Curaco vs Bonaire?

[chinacat46]

Never been to Curacao but I've been to Bonaire twice and stayed at Buddy's both times. Great place and a great crew. I don't know about the Plaza but Buddy's comes with a vehicle included in the price which really makes it a great deal. Unless you just want to dive the house reef a vehicle is mandatory. We flew AA and Am Eagle one year and they left a bunch of bags in San Jaun cause the plane was full. I've heard this happens a lot with them. Last year we flew AJ and had no problems and the plane was much nicer. On Am Eagle it was a twin prop. AJ was a jet I think it was 737. I'll go back to Bonaire and Buddy's and will fly AJ no way will I fly Am Eagle again.

 

[Scubadude]

Interesting hearing this from someone in Arizona. My wife & I spent two weeks in the Cayman Islands in July 2000. We were living about an hour south of San Antonio at the time, and I grew up on the Texas Gulf Coast a few hours north from the Rio Grande. Air temperature was close to 90 degrees F. There were two gentlemen from New York on our dive boat on Grand Cayman who were absolutely astonished when I turned to my wife to remark "Pretty day today - and about 20 degrees cooler than back home yesterday on the news." They told us they had never heard of someone vacationing in the Caribbean to cool off before!

My lady and I went to both Bonaire & Curacao. No problems. crime isn't really a factor. Just do what you when you are at home that's all. The diving is great at both islands. We stayed at Divi, we would stay there again. You can do the rent a car thing and stop wherever you want and do shore diving but the house reefs are just as cool. No currents no hassles. If you are going for the party, forget it. This is the ultimate layback scenario. Curacao is another story, party party party. Bonaireins will tell you to beware of Curacao-verrrrry verrrry baaad place. But look what they are comparing it to-Bonaire. Go for it, you won't regret it. Say hello to all the donkeys, they are everywhere. The food is also excellent there. That whole dutch cuisine thing is very good. If you can rent a car in Curacao, the people are so cool and freindly. There are these mobile restaurants all along the roads. People eating, drinking, dancing and having a good time. We where at both islands for 10 days and we did not have one bad experience. Have a ball, you deserve to go to these awesome places. Your freinds will want to go too when you tell them all about it. See the pontoon bridge in Punda, go to Mambo Beach, it's happeing on the weekends. See the floating fruit and vegetable market, a must see. Go to Otra Banda, it translates to " The other side " That is the poor side of town just across the bridge. Poor, but happy people. Good deals on shopping too, for the ladies. Bye, I could go on forever. Good divin, good viz, & have a ball. George.

 

[RussL]

Interesting hearing this from someone in Arizona. My wife & I spent two weeks in the Cayman Islands in July 2000. We were living about an hour south of San Antonio at the time, and I grew up on the Texas Gulf Coast a few hours north from the Rio Grande. Air temperature was close to 90 degrees F. There were two gentlemen from New York on our dive boat on Grand Cayman who were absolutely astonished when I turned to my wife to remark "Pretty day today - and about 20 degrees cooler than back home yesterday on the news." They told us they had never heard of someone vacationing in the Caribbean to cool off before!

At the time I dove Bonaire in May, I was living in Virginia. So, I wasn't acclimated to constant 95F temps. It was hot and dry. I have since moved to Arizona and have become accustomed to 5 months of 100F+ temperatures. We are heading to Cayman in June, although I'd love to go back to Bonaire. If it were December, then I'd be heading further south.

 

[Scubadude]

At the time I dove Bonaire in May, I was living in Virginia. So, I wasn't acclimated to constant 95F temps. It was hot and dry. I have since moved to Arizona and have become accustomed to 5 months of 100F+ temperatures. We are heading to Cayman in June, although I'd love to go back to Bonaire. If it were December, then I'd be heading further south.

It can never get too hot for me. I love it hot. Good Viz, George

 

[BobRussell]

I've been to Bonaire once, Caracao twice. The shore dive at the Curacao Habitat is wonderful. There is a big rope from the dock entry out and down the sloping wall. After a few day outings I managed to get my wife on a night dive. Very professional dive operation (say hello to Anna-Marie). Also a very large green moray ell named Chester.

I'll go back to Curacao Habitat in a moment.

 

[jkmbjk317]

Thinking about going to Caracao end of May and staying @ Breezes. Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated!!!

 

[Kat]

Thinking about going to Caracao end of May and staying @ Breezes. Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated!!!

Spent a few days a Breezes in Curacao in Aug. '04 & loved it. The food & drink was great. Casino is right there on the hotel property, but is not open 24 hours. There is a rock climbing wall & trapeeze lesson, near the main pool. A dive shop on site too. Lots of pools. And a topless area, if your so inclined.
I recomm. making reservations f/ the 2 specialty restaurants right after you check in, or you might not be able to get in.
We walked down to the aquarium & had an enjoyable time. I'd skip the diving there however.
There is so much to see, do & dive in Curacao, that we hardly put a dent in it.