By Stan Denis (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #1) on Saturday, October 30, 2004 - 12:26 pm: |
My son (18) and I are newly OW certified with eight dives under our belt's and I want to start diving with my "buddy" in some of the "best" spots in the world. My daughter (15) loves snorkeling but is not sure she wants to dive. My wife is not comfortable in the water and is sure she wants to do neither. I'm trying to find an idyllic spot that works for everyone where my wife will be happy reading on a chaise lounge by the water while my son and I, and hopefully my daughter, will be able to enjoy a number of Beach dives throughout the day while still "hanging out" as a family. I've read that Bonaire has no sand beaches; are the Beach dive spots in deserted areas or close to some creature comforts. Is my vision a possibility/reality in Bonaire?
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By David Johnson (BonaireTalker - Post #81) on Saturday, October 30, 2004 - 1:07 pm: |
I think Bonaire is an option for your trip but you would want to pick your lodging option carefully -- and probably talk more with your wife.
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By Stan Denis (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #2) on Saturday, October 30, 2004 - 2:13 pm: |
David: Thanks for information. Can you suggest any resorts where my son and I could get in some good/great dives from the resort beach (plus others within that 10 to 15 minute car drive) while my wife would be content at the resort reading by the water? What I am trying to avoid is that typical "golf widow" scenario where my son and I leave early in the morning before the others are up and we aren't back "with the family" until midafternoon..... which is how it was when we went to Aruba and did some diving. By the way, maybe it's from being naïve or inexperienced but I thought that the diving in Aruba would be "more" (it was our first time there); I've read that the diving in Bonaire is substantially "better". Is that right? We're not into the night life, etc.; just looking for some quiet R&R where my son and I can get in some diving while we still have a "family" vacation lounging on the beach, walking to restaurants and shops, etc.. Thanks, Stan
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By David Johnson (BonaireTalker - Post #82) on Saturday, October 30, 2004 - 2:15 pm: |
Stan:
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By Bob Lyke (BonaireTalker - Post #45) on Saturday, October 30, 2004 - 2:34 pm: |
You are correct the diving in Aruba is only so - so in my opinion. Wreck diving in Aruba is pretty good but I was not impressed with the reef diving there. The diving in Bonaire is great, smaller fish etc. but great.
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By Stan Denis (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #3) on Saturday, October 30, 2004 - 2:36 pm: |
David:
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By Denise Kacavas (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #861) on Saturday, October 30, 2004 - 2:46 pm: |
I also recommend the Divi based on what I've read so far. Short easy drives to many shore dives, or one tank boat dives and get back quick too (at Divi it is an afternoon dive if only one tank and out at 2 back by 3:15 or so), sit on the tanning pier at the Divi. Or sit by either of the two pools. Short walk to town for the art galleries and shops and restaurants. Driving the island for site seeing is maybe a half day at best if you don't do the big long park drive. The site seeing drive is very pretty with beautiful and varying views. Definitely nice for relaxing and reading. Just got back a couple weeks ago and already sighing at the thought of 'when can I get back again?'
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By David Johnson (BonaireTalker - Post #83) on Saturday, October 30, 2004 - 3:04 pm: |
I have never dove Aruba so I can't really make a comparison -- although by all accounts Bonaire is better.
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By David Johnson (BonaireTalker - Post #84) on Saturday, October 30, 2004 - 3:08 pm: |
The walk to town from Divi and even Carib is pretty short and is doable from the Plaza as well. I have never stayed north of town. It seems like more of a hike?
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By gregg brewer (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #646) on Saturday, October 30, 2004 - 3:12 pm: |
If you are travelling with non divers, Divi is probably your best spot....lots of things to do at the resort and only 5 min walk to town...dive operation is very good, house reef is good...ambiance(?) is terrific....small beach, hammocks, beach chairs, two pools
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By Linda Stoltzfus (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #376) on Saturday, October 30, 2004 - 4:21 pm: |
Stan,
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By Kay Powers (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #879) on Saturday, October 30, 2004 - 4:24 pm: |
I vote for the Divi too....
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By Carole Baker (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #4261) on Saturday, October 30, 2004 - 4:37 pm: |
Divi is my suggestion, too. Fits the bill for all three of your needs! Carole
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By Geoffrey Feldman (BonaireTalker - Post #47) on Sunday, October 31, 2004 - 9:45 am: |
I think the divi is a good recommendation for your parameters too. Since it sounds like you may have not completely decided on Bonaire, I'll put in an "anti-plug" for the big name resorts on other islands.
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By Cindylou (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #293) on Sunday, October 31, 2004 - 10:08 am: |
Based on what you are saying here Stan, I would vote for the Divi. You can mix it up with boat and shore diving (presuming you rent a vehicle) day and night and I'm sure still have lots of time as a family. As well, your wife is sure to meet other folks around the resort to visit with if she so chooses. The on site facilities (land and water) are good and as has been said, it's a short walk in to town which would work for her during the day and the family if you want to venture out for dinners. During my several visits to Bonaire, I have stayed there among other places. They did significant renovations a few years ago as well. So here's another vote for the Divi.
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By DARLENE ELLIS (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1208) on Sunday, October 31, 2004 - 11:47 am: |
I also think the Divi would be a good choice. It is just a short walk to town and the snorkeling is awesome around the cement pier! The Woodwind Trimaran also sails from the Divi. It is a fun way to spend a morning. It has two snorkel stops, an open bar and lunch. Your daughter and wife could also do some guided snorkels with Renee from Renee Snorkel trips. She is awesome and has a great eye for finding the little creatures.
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By T-Shirt Divers John and Sue (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #149) on Monday, November 1, 2004 - 2:49 pm: |
I vote for the Divi. I stayed there as a non-diver as well as a diver. It's big enough to have your space, nice place to relax, to read, to talk, to people watch, to eat etc. Sue
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By Stan Denis (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #4) on Monday, November 1, 2004 - 5:59 pm: |
WOW! What a great site. Thanks to all for all the responses and information. Stan
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By Gary Thuillier (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #176) on Wednesday, November 3, 2004 - 7:51 pm: |
I'm going to go out on a limb and suggest if you really must have an alternate to Bonaire the Mayan Riviera, that area South of Cancun. There are plenty of nice all inclusive resorts which your wife should like and most have diving operations on or nearby. Puerto Aventuras for one or in Akumal. These are about an hour from Cancun so you're away from the large crowds associated with Cancun and Cozumal. The diving is not world class but there is an excellent variety of large and small marine life. Also if the seas are rough you can take in a cenote (cavern) dive. Very cool! and I don't mean temperature. OW cert. is all that's required and there are some with extensive snorkeling to be done while you and your son are doing your dive not to mention a place for Mom to relax and watch. We've gone a couple of times and the caverns were so much fun on the last trip we almost entirely blew off the reef diving. You can also take a ferry to Cozumal making the whole area very versatile.
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