I have just had an e mail from BonBini Divers and have been told that Buddy Dive might/is taking over Lions Dive Hotel. Does anyone have any more info?

other than it is true...it should be a smooth transition.

Michael, by any chance do you know whether it will keep a distinct identity, or be known as an extension of Buddy's?

It looks like it will all fall under the Buddy Dive Resort.

What will that do to the Bon Bini operation (my favorite people!)??
Josie

Now I understand why you had mentioned RCI would not be associated with Lions Dive for much longer.....ah, I see, said the Lady.....cb

Down to one RCI on the island....Divi??

Wow, Buddy Dive is really expanding -- Belmar AND Lion's Dive. I truly hope that they don't overextend themselves in any manner that diminishes the quality of service that I've seen there over the last 6 or 7 years

Well, that adds up...I had to get my key at Buddy's after arriving post 6 pm....hope the Bon Bini staff stays...great people!

And are they not also connected in some way with the Plaza? Buddy is a TERRIFIC operation in every way. Let's hope the level of quality customer service and "small resort" friendly feel continues.

Best of luck to the new venture.

Well it is Buddy Dive that is taking over for Toucan Divers at Bel-Mar. Just to clarify. But I do know that at least some of the dive staff stayed. Erika to be exact.

I hope they keep the feel of Lion's Dive intact. We've stayed there 3 times, and love it there. And Bonbini is a great dive shop.

Hello all - my husband and I have been "lurkers" for years on this website and when I saw this string of e-mails I felt compelled to contribute.

We just recently returned from one of our many trips to Bonaire. We stayed at Lion's Dive again through a package deal - be aware if you have a package deal you won't be diving with Bon Bini. We were put in the middle of an ugly spat between Bon Bini (which we have historically loved but has fallen into a sad state of decline) and Lion's Dive. Needless to say we were unhappy with the unprofessional way we (return customers in particular) were placed in the middle of this situation and feel badly for Bon Bini's state (although we were not happy they took it upon themselves to charge my credit card for my already prepaid package without my permission due to this spat). We ended up being told to dive with Buddy (by Lion's Dive) which was indeed a nicely run operation with great people, clean rinse tanks, great boats and great tank fills - but really too big for the two of us, we don't ever travel in a group and like the feel of smaller operations which don't cater to large groups as much.

In the end our trip was as good as it usually is due to the great diving (great service at Buddy) and the wonderful folks on the island (as well as our favorite watering hole the Lion's Den). We of course will be back once again - most likely next year. Next time we will probably be going back to Sand Dollar (its been years) because it looks like Andre has his dive shop back humming and the restaurant right next door will bring back good memories of the parrot.

Carole, as far as I know, Divi is not with RCI any longer. I am wondering what will happen to all the time-share owners at Lions?

Thanks, Ingrid...I think I will create a thread asking RCI vs. Interval as I am now paying both of them and I can't see the sanity of that...we don't even use the "trade" options as we always return to Bonaire...we use our Aruba timeshare time on Bonaire attached to our Bonaire timeshare week....no desire to return to Aruba. Thanks, again. CArole