Places to Stay in Bonaire

[DrSteve]

Hi Everyone,

We are planning a trip to Bonaire around Memorial Day. But where to stay? I remember someone on ScubaBoard actually owned and run a place (was it the Golden Reef Inn?) Has anyone stayed there? If so I'd like to hear your comments.

I won't ask about the best places to dive...it's Bonaire! But...is there any 1 or 2 recognised absolutely damned amazing site? I'm thinking of the caliber of the Nodules and the Barge in Bimini?

Thanks!

Steve

 

[mccabejc]

You might ask the question at www.bonairetalk.com. LOTS of good advice on all things Bonaire.

I'll be staying at the Sand Dollar, but other popular places (from what I've heard) are Divi Dive, Buddy Dive, Plaza Resort, Lions (owned by Buddy I believe), Golden Reef, etc.

But if you ask on bonairetalk, and give specific things you're looking for, you should get a lot of info. Also search the Accomodations section of the forums.

 

[herman]

Richin NC and myself had the pleasure of staying with Liz (Diverliz of SB) at the GRI this past Dec. It's a small nice place a little out of town. 4 star it's not but it is clean, well maintained and a good value. It's not on the water and at least for now does not have a pool but if you don't have to have those things then I would suggest you give her a try. I will stay there again. I don't have access to any pictures here but here is a link to Bonairetalk where I posted a couple of pictures from Dec 04.
http://www.bonairetalk.com/newsgroup/messages/24/197438.html

 

[Natasha]

Hi Everyone,

We are planning a trip to Bonaire around Memorial Day. But where to stay? I remember someone on ScubaBoard actually owned and run a place (was it the Golden Reef Inn?) Has anyone stayed there? If so I'd like to hear your comments.

I won't ask about the best places to dive...it's Bonaire! But...is there any 1 or 2 recognised absolutely damned amazing site? I'm thinking of the caliber of the Nodules and the Barge in Bimini?

Thanks!

Steve

Hi Steve:

The only place for me is the www.plazaresortbonaire.com when I'm in Bonaire.

There are two entry points behind the resort, and it would take you a life time, just to see what's back there and underwater!

Also, be sure to dive the Hilma Hooker.

Have fun. Great place.

 

[RICHinNC]

Yep, I agree with Herman. The GRI is a great place to stay for my needs. I dont have to be by the water....dont want the noisy crowds actually....and the GRI has great rooms, privacy, quiet and the things I think are important like air conditioning that WORKS.

If you are single....there is a very key point about the GRI. Liz will not make you pay for two people if only one occupies a room. I think that is fantastic and will get me back again once I can save up enough. Hope she never changes that !!!
Rich

 

[diversteve]

I won't ask about the best places to dive...it's Bonaire! But...is there any 1 or 2 recognised absolutely damned amazing site? I'm thinking of the caliber of the Nodules and the Barge in Bimini?

Thanks!

Steve

This would be on my must do list - but "damned amazing" might be an overstatement. If I had to pick one close to that, I'd go with Rappel.

Karpata or 1000Steps
Rappel
Town Pier at night
Salt Pier(maybe)
Angel City(maybe)
Hooker(from what I've heard)
Invisibles(maybe)
Vista Blue

If you're looking for a nice, quiet condo on the water, check out BelMar. They're a little south of town though so everything's a drive.

 

[kevink]

If you are looking for a condo, look at the Bellafonte as well. Just south of the airport, pretty new construction, first class accomodations. I have been there three times and we were the only divers staying there. I think there is 14 rooms total. They have their own dock out back for easy dives right outside.

 

[dvrliz1]

Dr. Steve,

You are right, Herman and Rich thanks for the vote!!! We do have hot water now and the pool will be in by the end of the summer (Yippee!) Let us know if we can help! See our website. Liz

Oh I see you are in Chesapeake, I grew up in the Kempsville Section of Va. Beach!

 

[scubaaaronh]

We stayed at the plaza, very nice. If you are looking for a nice resort this is it. We looked around at a lot of other places and will stay there again next year. It was in a good location and ou could walk to town and the restaurants if you wanted to

 

[sprange]

We just came back from Bonaire this week, having stayed at Liz's house as the GRI was full. Worked out well for us as her place is great. We did manage to drop by the inn, however, hoping to catch a moment with Liz (we didn't realize that she was still in the U.S.). While it is not on the water, it is in a good location to serve as a base for island exploration. We'll be staying there when we return in May/June. If you go with Buddy Dive for tanks you'll only have a short drive. Regarding 'don't miss' dives...the 'Hooker was a great dive. We have plenty of wrecks around here, but I've never seen baracuda or squid at our sites. Definitely a great time had by all, but PBD has already developed.

Sean P