taxi rate between "town" and plaza resort?

[mbs]

Going to be boat diving and shore diving right at the Plaza Resort so I was originally going to skip getting a car... But now I'm thinking it might be just a little too hot and a little too far (and i'm getting a little too old ) to walk into town for dinner... Can anyone tell me what the rate is for a taxi from the resort into town and also do you have to wait a long time to get one? Looks like I can get a car for about $200usd for the week so if it was going to be $20+ in cab fare to go for dinner it might just be worth it... Thanks!

 

[diversteve]

It's 8/10ths of a mile as the crow flies from the Plaza lobby to "downtown" (Karel's, City Cafe, Bobby Jans, the rib place, IRF, Zee Zicht etc.) Slightly closer from the north end of the Plaza near the pool.

There's closer restaurants also, including a sandwich shop just across the street from Plaza's entrance. And a couple in "south" Kralendijk - can't recall the names. Or Chibi Chibi at the Divi, it's less than 1/2 mile from the Plaza on the same road.

The reason to rent a car is to shoredive the other 50+ sites on Bonaire. Most people rent 4 dr. small pickups - it's the dive vehicle of choice - so if you met someone to dive with, not hard just ask anyone you see...lol - you might get a ride.

 

[mbs]

Thanks Steve... I think I have pretty much convinced myself to rent the car for convenience. Just have to sell it to the other half I get a half decent break on hertz for a tin can with wheels. Would I be better off looking for deals on local rentals? I really doubt we will need a truck. Long summer and we are both beat so a couple of boat dives and a local shore dive a day will do it this time. First time on Bonaire for me. Sept 13 still feeling like a long time from now!

 

[tajkd]

You are crazy NOT to rent a car with all the sites and great restaurants in town and all over the island, not to mention going up to the park. Absolutely spring for the rental!

 

[redacted]

Thanks Steve... I think I have pretty much convinced myself to rent the car for convenience. Just have to sell it to the other half I get a half decent break on hertz for a tin can with wheels. Would I be better off looking for deals on local rentals? I really doubt we will need a truck. Long summer and we are both beat so a couple of boat dives and a local shore dive a day will do it this time. First time on Bonaire for me. Sept 13 still feeling like a long time from now!

I'd suggest you scratch the boat dives and go with the truck rental. You go when you want and where you want and as fast or slow as you would like. Some entries and exits can involve some rough rocks so ask about easier sites if you think that may be a problem. Some sites are ladders in and out (many house reefs and Ol' Blue) so pretty easy. Navigation is quite easy with a watch and depth gauge. Hardest part may be trying to figure out which was the current is moving. Depending on you air consumption, go 20 to 25 minutes into the current at 30 to 40 feet, and then return about 10 feet shallower.

 

[diversteve]

For shorediving you really want a truck. At many of the flat south sites you pull off the main road and drive through this dried marsh area and over the ironshore to within 20' or so of the water. A low car would probably bottom out.

Gear up on the tailgate and walk in. We do a lot more diving than you so for us it was also convenient to haul 6 tanks around in the bed all week. I think we rented from AB Carrental - probably for price.

At most (all?) of the south sites, there's no paved parking area - there is at the popular north sites - 1000steps, Karpata, Witches Hut (may've been packed dirt) for sure. If you're planning to drive any distance into Slagbaai park, you'll need a vehicle with ground clearance.

 

[spectrum]

Long summer and we are both beat so a couple of boat dives and a local shore dive a day will do it this time. First time on Bonaire for me. Sept 13 still feeling like a long time from now!

MBS, if I may be so bold......

That it from the others, you want wheels and you want them to be something that will haul 4 tanks and be OK with wet gear.

I don't know what your tropical experience is but I can tell you that 4 shore dives a day in Bonaire is easier than 2 local cold water dives in NY. Bonaire is all about picking your time and place and diving in and the pick-up truck is the mode of choice down there. Throw a towel on the seat and drive to the same site, sometimes without even removing your shortie!

I understand you desire for R&R but we all just want to make sure you understand the magic of Bonaire and don't miss out.

Also in general boat dives are 1 tank outings so 2 a day means living by the boat schedule to some extent. Many first time and veteran visitors skip the boats all together and splash on island time.

However you choose to enjoy the island it is a great place! Have fun and come home safe & refreshed.

Pete

 

[herman]

Might as well chime in with the rest. There are so many great dive sites and restaurants scattered all over the island it would be a shame to miss so many of them. If you skip anything skip the boat dives and spend the money on a truck, you will be glad you did. A few of the northern sites are paved or at least hard and level enough to park a car but a truck is still the best. As for ladders, most resorts have them. Oil Slick, not Old Blue is the only other site that has as one, OS is a don't miss site IMO.

 

[mbs]

Geez, spirited opinions on shore diving huh folks Been all over, most recently sunset waters Curacao this past May where we did the morning boat dives and afternoon shores at the house reef.
That worked for us so I suspect it will be fine this time around as well. I know, I know, we'll be missing out on a bunch of great sites, but any way you look at it, its better than the quarry up here Really appreciate all the suggestions! We'll get the wheels and who knows, maybe take a ride to other sites...

 

[Damselfish]

Just to provide some moral support, there's nothing wrong with going to Bonaire, and doing boat dives and diving from your hotel dock! We much prefer that to shlepping gear and tanks all over the place. And boat dives are cheaper on Bonaire than many places.