Divi VS Buddy - it's time to decide...

[muzicgirl]

Hi everyone from a freezing cold NYC...
I've been around here doing a lot of research on Bonaire stays since we will be diving half of our honeymoon there..I've spoken to tons of people, read lots of reviews etc... We have narrowed the playing field down to 2 and I could just use one last shot of advice..
Divi or Buddy Dive -if you have stayed at one or both would you kindly answer the following:
1-How is the shore diving? We do boat dives but we LOVE shore dives
2- how were the rooms- oceanfront? Oceanview? Has anyone actually stayed in the deluxe room at Divi where you can see the fish underneath you? Seemed pretty cool
3-food at the hotel- edible?
4-Store close by within walking distance to get some drinks, snacks, etc...
5-overall impression
6-anything else we should know?

All this talk about diving is making me wish we were getting married in March...then we'd be diving sooner!!!

Thanks for all your input!
-M

 

[DvrRick]

We didn't stay there so I can't answer all your questions but we did use Buddy's for tank rentals. The dive staff was great and we felt very welcomed. The house reef and access to the water was superb. We ate at the bar/restaurant and once at the breakfast buffet and the food was good. We even went to the BBQ night and liked it too.

We didn't visit Divi so can't compare but from what I experienced we would go back to Buddy's any time based on the staff, reef and location.

I hope this helps a bit. In any case don't worry too much about it, no matter which you choose you will have an incredible time on Bonaire.

 

[Straegen]

For a honeymoon... hmmm... Harbour Village the only real resort in Bonaire! Ok that wasn't on the list. I would go with Buddy of the two. I don't think Divi has recovered fully from the damage Omar did.

 

[DeputyDan]

Have you checked on availability on the dates you plan to be there.

Last year Buddy Dive was pretty well booked months in advance!

 

[muzicgirl]

Yeah I actually have tentative reservations for both places on Hold - for October 2009. We don't need a resort, but we would like to not be camping if you know what I mean.
-M

 

[Straegen]

I haven't stayed at Buddy but I hear it is very nice. I know it is the largest dive operation there and they have a pretty amazing reputation. I would probably skip Divi until I heard they have things back in order. I think the rooms and such are supposed to in great shape, but the dive operation and the reef in front of them are recovering.

 

[jeepguy]

Hi everyone from a freezing cold NYC...
-M

Hey Muzigirl
We've stayed at Divi twice in the oceanfront (deluxe) rooms. Rooms are basic but comfy, but it was awesome to watch the parrotfish swimming right below us while we had morning coffee. Diving is much easier at Divi with the equipment lockers actually out on the dock. Two steps from gear locker to giant stride. We did dives at Buddys also. Seemed nice but steps to dive area and lockers. I know you can't wait, but will have better info this April. My wife and I are staying Easter week at Divi(mainly because we really like it there) and the week after at Buddy's(with a group of friends).
Will be able to give you more info then.:cool2:
Tom & Isabelle

 

[diversteve]

4-Store close by within walking distance to get some drinks, snacks, etc...
5-overall impression
6-anything else we should know?
-M

There's a small food store 300 yds. south of Buddy's entrance just before the rotary. Lover's Ice Cream is there also as is a bank with ATM. It's just over a 1.5 miles from Buddy's entrance to "downtown" Kralendijk (Town Pier, "shopping district" Karels Bar, Ribs place, It Rains Fishes, KFC etc.)

Divi is 1/2 mi. south of "downtown" Kralendijk. Cultimara is almost the same distance except off a different road a couple blocks inland. It's the primary food store on the island with a couple of warehouse foods farther to the east. You'd want to drive to either of them.

Buddy's has the drive-thru tank pickup so really convenient for shorediving.

Divi has a better beach - Buddy's is actually sand on top of the ironshore.

Buddy's has two sets of condos, the former Lions Dive side purchased by them about 4 years ago and the original Buddy's group. Both are slightly inshore as the pool area and "beach" are between you and the water. Most of the fLD condos have an ocean view. If you stay in them, you have to walk across both properties as the Buddy dive shop is on the south end of Buddy's. But it's a short walk as both resorts are oriented perpendicular to the water.

Do you use Google Earth? I can send you a link to a kzm file that shows all of this. And some divesites, restaurants and other Bonaire points of interest. PM your e-mail address if you'd like it.

 

[oly5050user]

Hey Muzigirl
We've stayed at Divi twice in the oceanfront (deluxe) rooms. Rooms are basic but comfy, but it was awesome to watch the parrotfish swimming right below us while we had morning coffee. Diving is much easier at Divi with the equipment lockers actually out on the dock. Two steps for gear locker to giant stride. We did dives at Buddys also. Seemed nice but steps to dive area and lockers. I know you can wait, but will have better info this April. My wife and I are staying Easter week at Divi(mainly because we really like it there) and the week after at Buddy's(with a group of friends).
Will be able to give you more info then.:cool2:
Tom & Isabelle

I have stayed at both many time each..Buddys is the best of the 2..Divi is getting old around the gills.Not too many people may know this but the property at Divi was actually a WW 2 POW camp for German pow's.Buddys does not have the "big" resort feel to it as Divi does ..As to lockers,I don't know what locker jeepguy is talking about but the gear locker at buddys is on the dock. You put your stuff on at the locker and jump in right there.I am going down May 31st.with a group.Buddys includes a rental vehicle in stay-Divi does not.Buddy includes buffet breakfast --Divi does not-Buddy has free nitrox-I do not think Divi does.You can see the fish at the morning breakfast at Buddys with your coffee also.Any questions feel free to pm me and I'll give you my cell to call.

 

[Straegen]

Here are some recent pics of Divi... I think the dock is currently gone and I am pretty sure the reef was scrubbed.

Bonaire Talk: Trip Report 12-20 thru 12-27-08