I am planning a vacation to Bonaire within the next couple of months. I have researched both Captain Dons and Buddy Dive Resorts. Other than price, I cannot determine which is the better choice. I will be traveling alone and am looking for uncomplicated diving, decent food, and an all around relaxing week away from the real world. Has anyone stayed at both resorts and if so, which would you recommend. Also, does anyone recommend a different resort?

Try Friar's Inn. http://www.bonairelodging.com/friarsinn/

To get away from the real world. Then book diving with whoever you want.

Check out "Dive special" when you click the link. The breakfast is healthy and good and they will fix you a lunch for diving also. Or ask for the same thing without diving and book your air with whoever you want. This is the best cheap stay on bonaire bar none.

Hi Chuck!

I prefer Buddy Dive.

My husband and I have both stayed at Capt. Don's twice and Buddy Dive twice. We're returning to Buddy Dive in June for our third stay there. We've really liked it in the past. However, I've heard they're under new ownership...same owners as the Plaza Resort. Should be interesting to see the changes, if any.

In the future, we might branch out and check out other places to stay. From the reports here on BT, it sounds like there are many favorites.

As for uncomplicated diving...You can't get much better than the dive-n-drive pkg. at Buddy's. It's so convenient. This is one of the main reasons we choose to stay at Buddy's. Plus, the house reef is very nice! On prior trips, we would dive the house reef toward the end of the trip and see all sorts of things we never saw the entire trip! Effortless!

As for the food...The restaurant has always been good, but I've heard they hired a new chef and it's better than ever. Plus, the Lion's Den restaurant next door at Lion's Dive has been excellent in the past. But things do change....and I haven't been there since 06/2001! However, I hear it's still a great place to eat.

Try contacting Margo or Larry at World Dive, www.worlddive.com or 800-433-3483. They're Bonarian expert travel agents and can help you with travel arrangements. (This is not a plug for them. I'm a consumer and have had good luck with them.)

Feel free to post any other questions you may have or email me personally.

By the way, when will you be on Bonaire?

Greta Badstebner

Chuck,

I agree with Greta...I prefer Buddy Dive over Capt Don's...you will certainly prefer the ambiance..the dive crew is great, accomodations are very nice...there has been few operational changes since the change in ownership.

Larry at worlddive can help you with plans at either resort..he is an expert on arranging the air travel...better than any travel agent.

You should also consider Divi Flamingo. They have similar facilities as Buddy...good dive shop, restaurant, nice accomodations. The best part of Divi is that it is within walking distance to town...if you really want to get away without a car, Divi is the place. There is a health club on site free to guests.

I moved this thread over here from Trip Reports, as this is an accommodations question.

Carry on...

Jake

Chuck,
Here's one for Capt. Don's!
We have stayed in a cottage at Capt. Don's the past two years and plan to return again next April. We have never stayed at Buddy's but toured the property and accommodations both visits. We wander between the three resorts (Capt Don's, Lion's and Buddy's) quite a bit and noticed that Buddy's restaurant is usually near empty. Lion's and Rum Runners (Capt. Don's) are usually pretty full. We always have a vehicle and try to explore the "local" eateries although we usually eat one or two meals at the resorts. As always, most accommodations on Bonaire are friendly and clean. For information on why we chose Capt. Don's, please see my trip report from last year. (Sorry, I've been in constant motion since our return this year and haven't written a new report ...perhaps soon!)
http://www.oldbonairetalk.com/newsgroup/messages/1022/31140.html?1021997999

Hi, Gregg! Where is the health club at Divi? It was not there last year when we were there...another nice new feature! Joe took advantage of the massages last year....said they were pretty good, too. I went for art classes at Janice Huckaby's place and he went to the massage parlor at the Divi (where we stay). The Divi has it all. Not a "fancy" place, but it is clean, nice, great location and good restaurants and of course, the great reef right there at your toes! We arrive this Saturday.....can't wait to get the tootsies in the Caribbean!! Carole

Carole,

the health club (exercise room) is located adjacent to the Calabas restaurant toward the street. It's location is somewhat obscur. If you recall, there are several older style rooms in this area. Divi remodeled one building and installed numerous machines ...treadmills, exercise bikes, step climber, free weights...the insides are well lit with towels, bathroom, two tvs mounted on the walls...it was a pleasant addition to Divi...

Sounds great, Gregg. I do know the rooms you are referring to. One more question....is the facility air conditioned? You know how hot it can get without a/c! LOL. One more....do you know the hours and how you gain access?? Thanks. CArole