Just got back from Bonaire with the Shark Bait dive club in Western burbs Chicago. What can I say but that it was a GREAT trip from beganing to end. AJ. flights were on time both ways. Stayed at Buddies and loved it. The staff is very friendly and helpful. Went out to eat a few times and the food was very good and the service was as good if not better than here. I've read alot of bad things about flights, food and service in Bonaire, but we had nothing but the BEST. Even had pizza at Pasabon. Pizza in Bonaire??? It was very good. Of course the diving was very good. Town Pier and Salt Pier were very good dive sites and worth the price. On our last day we rented scooters and spent the day riding around the whole island. I can speak for all of the Shark Bait dive club in saying that Bonaire is a GREAT place to dive and a relaxing and enjoyable vacation for all of us.

I'm very happy to see that you really enjoyed yourselves.
Did you make any pictures you could post?

Glad you had a good time Bill. We fly AJ May 25th and was worried about the company big time. We have been many times but when the government took over the airline it makes one worry. Have stayed at Buddy and it is a top notch operation. Not alot of big animals unless you dive the wildside but you can't beat the maco life that Bonaire has to offer. Well I'll leave you with this thought "41 and a wake up and we're there!" Ron

Welcome to BT, Bill! It's always great to read a newbie's first trip report and see that they have fallen in love with Bonaire and all tghat she has to offer.

I'm thrilled to hear your trip with AJ was uneventful and a good one, too. We will be flying with them again soon and it's nice to see they are coming around again.

Please join us any time you'd like to on BT! Welcome aboard. Carole

Thanks for your comments Carole. I have been reading Bonaire talk for a few months and was worried about some of the comments, but nothing went wrong. If you like a relaxing no hurry, just dive and have fun Bonaire is the place. I had one of the best vacations of my life on Bonaire. I hope to have pics soon. Anyone planning a vacation to Bonaire, just remember your on island time, relax and enjoy.

Hi Bill, glad you enjoyed your trip. We are going for first time in December and will be staying at Lions Dive which Buddy's now owns. Are they operating them as two separate resorts or as just one large one? Do you have any photos of the resort and the reef out front? I love looking at everyone's photos of Bonaire and the marine life they see there. Also any advice for another first timer?

Suzanne

Suzanne
From what I saw, they are operating as one...even knocking down some of the cactus fence between them....it's a real nice place, either one...good restaurants, pol, etc....good dive operation as well

Suzanne;
The fence is still up. The gate between the two is always open. There is only one dive operations for both Buddies and Lions. I felt like they were separated, but I didn't ask anyone. The dock is GREAT. They have a place for storing all your grear on the dock, and fresh water for rinsing. Lions and Buddies are using the same dock. The bar at Buddies has happy hour from 5:30 to 6:30. I know you will have a wonderful time. 11 of us went and loved it. The diving is VERY easy. Have fun.