We're planning our first trip to Bonaire in Feb '07. Sand Dollar + Buddy Dive are pretty similar in cost. I've heard good about both places. So, any opinions on what would be a better "fit" for us?

We're a family of 5 - hubby, myself, and our three sons (14, 12, 11 on the trip). The boys are well mannered and well seasoned travelers - not unruly, "wish I could kill em" types - otherwise, I'd have killed 'em and wouldn't be able to ask these questions...

We're all ow certified, but still novices. We look forward to getting more bottom time - lots of it - in Bonaire. We have snorkeled for a few years prior to getting ow (Feb '06 - just 13 - 15 logged dives since). I assume most of our dives will be shore dives, but if we can stay two weeks, the 2nd week we might opt for some boat dives too.

We like quiet, nature, friendly people, and seeing new sights. When not diving we'll probably be hiking or otherwise exploring the island (caves, etc). We're not into shopping or nightlife (unless it involves star gazing or night dives).

We do want a kitchen and will mostly cook in, but expect to check out some of the local restaurants as well.

Waterfront is important - we don't get that where we live and often get withdrawal symptoms... I've heard of PBD and fully expect to get it, but it's better to get it and have been there than never to have gone at all... to paraphrase another well known saying.

Can't think of much else right off hand... feel free to ask questions - and - since we haven't booked yet, if there are others we should consider, please mention them.

We're totally new to Bonaire and any/all info is appreciated. Can't beat learning from the experience of others...

I can only speak of my stays at Buddy Dive. It would be hard to find a more perfect place for new divers. I was pretty novice my first time there; my skills improved greatly and quickly while there. You gear up on the dock, giant stride in, and follow a rope to a large concrete block at 15'. From there you can go either way and drop down to a depth you are comfortable with, all on a great house reef. The exit is by stairs back up to the dock. This is also a great place for a night dive. You will not go wrong with either place. Bonaire makes a living catering to divers and does a great job of it.

Divi is close to town, restaurants. Has a house reef, small beach, on site restaurants and decent dive operation. They may have some pretty good package deals if you check their web site. We have a time share which has a kitchenette and has 2 queen beds and a sleeper sofa. It may be some place you might want to consider. If you have any questions please feel free to e-mail me.

Do any of the condos in bonaire have central air instead of bedroom unit? Thanks.

Patti, I've stayed at Sand$ (nice big 2 bedroom fully furnished with a big screened in porch), and used Buddy's dive shop twice when I stayed with friends. The biggest difference between the 2 IMHO are:

1. Buddy's is a larger resort and has a pool (last I heard the pool at Sand$ was not open, if I'm incorrect, please someone correct me...as I know you will!)

Den Laman restaurant is right next to Sand$ for nice dining in the evening and lunch, and Buddy's has 2 restaurants. Both dives shops are excellent.

Linda, Den Laman units are new and have AC throughout. Also I believe some of the units at Buddy have AC throughout (the old Lions Dive time share units). There may be others, but those are the 2 that I know of for sure

Oh, and Patti and Linda, welcome to Bonaire Talk

Lions dive- are there still private owners who might rent privately or all they all owned by buddy dive? If any owners are on line, we are interested in 2/24- 3-4 rental. Thanks.

Have you checked out Divi, Pattie?
Have you checked out their timeshare units?
It has everything your looking for, great dive shop and 5 boats on premise, a full kitchen , pools and resturants.Friendly staff.
Located on a great reef and easy walk to town along the prominade and to other resturants.
Divi has a casual yet modern ambiance and I believe their rates are competative.
Wherever you choose you'll have a great time!

Patti --

From a guy who was a novice diver LAST December! I completed my OW course at Buddy Dive last December, though I did not stay there. I stayed in one of the pool villas, and so all of my diving thereafter was shore diving with a buddy found on this very message board. I now have nearly 50 dives under my belt (having since been to Dominica and Grand Cayman), and I am going back to Buddy Dive to stay at the resort and complete my AOW there this December (2-10th). I had a great experience with them last year. The dive masters are great, the other employees are really helpful, and access to their reef is so simple (as Ron points out) The restaurants are really good, a neat bar, good pool, and really friendly folks. Buy the unlimited air deal -- just drive through and pick up your tanks for the day. I cannot comment on Sand Dollar or Divi, since I have not stayed or been to those places. So -- having not YET stayed at Buddy's, all I can offer is praise for every other experience that I have had with them.

Steve

We stayed at Buddy's last time in Bonaire and are doing so again. We looked at both Sand Dollar and Den Lamen when on the island and liked the overall complex at Buddy's. The rooms at Den Lamen are newer and nicer but the resort at Buddy's is definitely a step up from Sand Dollar or Den Lamen IMHO.

We will be in Bonaire Feb 7th -21st and booked Sand Dollar. We looked into Buddy but they did not have any rooms for our time frame. We have stayed at Sand Dollar multiple times before and always loved it. I have heard the pool at Sand Dollar is or will be open by our trip time. The pool is in the back without much of a view but our kids 4 & 7 do not seem to mind. Have a great trip.

HI, Patti! I have stayed at both Sand$ and Buddys. I stayed at Buddys first and was disappointed in that the units were not being well maintained. If you decide to stay there, may I recommend that you check both the AC and the fridge to make sure they are both functional. I was moved from room to room no less than three times before I got one where everything worked. Best to check it out before you drag your luggage all over, I might add. A friend of mine had this same experience not long ago, so I assume thatit may be an ongoing problem. That said, the dive shop is really good and I also like the bar. I have never stayed there again, however.

Sand dollar has beautiful units,well maintained. I didn't use the pool much even when it was open, so that didn't bother me. The proximity to Den Laman is nice. A very nice place to hang out and watch the sunset or dine; great food and a lovely selection of wines. Den Laman condos are very nice as well. Bonaire Dive and Adventure serves both of these resorts and I believe is offering a free nitrox upgrade, reason enough for me to stay there..... But check on that.

All are in the same reef area, one that is a favorite of mine.
I think you would probably enjoy any of these three places.

I definitely appreciate all the info! Unfortunately, due to some unexpected financial "issues" it looks like our trip to Bonaire will have to be delayed a year and we'll end up inexpensively prowling Florida again to escape the winter chill (sigh).

By the time we'll have more moola, I expect getting reservations for 5 would be difficult - and we honestly don't want to go without our boys. The only "good" thing is "stuff" happened prior to making reservations - and the info should still be valid in 2008.

Thanks to all... and enjoy your trips.

Does anybody know if Sand$ have any beaches close were my kids can play?
Monica

Sand Dollar has a small (about 20-30 foot long beach) to the right of the pier. When the tide comes in it is a bit smaller. Nice shallows for kids to play in...

Perfect!!
That's all they need. Thanks
Monica