cba191:
i like the idea that cocoview in roatan will find a buddy for you. plus, it's less developed than banaire. but the shore diving looks great in bonaire
Interesting... Read the next two paragraphs wiith the care that they were written:
CoCoView is my "single favorite resort". It has, arguably, the best "
resort based shore dive" in the Caribbean, I rank it within the top ten in the world.
Bonaire, among all of the Caribbean Islands that
currently has an
accessable dive infrastructure,
I rate #1 as a dive destination.
__________________
Note that we're comparing a single resort to an island nation, something which I do often!
Without rehashing a previous post, understand that Roatan's CoCoView has a rabid following (I am a member) of repeat customers. These are people that travel all over the world, go to many oceans, but
always return to their "home" at CCV. Why is this?
CCV has the custom boats, the dive lockers, the photo friendly op, almost handicapped accessable- it's low key and high volume diving. Once you visit there,
you will use CCV as a standard by which you will judge all other dive ops. Besides the mechanical infrastructure- the buildings, the boats, the nuts and bolts- it has the serendipity of location.
The rooms are located on posts over a changing active reef. Step out your door, flop into the ocean- the "Front Yard" as it is called. In three faeet of water find the anchor chain and meander the 300 feet out to 35 feet of water where you'll find the upright and intact 140' tanker wreck, the Prince Albert. That huge hulk is also linked to a DC3 wreck and two very nice walls, all a swim away from your room.
Here's the point: One of the true joys of diving is
Night Diving.
If you could always be assured... if you knew- for certain, how to "get back" from your night dive- wouldn't that make most of your fears go away? That chain links the ship to your room. Aint nothing moving on you, nothing to fear- like permanent bread crumbs. (Hansel & Gretel)
CCV is, IMNSHO, the best dive resort and location on Roatan. It is not the best party place, it is not the place to dance till dawn, it is not the place for high heels and dresses at dinner.
People go there to get 5 a day. No driving, no excess terrestrial movement- driving is ill advised. Just eat, sleep and dive. Roatan tries desperately to be a lot of things to a lot of people. CCV just is what it is. Dive, dive, dive.
Bonaire, the island nation,
is just as good! But Bonaire should be taken as an entire island, and it is good in a
different way.
You simply have not been diving in the Caribbean if you haven't made it to this crown jewel. I cant remember how many times I have been there. The trick about Bonaire is that there is no one single stand out resort for people intent on remaining wet 24/7. You do this on your own. Do the morning boat dives- then venture off and glory in the wonderful shore dive possibilities. Driving in Bonaire is some of the safest you'll find in the Caribbean. Watch out for the donkeys (especially at night) and the cactus thorns that can pop tires. If all Caribbean islands were this safe and easy to get around!
Bonaire,
unlike Roatan, also features many restauarnts. Most divers just do the well lit establishments in town. I hope you'll follow my exhortations and will venture out into the island and find the many local joints that are just a friendly delight! Don't be scared, be adventurous! Go in, have a beer, ask questions, order up! Before you turn up your nose- try the goat stew! Fabulous! Seek out the Indonesian "Rice Table" place. Yummy!
Wherever you go, they will find you a dive buddy. Do not fret.
But arguing or discussing which is better or best?
Neither and Both!
You're going to want to do them numerous times... and some others, too!
