Buddy Dive vs. Plaza Resort vs. Divi Flamingo vs.. ?

[doctormike]

Hey, everyone!

I went to Bonaire last year in late August with my two sons, stayed at Buddy Dive and had a FANTASTIC time! Going back this year (early August), bringing the boys AND my non-diving girlfriend. Could use some advice. A travel agent that I trust has recommended - in addition to Buddy Dive - Divi Flamingo and the Plaza Resort.

I really appreciated the house reef at Buddy Dive, as well as the ability to just jump in the water any time of the day or night. I also really liked the drive through fill station (and the Buddy Dive package includes a week truck rental). On the other hand, if either of the other two (or any other place) would be a much better experience for my girlfriend, that would be a consideration. Buddy dive certainly had a few nice pools, and was very clean and quiet... not sure what the advantage of the other places would be. She wouldn't want to spend a lot of time in a casino, but a beach might be nice...

What do you think?

Thanks!

Mike

[reefdiva]

Divi has a "sunning pier" and you can also jump in the water anytime day or night. Plaza does have a small sandy beach with some nice snorkeling if your girlfriend wants more of a "beach" feel than the other two have to offer. I do agree with you about the advantage of the drive through at Buddy though!

[CLEAR BLUE]

Yes....the Plaza has a pretty nice little beach. House reefs are good in all locations. We really like all the conveniences of Buddy Dive though.

[RJP]

Just recenlty back from Plaza and can recommend them for sure (see my trip report further down this forum.

Not certain what advantages the "drive thru" at Buddy Dive would offer. At Plaza you simply back your truck up and load as many tanks as you want 24hrs/day.

[cinder4320]

Don't forget Buddy Dive does have three small beach areas too.

Miranda

[jeepguy]

We've stayed at Divi twice(July 07 & March 08)and visited/dived both Plaza & Buddys. As far as dive convenience, it is hard to beat Divi. Great dive pier with lockers on pier. Two steps from eguipment lockers to giant stride! They do have a very small beach, but do have 2 piers to sun on and 2 pool areas. One plus with Divi is, town is a short walk thru side gate. All three have great house reefs and all three look like good places to stay. But for ease of diving and town access we do like Divi.
Tom And Isabelle

[doctormike]

Wow, thanks for all the quick replies...! (This is such a great community, I always find help here!)

Glad to hear that about Divi - I didn't know that all these places had good house reefs, that's important to me. It's also good to know that you can pick up tanks easily for shore diving trips..

I think that being closer to town would be good, especially since my girlfriend doesn't drive...

M

[Bob]

J.A. Abraham is under construction so getting to and from Divi might be a hassle. Consider that as you make your plans. Here is the link to that information. Scroll down and read Driving around. Bonaire Talk: Random Observations from our Recent Trip to Bonaire Bob

[Island Siren Scuba]

We were at Buddy's the first week of May 08. It was great! The advice I would give anyone going there is to FLY DELTA vs. Contential! Delta get you in the afternoon, Contential get you in at the crack of dawn- no rooms available at the crack of dawn.

Other advice I could give is plan your off resort shore dives- and rent your car for those days, not the entire week. Don't pay for the 11 boat dives through Buddy's, we paid $100 extra for the 11 vs. 6 boat dives, ran out of time to use them and lost $100 per person!

Buddy Dive was terrific! Have fun!

[backprop]

I walked to Plaza when staying at Divi. It was very nice, but if you want to be near town as I do, then Divi is much more convenient.

FYI the construction on J.A. Abraham doesn't affect getting to Divi or to the town from the resort at all.