ed3362:
Which is the best for diving and all around good time above water? I am going at the end of January. Has anyone stayed at the Plaza Resort Bonaire?
I have been to all of those, more than once. No beating the shore diving on Bonaire. Of those listed, no beating the diving on Little Cayman. Give Grand Cayman a bit yet before competing with topside on Bonaire.
I've stayed at the Divi on Bonaire a couple of years ago just a block or two north of the Plaza. On Bonaire, the Plaza has the best beach, on Grand Cayman, there is allot of beach so if this is what you're looking for then Grand Cayman wins.
If I had to choose currently, my choice would be Little Cayman (give me stars for night life), then the Brac (we love the quiet), then Bonaire (great shore diving and restaurants), then Grand Cayman (can't beat StingRay City, the beach), I might however trade Grand Cayman with Bonaire when the plants all come back and the hurricane debries is eliminated.
A few years ago I would have had Bonaire high on the list, but since the hurricane surge (98?) really trashed the diving around Klein Bonaire (mostly all the north side) and shallow areas off Bonaires west side, it has moved way down the list. And cruise ships are coming in more frequent. :>(
The Plaza is one of the only beach areas with a volley ball net, and sail boats that you can rent off the beach. The house reefs are much better north of the Plaza and farther south they are better too, so if you are thinking about shore diving from where you are staying, pick another hotel.
Dive Safe,
Caymanaic