Planning Bonaire Trip this summer

[oldschool]

Help me out guys. A couple of years ago, I spent a week at Buddy Dive and absolutely loved the accomodations, air availability, storage, free nitrox, and the nearby reef. Anyway, this summer I may be going back but this time with my wife who is a non-diver. She loves the beach, water, and snorkeling. As great as Buddy Dive was, there really was no beach to speak of at that location. I am looking for a resort with comparable services, ammenities and rates as Buddy Dive but which has it's own beach where my wife can hang out while I'm boat diving. She'll be able to tag along when I shore dive and enjoye the beaches there. I cna go to a thouasand websites, but recommendations from fellow divers carries a lot more weight. I appreciate any suggestions.

 

[BDSC]

While I have never stayed at either place, I think Eden Beach Resort and Sorobon Beach Resort would offer an actual beach environment. I think your choices will be fairly limited because there are not a lot of resorts on actual beaches in Bonaire. Wish I could be more help but I usually stay at Buddys!

 

[redacted]

Den Laman Condominiums : Bonaire Hotels & Resorts | BonairePros.com

This may be the closest thing you will find to a beach at a hotel on Bonaire. It is right off the traffic circle just south of Buddy Dive. I have never stayed there so don't know what else they have to offer.

 

[BDSC]

Plaza Resort may be another option.

Plaza Resort Bonaire : Bonaire Hotels & Resorts | BonairePros.com

 

[akirawut]

If you've got the money I hear Harbour Village has a beach of sorts, however I have never been myself. Maybe someone else can weigh in.

 

[lmorin]

Sand Dollar condominiums is right next to Buddy Dive and Den Laman. You can dive with Buddy or Bonaire Dive and Adventure (or any other dive op, for that matter). The snorkeling is great right off the BDA dock. So is the diving on Bari Reef, the house reef.

 

[Doctorfish]

Harbour Village, and Plaza have a bit of a beach. Sorobon is on the other ( East ) side of the island and does not make a lot of sense. The Divi has a nice pool area and a lovely stone dock for sun bathing as well as a good house reef and diving op. The Divi would be my choice for a non diver because they have nice facilities and are walking distance to town as well.

 

[diversteve]

Eden Beach has a beach - and a fairly decent shore dive. It's been awhile but IIRC there's submerged ironshore off the beach there though. Also Bongoes beach bar - although they may call it something else now. http://www.panoramio.com/photo/4683437

The best beach by far is at Harbour Village but their dive is mostly coral rubble and a small (sailboat?) wreck. http://www.wheretostay.com/Harbour-Village-Beach-Club-bonaire-hotel-52

Plaza Resort has a fairly nice beach, it's protected by the breakwater somewhat. Also a beach bar just behind it. And the pool is nearby. The dive site is 18palms but it's at the north end of the property and the dive shop/gear storage etc. is at the far south end near the lagoon. Parts of it are blocked from the water by the breakwater used to keep it there - other places (near the volleyball court IIRC) you can walk right in. There was also some coral rubble just offshore when I did.
http://www.wheretostay.com/Plaza-Resort-Bonaire-bonaire-hotel-2200
http://images.travelnow.com/hotelimages/s/051000/051131E.jpg

There used to be a little strip of beach at the Divi also. I think they made it. It may have washed away a few years ago. http://www.aquatours.com/bonaire/bonaire_diviflamingo.htm

There wasn't much of a beach at Den Laman or Sand Dollar condos.
http://www.bonairepros.com/images/Accommodations/SandView.jpg

Sorobon is clothing optional also afaik. And nowhere near the west side diving - it's shallow and the kitesufers go there.

 

[midas6t6]

Plaza Resort. I've stayed at the Plaza and Eden Beach, prefer Plaza but it's close. Going back to the Plaza in 3 weeks.
Also, Sorobon is no longer clothing optional and does have the best beach on the island, but it is east side and a longer drive to all the dive sites.

 

[PARADISE HUNTER]

I would stay at Den Laman and walk over to the Sand Dollar beaches. Very easy to do, they virtually connect. They share the same dive shop so there is a constant flow of people back and forth. The Den Laman rooms are very nice and I would suggest paying a little more and getting the ocean front room.

PH