Where to Stay in Bonaire

[wwguy]

We're looking forward to our 10th trip to Bonaire this winter. We've stayed once at Belmar, several times at Buddy Dive, and at some less expensive places way from the waterfront; like Yachtclub Apartments and Happy Holiday Homes. All were great, but we felt they lacked the intimate feel of a smaller and more private oceanfront property.

Last year we enjoyed 3 weeks over the Christmas holidays at Beachcomber Villas, a newer oceanfront property just north of Captain Don's Habitat. For us it was the perfect mix of hosted and private property. The friendly and attentive owners, Tim & Leanne, live on the ground floor. There are two well-appointed apartments with a shared terrace and fantastic views on the upper floor. Direct access to the sea for diving and snorkeling are great, including private access to the popular Cliff dive site.

Dive Friends Bonaire's Hamlet Oasis dive shop is located about 100 yards north for easy access to tanks for shore diving. You can also get tanks at the other three DFB locations and/or do boats dives from the DFB Yellow Submarine location.

The photos and reviews (including mine) on their website and VRBO site are accurate. It's worth noting that the VRBO site only shows the layout for one of the two apartments. Refer to their main web site for info on both apartments. Before we left last time we left behind a deposit for a return trip this Christmas. This time we're bringing another couple with us!

Enjoy your trip!

 

[jewelofnile69]

Welcome to the board Carey. I really don't know of a bad place in Bonaire, it's mainly depends on what you prefer. I do however have a couple of suggestions/comments. Where ever you stay, don't get an all-inclusive food package. There are way too many places on Bonaire to eat to lock yourself down to one place or resort. A breakfast is fine but otherwise skip the meal packages. Also, at least until you get here and dive a day or 2 drop the boat packages. Most of us never used all the dives we had in our packages and never get them after the first trip. You can always add them back once on island or if you like add just a few during your stay, dropping them will save you $120+ per diver. When comparing packages, be sure to compare apples to apples. Some packages include an airport transfer, some do not. Some include a truck ( and you will want a truck- don't get a car or RAV4 type vehicle) and some don't. Then there is resort size. The Plaza is pretty big, esp by Bonaire standards while Den Lamen is very small, Buddy, Sand Dollar and Capt Dons are somewhere in the middle. By the way, Sand Dollar has some nice little efficiencies that are reasonable. As for dive shops, I don't know of a bad one but I do tend to prefer the use the one associated with the resort I am staying at, it just makes things easier.

Agree with Herman on the food thing! I also agree that almost anywhere you stay will be nice. We've only ever stayed at Buddy (and will continue to do so whether it's just my husband and I or if we are with friends) but have been to a few of the other places while down there with friends. We just truly love Buddy so that would be my vote.

 

[song]

if you are considering Deep Blue View (I haven't stayed there) you should also look at Villa Safir Bonaire Villa Safir - B&B Intimate Hotel Peter & Bianca are fantastic hosts. Personalized service, comfortable rooms, quiet & privacy. They have a gorgeous view from their pool looking down onto the town and water, just stuns you when you walk up the steps & through their gate. It's like returning to an oasis every evening.

All tanks including Nitrox are kept right next to your vehicle. Conveniently located rinse tanks and lockers. Peter offers boat dives through his dive op.

 

[CareyinFL]

Thanks so much, everybody! My trip is still a ways away, but I love the planning part of vacation so much that starting early never bothers me.