Hi everyone--I've been reading through posts here, and have found them tremendously helpful as I plan our first (long-awaited!!) trip to Bonaire. I'd love advice on which of the two resorts I have it whittled down to would be better for us--my husband and I can't wait to dive Bonaire, but our 8-year-old (much to her impatience) is not yet old enough to join us (though she adores snorkeling), so I'm wondering which place, between Buddy Dive or Plaza Resort has the better Kids program--I'm hoping for a more active program than we found last year in Curacao where the kids club was essentially a room with a TV. On a related note, I'm a little taken aback by the reviews of Plaza on TripAdvisor, but I know those can be exaggerated--we are not expecting luxury in any case, but would like clean, comfortable accomodations, and a Kids Club that will keep our daughter happy and engaged. Many thanks in advance!

I am a big Buddy's fan and have stayed at Plaza as well. I have no idea of kid's programs but Buddy's does do kid's summer programs and diving / snorkeling.

Someone else can likely be more helpful but for my preference the more laid back and smaller atmosphere (less costly) of Buddy's is my choice.

My husband and I totally love Buddy Dive Resort and the dive staff! We have stayed there the last 13 trips.

With regards to the kid's program, Buddy Rangers Kids Club, I have heard great things about it.

Click here for more information ~> http://buddydive.com/index.php/activities

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Good luck and have a wonderful time!!!!

Our dive group stays at Plaza Resort and we have always had great experiences. The house reef, 18 Palms, provides many interesting dives each trip. We have not used the kids club, but have been satisfied with Toucan Diving.

While we haven't used the kid's program at Plaza, we have seen it in action and were impressed enough that when our granddaughter joins us on a future trip, we will use it for her.

We are also partial to the dive operation at Plaza (Toucan Dive) having used it for boat diving the two times we stayed there, the nine times we stayed at Belmar (including both when Belmar used Plaza/Toucan for its dive operations and after they switched to Buddy Dive) and the two times we stayed at Lighthouse Beach. On a positive note, the current on-site Buddy Dive people at Belmar (not that you asked), including Chrissy and Ebby, are wonderful.

I've used both Toucan and Buddy Belmar - dive staff = fabulous in both locations!

When my dive shop went to Bonaire, we stayed at The Plaza and we had kids in our group that used the kids program while the adults did morning boat dives. Over lunch we got to hear all about their adventures and it seemed like an excellent program. From what I remember: the kids snorkeled, learned fish ID and had a fish ID contest, went to Klein to see turtles, and spent some time playing in the pool. I do remember the kids talking about kayaking, but I'm not sure if that was with the kids program or with their dad. Sorry.

Thanks everyone--I think we are leaning towards Buddy Dive; our dive shop sends groups there, and also speak very highly of it. My only real concern now is the fact the beach is raised--is the water deep where you enter, and how easy/hard is it to get in and out? I want to make sure my daughter will have easy access to it. Thanks!

No beach entry at Buddy's. All dock entry. Water is around 5-6 feet to 10 feet at entry at Buddy's. Just south is Eden Beach and a stretch after Sand Dollar that is easy entry.

There is a raised, sandy area right near Buddy's dive shop. It has loungers and umbrella's. Entry to water is by steps close to dive shop. The sandy area is on the old Lion's Dive side of their property.

She will have safe water entry and exits

Kobi is correct, (I forgot about that area) but it is not much of a beach area as you think of beaches. It may be fine for her however.

As a non diver I would definitely recommend Plaza for the age group your child is in. I have spent hours in both resorts. Observing the fun time kids have on the beach at Plaza versus the pool at Buddy I would bring children only to Plaza. Once they are teenagers, they will find lots more action at Buddy Resort.

I like both places....but would more then likely

choose "BUDDY'S" over "PLAZA". It just depends

on what you're looking for in a resort.

take Buddy Dive.... the Plaza at the moment is not what you expect from a resort that gives itself six "Toucans".... they are remodeling some rooms at the moment what is also quite necessary... and also the dive center there is not comparable to Buddy Dive, since the management changed at Toucans ... a lot of negative comments are to hear on the island...

Thanks everyone for your advice. We are going to go for Buddy Dive, and can't wait!!

I have a great idea...stay at Buddy's this year as planned and the Plaza next year! That way you can go ahead and start planning your next visit

Personally I also prefer Buddy's to the Plaza - having stayed at both.

We got back from Buddy Dive on Saturday (well, actually Sunday due to a missed connection in Atlanta, but that happens), and we loved it. Our one-bedroom could use a bit of updating, but it was right on the water, clean, comfortable and had everything we needed; the pool right outside of our room was closed, which was a shame, but the pool by the bar was more than enough for us, and usually empty. Our daughter absolutely loved the Kids Club and Marion, the instructor, was great. We adored Bonaire (with the exception of a run-in I had at the Donkey Sanctuary--they might give advice on how to get a donkey to stop biting your hand BEFORE you attempt to feed them), and will definitely be back--next time for two weeks!