I do mixed groups annually, we usually stay at a house on the water. We're generally all friends but it's still ended badly once. With a big mixed group of divers I'd lean towards a resort over a house. Parking won't be an issue like some villas, everyone would be close together, but not stuck in the same kitchen, etc.
Places to stay for large groups
- Thread starter scuba41girl
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Most of the shore dives are quite accessible, some more than others, but you will not have a problem to fill a week with easy entries. No real need to ever get on a boat on Bonaire.
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Here's the 60 shore dives accessible along the main road on the west side of the island. A couple of these are better done by boat. Followed by the 26 boat dives off Klein Bonaire, the small island just across the channel
Most have text descriptions: Bonaire Dive & Snorkel Sites | InfoBonaire
Here's an older reference that shows entry photos plus many have GPS coordinates. Scuba Shore Diving Region: ABC Islands
Additionally 26 boat dives are listed surrounding Klein Bonaire just off shore.
None are hard to find though, to the south look for other divers/trucks - it's pretty flat. Everywhere a bright yellow rock with the site name is placed at the entrance. Often coral rubble piled up indicates a good entry point also.
One thing to be aware of is once you leave town in either direction, there are no facilities of any kind at the dive sites - except for the one where the food truck is that day (following the kitesurfers) So you need to bring evertything you need with you on the dive - standard practice is doors unlocked, windows down, nothing you can't afford to lose left in the truck. Buy a small hard case/drybag before you go - you'll need to accommodate the truck keys, glasses, etc. I carry a cc and $20 in cash in a Witz case on a lanyard around my neck.
Most have text descriptions: Bonaire Dive & Snorkel Sites | InfoBonaire
Here's an older reference that shows entry photos plus many have GPS coordinates. Scuba Shore Diving Region: ABC Islands
Additionally 26 boat dives are listed surrounding Klein Bonaire just off shore.
None are hard to find though, to the south look for other divers/trucks - it's pretty flat. Everywhere a bright yellow rock with the site name is placed at the entrance. Often coral rubble piled up indicates a good entry point also.
One thing to be aware of is once you leave town in either direction, there are no facilities of any kind at the dive sites - except for the one where the food truck is that day (following the kitesurfers) So you need to bring evertything you need with you on the dive - standard practice is doors unlocked, windows down, nothing you can't afford to lose left in the truck. Buy a small hard case/drybag before you go - you'll need to accommodate the truck keys, glasses, etc. I carry a cc and $20 in cash in a Witz case on a lanyard around my neck.
- Messages
- 26,281
- Reaction score
- 5,881
- # of dives
- I'm a Fish!
There is a substantial price increase for being waterfront also. It shows up in the drive/dive/stay packages. With a group your size if you do stay at a non-dive resort/villa ask about a 10person (or however many) discount. Some shops can even arrange dropping tanks on-site daily at least once.
Most property owners on Bonaire have a list of several options they recommend due to service/location etc. If you meet someone not diving or windsurfing, chances are good they live there...lol
Most property owners on Bonaire have a list of several options they recommend due to service/location etc. If you meet someone not diving or windsurfing, chances are good they live there...lol
OP
Thank you for all the great info!
If 5 bedrooms is sufficient check out Bonaire Sunset Villa. It's a private residence located on the water adjacent to Dive Friends Bonaire's Hamlet shop. It also has private gated access directly from the villa to the popular Cliff dive site. The owner, Lamber, is a great guy and good friend who lives on the island and takes great pride in managing the property for the enjoyment of his guests. We've visited the property several times but have never had enough people vacationing with us to justify renting it.
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