Resorts with best security

[Gaijinsan]

I'm planning my first trip to Bonaire in January and the robbery and break in reports are really off putting. Usually I like to do Air BNB in places like this but after hearing that known non-resident condos and homes are big targets, decided against it.

I'm searching for which resorts actually take this seriously and put a security team on the ground. Suggestions and experience are much appreciated.

So far what I've seen, it seems like Silver Dollar Condominiums is good and can't find any reports of break ins there but would prefer something slightly cheaper. And really wanted to be near Bachelor's Beach but I'll happily sacrifice that to keep my stuff safe while we're out and about.

 

[DustyC]

I don't know who told you that they're big targets, but they're exaggerating. A lot.

 

[Gaijinsan]

I don't know who told you that they're big targets, but they're exaggerating. A lot.

I really hope that's true, but it's all over TripAdvisor, even Booking.com reviews and ScubaBoard threads. This is not just one random thread, it's all over the place. These guys, seemingly, in recent years are getting much more daring thanks to police disinterest, breaking into rooms, prying open room safes to steal cash, PCs, dive computers, and cell phones. Or just outright taking the whole safe altogether if they can't pry it open. Other reports of them breaking in in the middle of the night while people are sleeping and taking stuff without going to the bedroom.

But anyway, I'm not doing an AirBNB on Bonaire, hope your not a host.

 

[Lorenzoid]

I, for one, have written that rental houses are targets, but that's only my opinion or impression based on stories I have heard/read about, not real data.

Another impression I have is that any of the resorts probably have enough security for me to feel safer than in a rental home. That said, the only resorts I have stayed at are Buddy Dive and its sister property The Belmar, and I believe both have a patrolling night watchman. My group has been partial to Hamlet Villas/Oasis in the last couple of years. Not a "resort" but rather an enclave. No formal security, as far as I'm aware.

 

[scubadada]

Contact Sand Dollar and ask what they do. Several years ago, I recall seeing security personnel in the evening patrolling.

 

[Gaijinsan]

I, for one, have written that rental houses are targets, but that's only my opinion or impression based on stories I have heard/read about, not real data.

Another impression I have is that any of the resorts probably have enough security for me to feel safer than in a rental home. That said, the only resorts I have stayed at are Buddy Dive and its sister property The Belmar, and I believe both have a patrolling night watchman. My group has been partial to Hamlet Villas/Oasis in the last couple of years. Not a "resort" but rather an enclave. No formal security, as far as I'm aware.

Great, Buddy Dive and Belmar are the types of places I'm looking to learn about with this thread.

I've no idea why, but Buddy Dive (the dive shop, not resort) is about $10 more expensive per day than other shops for their "unlimited tank package". We're not there quite long enough for a full 6 day package which is more comparable from shop to shop. (Thanks to wanting to spend NYE in Aruba)

 

[diversteve]

Sand Dollar? They're not any more or less secure than any of the other 1/2 dozen resorts they're adjacent to. IIRC some of the upstairs units at Den Laman next door require access thru a 2nd door but they're more expensive.There's the new Coco Beach club next to it so IDK if that has any effect on traffic to/from that area.

We stayed at Belmar condos which is a short distance south of Bachelors Beach - except for needing tanks, you could walk there.

It's a smaller property with a night watchman but also more expensive than Sand Dollar. Due to the compactness, the ladies in fhe office can see the streetside of all the condos. The people across from us mostly left their back door open all day during the week for the cross-ventilation - unless it's changed there's only AC in the bedrooms. We did sometimes at night before bed also.

Since I'm an insomniac, I walk around at night and always ran into the night watchman. And he was always in the area when someone was parking since it's a tight lot right off the main road so he'd help position cars at night. I'd stay there again with no worries.

Downside is no nearby food. Upside is the 2nd Buddy Dive location is there so you get use of the drive-thru at Buddy's.

Maybe look for a property with the owners/mgrs. on-site. I believe Coral Paradise might be or Blachi Koko in town - from there you could walk to shops/restaurants downtown - it's near the Divi Flamingo.

 

[Gaijinsan]

Sand Dollar? They're not any more or less secure than any of the other 1/2 dozen resorts they're adjacent to. IIRC some of the upstairs units at Den Laman next door require access thru a 2nd door but they're more expensive.There's the new Coco Beach club next to it so IDK if that has any effect on traffic to/from that area.

We stayed at Belmar condos which is a short distance south of Bachelors Beach - except for needing tanks, you could walk there.

It's a smaller property with a night watchman but also more expensive than Sand Dollar. Due to the compactness, the ladies in fhe office can see the streetside of all the condos. The people across from us mostly left their back door open all day during the week for the cross-ventilation - unless it's changed there's only AC in the bedrooms. We did sometimes at night before bed also.

Since I'm an insomniac, I walk around at night and always ran into the night watchman. And he was always in the area when someone was parking since it's a tight lot right off the main road so he'd help position cars at night. I'd stay there again with no worries.

Downside is no nearby food. Upside is the 2nd Buddy Dive location is there so you get use of the drive-thru at Buddy's.

Maybe look for a property with the owners/mgrs. on-site. I believe Coral Paradise might be or Blachi Koko in town - from there you could walk to shops/restaurants downtown - it's near the Divi Flamingo.

Interesting, will look into those you mentioned, thanks. No food nearby is fine, usually I'll go to the supermarket and cook myself.

I only wanted to be at Bachelor's beach for times we just want to hop into the water for a beach swim. Again, I may be wrong since it's my first time there but it seems to be one of the better swimming beaches on the island.

 

[KathyV]

In the past, we've felt secure in second floor apartments at Den Laman and I have also seen security patrolling the grounds at night, but I have not been there recently.

 

[MikeT73]

I have a sample set of one, since I've only been there once, but Buddy Dive is pretty well fenced in and had a night guard at the front entrance (as did Capt Don's next door when we went there to eat once night). I don't specifically recall roving security at night but there was usually staff walking around doing other things. We never felt particularly unsafe there. Bachelor's Beach was good for swimming, but Spice Club/Coco Beach just down the road from Buddy Dive is probably just as good for entry/exit.

Edit: Sorry, should have mentioned this was Nov. 2015