Hello...we are trying to decide which place to stay. We will be 4 or 6 people...most of which are divers..one is not. With Belmar, we like the price. How far is it to walk to town or restaurants?? Are moped rentals possible on the island? Can you rent Kayaks or do other water sports there? With Buddy, it is nice that there are things to do other than dive..does anyone have info. on how long it takes to walk to town?
With Divi, is there a kitchen in which to cook in the studio? Are there seperate bedrooms?
Any and all imput or recommendation would be greatly appreciated... Robin.

I don't know Belmar or Buddy's from personal experience, but have heard and read nothing but good about both. I believe Belmar is near the airport and Buddy's is north of town near Cap't Don's and Sand$.

The Divi studios have a full kitchenette with stove with oven, fridge, dishware, toaster, coffe maker, pots and pans, and a sink. No microwave or dishwasher. The kitchenette is separated from the bed/sitting area by a half wall with lattice. They have two queen beds and a sofa bed along with a chair. Outside is a screened porch with a patio table iwth four chairs and a lounge. Divi is also on the southern edge of Kralendijk and within walking distance of 4-5 restaurants including the Blue Moon, Casablanca, and Richards.

I have stayed at Divi and loved it. It is a close walk to downtown. (5 min.) Great diving right off the pier too. You can email me with any questions you might have. kjlott@newarkohio.net

Happy Diving!

Kelly

We love the Divi...very partial to it! CArole

We stay at Belmar...very nice....dive facility on site and they pick you up at the dock...Their rooms have kitchens and a great view on the water....There is a place right across the street called The great escape where you can get meals if you don't want to cook...
Belmar is close to town (anywhere is walkable,but depends on what you think is a long walk!) but we drive to lunch or dinner around the island. Lots of different places to choose from.

Divi has a number of great features...they have Kayaks and floats for registered guests (no charge), they are easy walking distance to town...4-5 blocks and numerous restaurants...great dive operation...health club,..on site small store and restaurant...

rooms are all either efficiency units or single bdrm hotel type rooms...

Gregg.....you mean I've been paying for the floatation device all these years and I didn't have to? Interesting! We will be back in one week....can't wait. Carole

I've stayed at Buddy's and BelMar. Both are a few minutes' drive from downtown, Buddy's north and BelMar south. Buddy's is more a dive resort atmosphere, with a restaurant and bar; while BelMar is a condo atmosphere, quiet and restful, but you can connect with folks around the pool if you wish. For me it depends on what atmosphere your group is looking for.
The dive operations at both locations are very recommendable.
You can rent mopeds and other two wheelers in town.
You'll have a great time!

has anyone stayed at Aqua viva appartments (with use of eden beach facilities free of charge) or at Sun oceanfront appartments? Did you like the rooms, location, etc. Any and all information appreciated. We are looking for a two bedroom appartment for 4 people...price is key. Thanks, Robin.

Robin, do a Keyword search at the bottom of this page, and type in Aqua Viva, search under trip reports and accommodations, you should get a few results.

Help!!!!!!!!!! We are trying to decide between Aqua viva appts., sand dollar condo., eden beach resort and sun oceanfront appts. I realize that they are different ranges of places...each with it's draw.( beach, price, accomodation, etc.). Does anyone have any recommendations or experience with any of them. Any and all info. is appreciated. Also, what about safety/security?

Robin, do a search for each of the resorts under trip reports and accommodations. I know it may be time consuming, but that is what I did before my first trip to Bonaire and it was worth the time to read the particular comments folks had.