By Patti J Powell (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #5) on Friday, October 27, 2006 - 4:28 pm: |
We're planning our first trip to Bonaire in Feb '07. Sand Dollar + Buddy Dive are pretty similar in cost. I've heard good about both places. So, any opinions on what would be a better "fit" for us?
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By Ron Myers (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #328) on Friday, October 27, 2006 - 7:53 pm: |
I can only speak of my stays at Buddy Dive. It would be hard to find a more perfect place for new divers. I was pretty novice my first time there; my skills improved greatly and quickly while there. You gear up on the dock, giant stride in, and follow a rope to a large concrete block at 15'. From there you can go either way and drop down to a depth you are comfortable with, all on a great house reef. The exit is by stairs back up to the dock. This is also a great place for a night dive. You will not go wrong with either place. Bonaire makes a living catering to divers and does a great job of it.
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By Rosanne (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #720) on Friday, October 27, 2006 - 7:56 pm: |
Divi is close to town, restaurants. Has a house reef, small beach, on site restaurants and decent dive operation. They may have some pretty good package deals if you check their web site. We have a time share which has a kitchenette and has 2 queen beds and a sleeper sofa. It may be some place you might want to consider. If you have any questions please feel free to e-mail me.
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By Linda Libby (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #2) on Friday, October 27, 2006 - 9:42 pm: |
Do any of the condos in bonaire have central air instead of bedroom unit? Thanks.
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By Cyn (GH) (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #19940) on Friday, October 27, 2006 - 11:37 pm: |
Patti, I've stayed at Sand$ (nice big 2 bedroom fully furnished with a big screened in porch), and used Buddy's dive shop twice when I stayed with friends. The biggest difference between the 2 IMHO are:
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By Linda Libby (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #3) on Saturday, October 28, 2006 - 8:10 pm: |
Lions dive- are there still private owners who might rent privately or all they all owned by buddy dive? If any owners are on line, we are interested in 2/24- 3-4 rental. Thanks.
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By Lorraine Meadows (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1069) on Monday, October 30, 2006 - 9:57 am: |
Have you checked out Divi, Pattie?
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By Steve Jorgensen (BonaireTalker - Post #43) on Tuesday, October 31, 2006 - 1:12 pm: |
Patti --
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By John Mack (BonaireTalker - Post #53) on Wednesday, November 1, 2006 - 12:10 am: |
We stayed at Buddy's last time in Bonaire and are doing so again. We looked at both Sand Dollar and Den Lamen when on the island and liked the overall complex at Buddy's. The rooms at Den Lamen are newer and nicer but the resort at Buddy's is definitely a step up from Sand Dollar or Den Lamen IMHO.
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By Steve Johnson (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #3) on Thursday, November 2, 2006 - 1:55 am: |
We will be in Bonaire Feb 7th -21st and booked Sand Dollar. We looked into Buddy but they did not have any rooms for our time frame. We have stayed at Sand Dollar multiple times before and always loved it. I have heard the pool at Sand Dollar is or will be open by our trip time. The pool is in the back without much of a view but our kids 4 & 7 do not seem to mind. Have a great trip.
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By margarite (BonaireTalker - Post #26) on Thursday, November 2, 2006 - 6:15 pm: |
HI, Patti! I have stayed at both Sand$ and Buddys. I stayed at Buddys first and was disappointed in that the units were not being well maintained. If you decide to stay there, may I recommend that you check both the AC and the fridge to make sure they are both functional. I was moved from room to room no less than three times before I got one where everything worked. Best to check it out before you drag your luggage all over, I might add. A friend of mine had this same experience not long ago, so I assume thatit may be an ongoing problem. That said, the dive shop is really good and I also like the bar. I have never stayed there again, however.
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By Patti J Powell (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #6) on Friday, November 3, 2006 - 11:53 am: |
I definitely appreciate all the info! Unfortunately, due to some unexpected financial "issues" it looks like our trip to Bonaire will have to be delayed a year and we'll end up inexpensively prowling Florida again to escape the winter chill (sigh).
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By monica eccher (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #6) on Sunday, November 5, 2006 - 7:14 pm: |
Does anybody know if Sand$ have any beaches close were my kids can play?
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By Dean Botsford (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #398) on Monday, November 6, 2006 - 7:26 am: |
Sand Dollar has a small (about 20-30 foot long beach) to the right of the pier. When the tide comes in it is a bit smaller. Nice shallows for kids to play in...
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By monica eccher (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #8) on Monday, November 6, 2006 - 8:19 am: |
Perfect!!
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