After lurking for 5yrs., I've decided to join you crazy BTer's in singing the praises of our favorite island paradise...so on with the report !!
Originally scheduled out of Newark NJ, AJ switched us to JFK, NY...an additional $100 taxi ride (still awaiting reimbursement). Otherwise, flights to and fro were A-OK.
We stayed at Buddy Dive, probably for the last time. They've doubled their size and cater more to large groups; we missed out on some boat dives and the dive staff seemed a wee bit stressed by the hustle n' bustle.
Diving was great, as usual, even with the wind reversal caused by distant Hurricane Dennis. Visited Tory's Reef, Andrea II, Buddy's Reef, Wind Sock, North Belnem, Small Wall, Witches Hut/Weber's Joy and a bunch over on Klein Bonaire.
Eating was a joy as well; Kirk took care of us over at Lion's Den and Buddy's breakfast buffet took us thru the day. Pasa Bon IS the best pizza on the island. KFC in town was good. And that little Chinese place on the curve in Kralendijk had lots of good food at a great price.
We return on JUN 24,2006 for 2 weeks at Plaza Resort. Can't wait to get back. !!!!!!
To Ed & Liz at Golden Reef: sorry we missed you last trip...hope to see you this summer !
I'll try to get Dana to post her pictures. In the meantime. if anyone has an opinion of their stay at Plaza Resort, we'd love to hear it.

Thomas,
Thanks for the report. Isn't it a GREAT feeling to have your next trip booked ALREADY !!

I know what you mean about the resorts sometimes catering to large groups. We prefer to be the ONLY guests but realize the resort needs to make an income. Each year the same group arrives at Capt. Don's while we're there. We've become acquainted with them and look forward to seeing them again this coming Spring.

the only correction i'd make is that pasa bon has the best pizza in the WORLD, not just the island. also, for more personal service you might want to try some of the smaller places on the island instead of the big operations. since the buddy dive/lions dive merger is fairly new, maybe they'll adjust over time and hire more staff to take care of everybody.

Pat, I agree on Pasa Bon pizza being the best in the world. It's better than BJ's here in Laguna! Just thinking of the pepperoni and garlic makes my mouth water!

We loved the Plaza. I would opt to have a room closer to the dive shop which means you are also closer to the parking lot and dive lockers. For those early shore dives but that's just me. Some would go the other way. But on the other hand if you stay too long at the Banana Tree lounge you have a little further to stagger..err walk back to your quaters. A nice test of your coordination and navigation skills. The place is sprawling. I'll bet you won't regret where ever your suite is located.

Pasa Bon = Ditto.

I think Pasa Bon Pizza is the best in the world!!
Thanks for posting! You are no longer a lurker!