sujo
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Would like to take a trip south to dive and looking at the ABC Islands ( Aruba, Bonaire and Curacuo). Which, in your opinion, would be the best to dive? Reefs, fish, accommodations, food, etc. Thanks
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Here's my subjective opinion.
Either Bonaire or Curacao. Having done both I'd lean towards Curacao. The underwater topography is much more interesting, the entries are much easier and there's a whole lot more to do topside. You'll also probably find it easier/less expensive to get to. Otoh there is something appealing about Bonaire - it's less commercialized and still has more of that smaller Caribbean island feel.
Both have a lot of the same diving, you'll see mostly the same fish at either. The reefs are almost identical (50 mi. apart) except that Curacao has the Mushroom Forest area which is unique to that island. A lot of Bonaire south of town is on a double reef. Actually although the Curacao Marine Park starts just east of downtown and goes east to the end of the island, I felt the western side dives were better. On Bonaire the whole island is the marine park to a depth of about 60? meters. And has been for decades.
One difference is that the dives on Curacao are mostly off the beach and just about all have on-site dive operators and usually some food option. On Bonaire once you leave the resorts in town, there are no facilities of any kind. And due to a small theft problem there you bring only what you need or don't care to lose. Curacao also has theft issues but twice the on-site operator told us (without being asked) that he'd watch our vehicles.
Bonaire entries are much more difficult also. Most are over ironshore and coral rubble. Both in and out of the water. It's almost like the reef starts 100 yds. further offshore on Curacao since at most we walked in off the beach and surface swam out to it. The few on ironshore had dive ladders. So do almost all the Bonaire dive resorts since all the north end resorts are on ironshore - except Harbour Village (not the best dive) or Eden Beach next to it.
On Bonaire there's about a dozen dedicated dive resorts on the water. On Curacao there's one. However almost every major hotel or beach resort also has an on-site dive operator. Most of Bonaire revolves around their core business - diving. So although there are some good restaurants, there's many more on Curacao. Plus beach bars, night clubs and casinos. Jazz seemed popular. Bonaire has one casino and one "night club" - Havana Cafe. Most people congregate at their resorts bars.
I haven't been to Aruba but from what I've read I don't think it's as good. Certainly much less shore diving there than either B or C. We never felt the need to go there since Bonaire and Curacao were the same distance. You will likely find it easier/cheaper to get to Curacao also. Many Bonaire bound flights stop there first.
Some links you may find useful
Curacao Travel- Caribbean, Curacao, Dutch Caribbean
Info Bonaire - The Bonaire Information Site - The Most Current and Up-To-Date Information
Scuba Shore Diving Region: ABC Islands