Now that we've decided on Bonaire, we could use some help choosing a place to stay. We're considering the Plaza Bonaire, Divi Flamingo, and Deep Blue View. We realize they are very different, but are looking for feedback on each.

You've been great help so far.

Hi, Jim! See my response under the other column you have on the boar...we love the Divi Flamingo. CArole

Jim, I have stayed at both hotels. I have seen pix of Deep Blue and have heard SUPER feedback so it's a tough choice.

Here is the way I see it: If you want low key, charming and intimate and do not need to be on the sea, Deep Blue it is.

If you want a full resort with dining options, large beach, volleyball, full watersports, casino, little boutique to poke around in and again large and grand, go to Plaza. We loved it there. The snorkeling right off shore was to me, the best I saw in BON.

I loved Divi because it was a small hotel but close to town, lovely restaurant (food has been mediocre the last few times but in Aug. and Oct. 01 it was great). It has two pools, a casino, a nature made little spit of sand and LOTS of lovely clear blue water to swim. I snorkeled here without much luck but perhaps I was in the wrong area. There is a jetty you can sit on and watch the boats or star gaze (very romantic). Lastly I have always had oceanfront rooms. They are RIGHT ON THE WATER...you can see the crabs and fish..and hear the water as you doze. The rooms I have had are smaller than Plaza but we had a grande suite at Plaza.

Happy choosing..nothing in BON is bad..nothing..

Hi Jim

I just posted a mini trip report on Buddy Dive if you're interested. I've also stayed at the Divi. Both were very good. The house reefs at Buddy are superb and Corrina the Dive Op manager provides a world class experience.

Hi Jim,

I have stayed at the Divi many times, and like it there a lot. We have also stayed at the Carib Inn, right next door, and loved that as well. We are going down next month, and staying at the Dive Inn, as we were too late booking the Divi. However, we plan on being over there a lot. The bottom line is that Bonaire is Bonaire. You go there for the water, and it just doesn't get any better. Have fun deciding. Jim McPeak

Hi Jim.

I agree with Randy! I know Buddy Dive isn't on your list, but it's really a great place to stay, and the staff is top notch!

We're going back to Bonaire in one week for the third time, and we're staying at Buddy again, if that means anything to you.

Hi Renee,

Be sure to check out the house seahorse and frogfish. They were still in place when I saw them last Friday anyway.

If you'll e-mail me, I can provide directions to their hangouts if you haven't already seen them.

Say hi to Corinna, Hagen, Alex, Ken, Murphyn, TC and all the great staff for me.

Randy, We were there in July and did not see the seahorse and frogfish...boohoo. I guess it's because it is not a zoo and the sealife are not in cages. That is what they kept telling me when I asked where I could find a seahorse. Of course we saw so many other wonderful things, there is not a bad dive on the island.
Renee, I have to agree with you about the staff at Buddy's. They are number 1 with us. Always helpful and friendly. Debbie

Hi,
We own week 8 at Lion's Dive. We cannot get there this year and are selling it. It's a 2-br/2ba oceanview. Check in Feb. 22, check out Mar 1 Great place to stay. Interested--let me know.
Divedoctr

I would suggest belmar - of course it depends on what you want - you can read our trip report "belmar and toucan diving" for further details