First trip to Bonaire planned for next April. I think I have it narrowed down to either Belmar or Bellafonte. Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

Judy and Rick, I haven't stayed at Belefonte, but stayed at Belmar last time we went and loved it. I think the only big difference is that Belefonte does not have a pool or dive shop on the property. I don't know if they have a dive shop connected to the property or if they have dive lockers. Belmar does and I can't say enough about how great our stay was. Here is my trip report.

That being said, I don't think you can go wrong with either!

Trip Report

do a keyword search on the two properties to get some input on them. Go to the bottom of the page and click on keyword search and follow the directions.

Thanks for the help.
Did a search and looks like either one is great.

Judy and Rick,

I've stayed at the Belafonte and the shore diving is superb. There is a reef a few fin strokes from the dock. There is ample space for gear storage, two outdoor showers, a wooden bench for your gear close to the showers...nicely set up. There is no dive shop on the property but they work closely with Photo Tours Divers and we usually get our air from them where ever we may be staying.

Belafonte is relatively new! The kitchen, appliances, and outdoor grill on the patios are all great. It's quite modern and almost had me intimidated.

Belafonte is closer to the airport but if you sleep with the AC on it might not be a problem. (We stayed there before KLM changed its flight pattern and there were fewer planes.)

Belmar is also lovely, nice little pool, the dive shop is on site and the storage is adequate. I've dove from Belmar and there is more of a surface swim to the reef.

I think Belmar is closer to the occasional 'fly-by' of the Flamingos. They fly from the northern tip of the park to the southern salt pans.
Where ever you choose to stay, I am sure you will enjoy yourselves.