I was looking at staying at the Golden Reef inn this summer. I know it is not on the water but the price doesn't seem to bad for 65 dollars a night. Would you stay here or is there some where else that you would recommend for a budget traveler.

Ryan,
Its a highly thought of place. I've never stayed there but have stayed many times at the black durgon inn which is alittle ways from there but on the water. I prefer on the water so thats my prejudice but everything I've heard about Golden reef has been very positive.

Golden Reef has a fabulous BBQ every Sunday night, cooked by Gibi and I believe reasonably prized.

The only negative I have ever heard about this place is that it's not on the water - THUS THE LOWER PRICES!

I think it would be a good choice for the budget minded.

Ryan
Check with Al at the Black Durgon and compare prices.
Staying at the BD is very easy diving! Walk down the stairs from your room, throw your gear on, walk to the dock and jump in. I think the total distance is 40 feet from the gear room to the dock.
When you get ready to drive and dive the tanks are really close to your vehicle, lets say 15 feet.

This also includes a breakfast 6 days a week!

Love the Black Durgon

Have stayed at the Golden Reef Inn 2 times, Great owners, great breakfasts (cooked by Gibi), only a couple of blocks away from the water. You are not far from Cap'n Don's, Buddy's, Sand $ and Eden Beach resorts. Golden Reef uses the same dive operation that is at Eden Beach and those guys are really good. GRI is small apartments and I think BD is only rooms with a communal kitchen.
I can't say enough about GRI, We will be back in late June if everything works out right.

Andy & Dave

I am going for my first time to Bonaire and am looking for a sandy, white beach and clear, sandy bottom water to swim around in...grass is for snorkeling over. My brother has stayed at the Plaza a few years back, but I have read a lot of negative. I love to snorkel, but want an easy time getting to the water as I am in my 50s. I love the idea of an ocean view. What would you suggest?

Maggie-- Welcome to Bonaire Talk!
The first thing I would do is get Susan's Book,Bonaire Diving Made Easy. It would give you a great overlay of all your snorkeling options,

There will be nothing wrong with any of the options suggested by other BTers in regards to lodging and snorkeling! a lot will depend on how much you'd like to spend!

Have fun, by the way if you go to the "Everything Else" section you can register for the month you'll be here. you can meet fellow BTers to snorkel with.

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Maggie - there are very few sandy beaches in Bonaire. Plaza and Eden Beach come closest... but neither of them (well.. Eden doesn't - I've stayed there, I've never stayed at the Plaza) have any "grass to snorkel over" Eden's "reef" is also what would be termed rubble as there really isn't a reef there in the shallows. Now, this doesn't mean there isn't anything to see, but it isn't as "pretty" to some people as other sites are.

I've heard great things about the Plaza as far as the ease of entry and quality of snorkeling there.

Good luck!

The Plaza was one of the places that my in-laws (in their 80's) were able to snorkel with ease. Easy entry and exit. They saw a turtle and lots of fish.
I went with them once and I thought the Plaza was very nice. Never stayed there as I have my own place on island, but if I didn't, their location is very good for access to restaurants and downtown and a lot of easy access snorkel places like the Divi Divi is also another resort that is easy to get in and out of, but it all depends on what you are looking for in a vacation and what you want to spend. Either of the above two would suit your needs just fine.

have stayed at both Golden Reef and Black Durgon

while there are many fans of Golden Reef we are not and would
never return there.

Black Durgon is a much better deal and right on the water

Hi Maggie,

No grand stretches of white sandy beaches on Bonaire that I've seen, but great snorkeling at Eden/Den Leman/Buddy/Capt Don. Super simple entries. Some of the resorts have small sandy areas. At the south end of town the Divi Flamingo is also an excellent full amenity (dive op/restaurant/bar/rooms/on the water) choice.

For white beaches and sand what about Kon Tiki on the other side of the island? I've only been over there for dinner and to hang at the beach but if that's the criteria that might fit the bill better. The big draw back is not being along the other side where all the resorts are but then again - that might be a plus.