Where to stay on Bonaire? No, really!
- Thread starter chicagofish
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chicagofish
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This is all really helpful. Thanks everyone! I can't dive til January, but I think I'll be booking the trip pretty soon.
Watching the tarpon feed from RumRunners is exactly what I did on St. Croix...same fish, same bar name.
Watching the tarpon feed from RumRunners is exactly what I did on St. Croix...same fish, same bar name.
DeputyDan
Contributor
The only real question for Bonaire lodging is
On the water (costs more) or not on the water (costs less)
On the water (costs more) or not on the water (costs less)
DiverVince
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Chicagofish..I'd point you towards Buddy Dive resort or to Habitat (Capt Don's).
1. Both have nice shore diving off their facilities
2. Both have restaurant on site with bar
3. both have dive boats coming and going. And that will be the best place for you to meet up with others & perhaps tag along with them to so some shore dives.
**herman and anyone else who's interested** If you are lucky enough to find a small lizard in your room, treat him as a valued guest. They just love to feed on mosquitoes and other flying bugs. Rest assured they are your friends.
1. Both have nice shore diving off their facilities
2. Both have restaurant on site with bar
3. both have dive boats coming and going. And that will be the best place for you to meet up with others & perhaps tag along with them to so some shore dives.
**herman and anyone else who's interested** If you are lucky enough to find a small lizard in your room, treat him as a valued guest. They just love to feed on mosquitoes and other flying bugs. Rest assured they are your friends.
keithdiver
Contributor
Vince, i don't know She does not stay at your lovely place
She has a beautiful 3rd fl. unit, secure as fort knox, and a fantastic view. What more could a person ask for. I just wish it was ava. on the dates when i wanted to stay for my usual once a year month trip.
KBeck
Contributor
Since you've mentioned construction several times, I've read reviews multiple times that Buddy Dive has been undergoing renovations that bothered the posters enough to complain about.
Additionally, I'm aware that the Plaza hotel is slowly renovating rooms in one area.
So, those two might concern you.
Additionally, I'm aware that the Plaza hotel is slowly renovating rooms in one area.
So, those two might concern you.
keithdiver
Contributor
DiveMaven
Contributor
We prefer to spend a bit more for ocean front accommodations for the ease of diving a house reef whenever we want. There's nothing easier that falling out of your condo into the water (not literally, but almost) and not having to drive all the time to dive a great site.
We're doing our third 2-week trip to Bonaire this summer and choose to stay at Den Laman for the wonderful ocean front condo with the wall of windows overlooking Klein and the sunset each night.
We're doing our third 2-week trip to Bonaire this summer and choose to stay at Den Laman for the wonderful ocean front condo with the wall of windows overlooking Klein and the sunset each night.
DiverVince
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Keith..Thanks for your comments and would love to have a fellow SB'er stay with us. But PLEASE, you really have to book early. We've already accepted reservations for a year from now from folks who stay & automatically book the same time frame for a year later. We're going back in 6 weeks and can't wait. Many times in July & Aug the ocean in front is like one big lake.
helimvee
Contributor
Herman has given you the best advice available. If you are not a solo diver then you are restricted to dive boats, which will increase the cost of your stay, but you can skip the truck. You might hook up with other divers, but success is variable. Staying in the Den Laman/Sandollar/Buddy Dive area gives you access to boat dives - lots of divers, a bank/ATM, restaurants/small grocery store AND Lovers ice cream so that is a good choice.
Anything off the water and you have to have a vehicle to get around.
Construction does happen, but in my experience on Bonaire it is limited to the day time - when you are diving - so should not be a problem.
A lot of people solo dive on Bonaire, including me, so it may be something you want to consider looking in to IF you are comfortable with that idea. SDI does offer a solo diver course. If you are not comfortable with that then please ignore the comment. (This is not intended to start a solo diver debate.)
As also mentioned, don't over think the process. Bonaire gets repeat divers for a reason. (I am on island right now for my 8 trip.) It is a great place to dive.
Good luck with your trip planning.
Anything off the water and you have to have a vehicle to get around.
Construction does happen, but in my experience on Bonaire it is limited to the day time - when you are diving - so should not be a problem.
A lot of people solo dive on Bonaire, including me, so it may be something you want to consider looking in to IF you are comfortable with that idea. SDI does offer a solo diver course. If you are not comfortable with that then please ignore the comment. (This is not intended to start a solo diver debate.)
As also mentioned, don't over think the process. Bonaire gets repeat divers for a reason. (I am on island right now for my 8 trip.) It is a great place to dive.
Good luck with your trip planning.
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