Planning a dive trip to Bonaire

[helimvee]

Although I understand the recommendation to not stay in an oceanfront place if you're just going to dive, I'll have to respectfully disagree. We go to Bonaire to dive, doing 4-5 dives per day, everyday. The advantage of being able to dive right in front of your condo is worth the extra cost IMO, and I also really enjoy being able to have a beer at the end of my dive day out on my lanai, and see the ocean and watch other divers on the dock coming and going. We can decide spur of the moment to do a night or dawn dive by simply walking out of our condo and falling in the water without having to plan and drive.

We've looked at staying at GRI and the facilities and price is always very tempting, but the convenience of being ON the water and not having to always drive to dive has kept us going back to Den Laman and Bari Reef. Just my perspective.

I agree with you DiveMaven. I have done both, solo and with my GF. The oceanfront is clearly the way to go, but staying off the ocean front saves a few bucks for the next trip. If $$ were not an issue I would take ocean front every time. There is nothing nicer than having breakfast looking at the ocean followed by a day of diving and followed up with a few cold ones watching the sunset.

40 more days for me ....

 

[scubachrisw]

So who went to Kleine Bonaire (I've read there are some great spots on the outer side of the isle to dive, and snorkel. Are there any 'great' boat dives? or is one as well off to just hang and dive... (off the shore) esp. for night dives.

Dr Rich - how was Washington-Slagbaii ? a don't miss?

I have heard Buddy's is a great place to stay but it's all great there. (DiveMaven, like your comments - do you know Buddy's?)

 

[DiveMaven]

We've eaten at Buddy's but haven't stayed there. Impressions each time we go are that the place is big, spread out, and the dive dock/area is sweet. Don't see the advantage of a "drive through" tank area vs a drive up one, and we're not big breakfast eaters (prefer just a bowl of cereal or oatmeal), so the extra cost for breakfast isn't a draw for us.

We prefer a smaller condo complex with rooms on the upper floors for security. Den Laman has 16condos on the 2nd and 3rd floors with a key card required for entry to the stairwell. The tanks room is right on the parking lot and we can back our truck right up to the rinse tanks and door to load and unlaod. And although Bonaire Dive and Adventure has weird hours for the nitrox tanks and gear room, we simply keep 6 full tanks in our truck and take our gear to our condo after dinner each night. That gives us the freedom to dive whenever we want hassle free.

It all comes down to preferences....one place isn't "better" than any other IMO, it's simply a matter of finding the one that meets your needs and budget.

 

[skynscuba]

We've looked at staying at GRI and the facilities and price is always very tempting, but the convenience of being ON the water and not having to always drive to dive has kept us going back to Den Laman and Bari Reef. Just my perspective.

One thing about Den Laman is that they don't have twin bed rooms. So 1BR/2BR great for 1/2 couples, but might not be as suitable or price competitive for a couple of dive buddies.

 

[DiveMaven]

Great point about Den Laman.

 

[drrich2]

Dr Rich - how was Washington-Slagbaii ? a don't miss?

People on the forum vary from 'don't miss it' to 'don't waste your time.' I enjoyed it & would recommend it. Where the Atlantic waves crash against the rocky northern coast is quite scenic in places and there are some ruins.

Richard.

 

[Sonic04GT]

Thanks for all the information! Greatly appreciated.
So I should expect to spend around $2000? We can definitely stay for 7 days and will now do that instead.

 

[keithdiver]

Thanks for all the information! Greatly appreciated.
So I should expect to spend around $2000? We can definitely stay for 7 days and will now do that instead.

You will Love the Den Laman That place is awesome, views, sunset, location, quiet. The set up is unreal, All high end stuff.

 

[DeputyDan]

I would add that most people go for seven nights/eight days and most packages are set up for that time frame!

 

[morayeel]

My favourite dive there was a night dive on Bari Reef -
Octopus changing shapes, Tarpin and Grouper hunting with my lamp and when you switch off your light there is inflorescent plankton sparkling in the dark!