Dive packages in Bonaire

[DiveMaven]

Biggest difference between Den Laman and Buddy's is that Buddy is a resort, Den Laman is 16 condo units in one building. Buddy's definitely has all the amenities of a big resort, but after spending a bit of time there on our last trip, we were glad to have stayed at Den Laman. We're not big breakfast eaters so a box of cereal and milk was far cheaper (and more appealing) for us than the extra fee at Buddy's for breakfast.

Bottom line as far as I'm concerned is that it isn't hard to find the right place to stay on Bonaire. It's simply a matter of deciding what you want then looking at the various choices to see what matches you best.

 

[DeputyDan]

I go to dive - the resort does not really matter - My non-diving wife preferred Belmar to Buddy's or Den Laman due to the very large and shaded deck area (with a ceiling fan) that was a part of the unit.

The diving is better in front of Buddy's or Den Laman (and so is the snorkeling)

 

[billmosel]

How about Sand dollar? When we were at Den Laman I took a quick look. It seemed tired but that it was also going through renovations. Sharing Bari Reef and BDA could be a compromise between the 2.

 

[Bubbletrubble]

I do not who quotes prices to you but that is not the true difference.
Example;
2 people at Den Laman runs $1060. for a dive package and rental car..does not include breakfast-this is for a 1 bedroom apt

2 people at Buddy dive runs $943. for a hotel room
$1052. for a studio
$1129. for a 1 bedroom apartment
includes buffet breakfast-6 boat dives-unlimited shore-free nitrox-rental truck..airport transfers..time it right and you also get 50% discount at the hotel bar/restaurant
24 hr 7 days a week access to tanks and gear lockers..
I just returned home from Buddy's on Sunday and the hotel was not full,maybe 75% full..looked over at den laman/sand dollar and it appeared empty with no business.

Has Buddy Dive recently dropped its prices? Online pricing for DL and BD is much higher. For the sake of the OP, he should probably know that typically Buddy Dive packages run 40%-50% higher than other DIY packages for accommodations not on the water and not including buffet breakfasts/boat dives/airport transfers/24hr access to tanks. For some people, the extra cost is worth it. If I were running a large group of 6+ people, I would definitely price things out at Buddy Dive first since it might be possible to get a comp'ed spot for DM or instructor, thereby lowering the overall cost for everyone else (if I'm feeling magnanimous). Furthermore, the logistical simplification of going through one entity for everything is worth something...if I'm the one in charge of running a large group.

For a two-person trip to Bonaire, you can do it less expensively ($200+ less per person per week) if you steer clear of Buddy Dive. Just be sure to include all costs (car rental insurance, hotel tax, etc.) so that you're making an apples-to-apples comparison. Regardless of what package you choose, you'll find that a Bonaire dive vacation is a spectacular value (cost/dive) when compared to dive vacations in other locales. Also, hurricanes tend to only "brush" Bonaire. (You still might want to look into trip insurance for other reasons.)

Make those reservations and have a great time on your Bonaire trip!

 

[DiveMaven]

Sorry, mispost..

 

[gypsyjim]

Last time I checked an unlimited shore dive package at Buddy Dive, including free nitrox was $139 for 6 days. I have not checked recently, but that was comparable to other shore dive packages when I checked in Jan.

This is not the room/truck/breakfast/ul shore dive/6 boat dive type of package, just their A La Carte unlimited shore pack, which is all I need, and it allows me the 24hr access I desire, that I found lacking elsewhere.

 

[elbee]

My vote is the Deep Blue View - Deep Blue View, intimate resort. Dive Bonaire in the Dutch Caribbean. DBV is a bed and breakfast...they have different dive packages. We always go for the 8 boat dives which is 4 two tank dives and of course all the shore diving you want to do. Also, includes breakfast and one terrific BBQ dinner. It is nice to stay somewhere away from the hubbub. The owners Esther and Menno are subperb and run a class act operation. Esther will cook you anything your heart desires for breakfast. Menno takes you out on his own boat, so it's never crowded. He is also quite a character. Oh, I forgot the package also includes a pick-up truck and insurance. The total cost of the package for two was $1950.00. Have a great trip!