Where to stay in Bonaire?

[Bubble Twin One]

We have created a" bucket list" of must dives and Bonaire is next on the list! Looking for some recommendations for accommodations and dive operators to use on the island. Will be traveling in early December 2010. We generally go the route of all inclusive. Anyone out there have some ideas? How about any dive shops that have a group trip planned to the island during that time?
Many thanks for your input!!!

 

[RJP]

We have created a" bucket list" of must dives and Bonaire is next on the list! Looking for some recommendations for accommodations and dive operators to use on the island. Will be traveling in early December 2010. We generally go the route of all inclusive. Anyone out there have some ideas? How about any dive shops that have a group trip planned to the island during that time?
Many thanks for your input!!!

This question is asked on a daily basis. I suggest you read through the forum to find plenty of recommendations, narrow down your choices, and then pose specific questions.

 

[dvrliz1]

Bubble,

Welcome to the Board! Bonaire doesn't have any "all inclusives" per se, I can suggest 2 places where you can get a "meal plan". First I would recommend Divi Flamingo Resort, and then Plaza Resort. They are both set up restaurants on site, along with nice bars and "beachy" areas. The Divi does have the island's only casino on site.

You may also want to look into Captain Don's Habitat. They have "Rum Runners" restaurant on site, along with a great bar, but no beach. I know you can "charge" meals to your room. You can also ask if they have a meal plan.

Good luck!

Liz

 

[Maine Diver]

I stayed at Sand Dollar and loved it. There is a restaurant on site, the dive shop on site is fine, and Bari reef is great. It all depends on what type of rooms you want and how much you plan to dive. We did all shore diving while were there. We did our house reef every day.

 

[drrich2]

I suspect reasons Bonaire isn't known for the all-inclusive offerings include that it's fairly sparsely populated, fairly easy to get around (if you drive stick, and figure out their road signs, which are definitely not U.S.), and pretty safe as far as violent crime against people is concerned, so there's less need for an enclosed, self-sufficient compound than there'd be in a much larger, more complex and densely populated place, with a lot more urban danger. A lot of tourists are divers trying to get 'the most for the least,' and entertain themselves with diving and the island, rather than (expensive) resort entertainments.

That's my theory, anyway. If you tell us what it is you like most about all-inclusive resorts, perhaps someone can help figure another way to accommodate the want/need.

Richard.