'm getting a real camera setup, my enthusiasm for Bonaire may peak a bit more once again...

But Bonaire is as good or better than Grand Turk and Belize which the OP says are their favorites so far.

 

[Christopher Kosseff]

I'm a fan of Harbour Village - used to love the shore diving on Bonaire but at 74, that's getting more difficult. The boat diving is well done at Harbour Village. I do enjoy the quiet, peaceful island and know it well.

 

[emc0129]

I go to Bonaire every year because of the shore diving. That being said, I prefer to dive with just a friend or a few friends and follow our own schedule through the day and our own dive plans, so boat diving is often pretty frustrating. The reefs in Bonaire are really beautiful and generally teeming with fish, but you won’t see many larger marine animals like sharks, manta rays, etc, so if that’s more appealing I wouldn’t recommend it. There’s also nothing to do there besides diving or windsurfing. Which I love. But if you want to also play golf or do just about anything else, Bonaire isn’t the place.

 

[arew+4]

On Bonaire right now,
This morning, this afternoon, this evening.

Between dives took some toys and treats to the animal shelter.