I am re-posting this question under Accomodations so there will be more responses to the question at hand. Carole
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By GarDiver on Monday, December 31, 2001 - 06:43 pm:

We're heading to Bonaire for our first time in April. Staying at Buddy's. Any information from island frequenters would be appreciated. Planning on doing loads of diving.

Just got back. We loved the place and have booked for next year already.

They have just taken delivery of a new dive boat, lots of room and real easy in/out of water. One thing that impressed me was the availability and reasonable prices of dive gear on the island. You always forget something and they didn't seem to be out to rip you off.

You'l love diving with charlie on your night dives, he's got a real personality.

Ed B

We have been to Bonaire many times and Buddies is our place of choice. We will be there again this March. Staff at Buddies is great,and laid back. Don't expect white gloves and tuxes.

We have always enjoyed the Northern dives in the park. But the Lenny surge damaged many of these. You should still go through the park. Take the long route, and stop at the various observation points. At the bird watching point we often see several very large iguana. They like planters cheese balls. The smaller lizards play soccer with them.

The dives to the south are very nice. The dives north and south of the Hooker are some of my favorite. Also, the far south dives are very good. Light house and slave hut dives are good, but can be tougher entries from shore.

Check out Rincon. It is a town lost in time. Check out Karls Bar at night.

Pink Beach used to be great, but again Lenny did a number there and took most of the sand. Dive is still good though. There are some smaller beaches to the north of pink beach which are very nice.

Lac Bay on Sunday early afternoons is fun place to visit. Typically a live band, and various local snacks and beers are served. Very rustic, but one of my favorites.

GO to Culimara(Spelling ?)supermarket whn you get in and stock up on those needed items. It is a very well stocked store.

Pack a small cooler if you do shore diving or plan on beaching it. Otherwise yiou will need to buy one there or rent one. The haet will melt ice and warm a beer in about 30 seconds.

Have fun, and do more than just dive.

We just got back after spending X-mas-New years week at Buddy's. It was the best place I've stayed so far as a diver. They have rental trucks that can be included in your dive pkg. and there drive thru fill station is great. You have to do some shore dives while there and these trucks are the king cab type that can handle 4-5 divers with their equipment. Also check out a sunset from Seru Largu. It's outstanding veiw of the town and island is super. It's only 10-15 min. from Buddy's. Say hello to Charlie for me!!!