Capt Dons- or BuddyDive ???

[me_diver]

I was just going to post pretty much the exact same question. But here's more info on us: This is our first time to Bonaire - first time diving after PADI OW cert, actually. So VERY NEWBIE divers. Does that change anyone's answer? Assuming cost is not a huge factor, which one is better for total Newbie's, who
a) want a refresher course
b) probably also want to take Peak Buoyancy Performance
c) want to do some boat and/or shore dives with a dive master present for at least the beginning of the week before we are comfortable going off on our own.
Want to be taken to novice sites, and go no deeper than 60'.


Thanks for your inputs.

 

[Mossman]

I was just going to post pretty much the exact same question. But here's more info on us: This is our first time to Bonaire - first time diving after PADI OW cert, actually. So VERY NEWBIE divers. Does that change anyone's answer? Assuming cost is not a huge factor, which one is better for total Newbie's, who
a) want a refresher course
b) probably also want to take Peak Buoyancy Performance
c) want to do some boat and/or shore dives with a dive master present for at least the beginning of the week before we are comfortable going off on our own.
Want to be taken to novice sites, and go no deeper than 60'.

According to their websites, Capt. Don's charges $74.00 for Scuba Refresher, a whole $1 less than Scuba Review at Buddy Dive. On the other hand, Buddy's Peak Performance Buoyancy is $25 cheaper than Capt. Don's Advanced Buoyancy. I haven't taken classes at either, but they both have professionally run dive operations and the instruction will likely be of high quality no matter which resort you choose.
Boat diving at both resorts offer the chance to dive with a guide, so you might want to do a 6 or 11 boat dive package with the boat dives all at the beginning of the week then experiment with diving the house reef on your own before you set out in your pickup truck and get a decent guidebook or advice from dive staff indicating where the shore entries and conditions are easiest for your first attempts away from the resort. (Andrea I & II, Oil Slick, and the northern half of the southern sites are good bets for beginners, IIRC)
All the boat dives will be "novice" sites (unless you sign up for the National Park dives or dive the East Side) as the currents are light if any, the water clear and warm, and the boat will moor in the shallows allowing you to go as deep as you want. If the guide decides to drop down to 70' while you're following and you want to stay at 60', simply watch your gauges and stay at 60'.

 

[tflaris]

Never stayed at Don's but 2 timer at Buddy's.

Buddy's:

Only the bedroom has an ac. No big deal when you leave to dive leave the bedroom doors open.

Lion's Den can charge meals to room now. No problem. Sept 2010.

Never left gear in locker because I was always shore diving. Duh...it's Bonaire and I live in Florida and ride on plenty of boats.

Gear stored on Balcony of the room never in the dive locker.

Drive thru fill station is super easy.

Breakfast rocks at Buddy's

Mosquitos are everywhere. Sun is potent bring spray, sun block, hat.

Hope this helps.





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[oly5050user]

Having stayed at both resorts, i currently prefer Buddys.
Staff is friendlier.Breakfast is the best.Rental car and free nitrox included at Buddy dive as part of the dive package.At Dons rental car is extra cost. Buddy has frequent deals as 1 diver pays ,2nd free..50% off at their restaurant,just have to search for specials and schedule trip then. Drive thru and the dock for easy shore dives a big plus.Overall a better experience at Buddy dive.
For divers staying elsewhere Dons charges divers to use their dock.Buddy dive does not play that game.This alone goes to show you the attitudes displayed at the 2 resorts.

 

[driftwood]

Never stayed at CD's but here is my take on Buddy's. Buddy's is actually two resorts, Buddy Dive and the old Lion Dive Resort. The rooms on Buddy's side are nice with the one bedroom units located on the first floor. Rooms on the Lion side of the resort are highly variable in quality. One we stayed in was renovated and another looked like it hadn't been touched since the 80's.

If I were going to make a reservation at Buddy's I would insist on staying in one of the four three story buildings that comprise the Buddy's side of the resort.

 

[tkaelin]

If you are traveling by yourself, you should consider staying at Coral Paradise, right next to Capt. Don's and you can arrange to dive with either Capt. Dons or Buddys. The advantage of CP over the other two is that CP is small, five units and the owners are on site, are available and provide great info. They are great folks and feels like staying with family that you like. You also get free great local info - like having your own personal guide. They can answer all questions like suggestions for places to dive, where to eat etc. I have not stayed at Capt Don or Buddys but dove with Capt Don last two years and I like the operations. From what I hear Buddy's is similar. You may feel lost or too alone at the other two resorts. Just a thought.
Enjoy.

 

[tkaelin]

Either resort would be perfect for a new diver. Diving from shore at the house reefs could not be easier. My 12 and 14 year old completed their open water cert at Capt Dons, instructor Leo H. Great instructor. I think Bonaire has an abundance of great instructiors and dm. My wife had not been diving in 20 years and only had 15-20 dives logged. We loved the shore diving at the house reefs. At Capt Don's you either step off a dock or walk down steps into sandy shallows waist to chest deep. There is a gradually slope of sandy area down to the top of the reef at about 20 -30 ft. The reef than slopes down at about 45 degrees down to another sand bottom at about 100ft. Capt Don has a rope running along the bottom from the entry down over the reef. Can't get lost. You can practice your bouyancy and skills in the shallows and head out to the reef and to depth as you feel more comforatable. I am sure you could hire a DM or instructor for whatever service you need. Have fun.