DiveShopBarbie
Registered
Hi all,
My dive buddy & I are going to Bonaire this fall and are in the process of comparing dive resorts. I know there is a lot on this topic (feel free to throw in a link if you found something I didn't!) but I wanted to get some real opinions on Buddy Dive Resort versus others on the island.
We've stayed at Tranquilseas Eco-Lodge on Roatan and LOVED it - and that is the kind of atmosphere we are looking for. No cattleboating, personal service, small groups for boat dives, very "dive lodge" atmosphere, and just that kind of experience where you feel like you're staying in a couple of beach cabanas with good friends who are enthusiastic about diving. That being said - we're not opposed to some creature comforts
Some items we'd definitely like to have in a resort -
We've looked heavily into Buddy Dive and while I'm not at all opposed to it, it seems like there are a lot of people, over-crowded gear storage rooms, and maybe packed boat trips - so I'm just wondering if you can really get that 'personalized touch' here. In my mind, I kind of equate it to Anthony's Key on Roatan - went there but didn't stay - much preferred the personal service of Tranquilseas next door.
Am I totally off in my interpretation of Buddy Dive? Are there awesome, smaller resorts I'm overlooking that would show us a phenomenal dive trip?
Thanks so much in advance for the tips - can't wait to get there!
Cheers,
DSB
My dive buddy & I are going to Bonaire this fall and are in the process of comparing dive resorts. I know there is a lot on this topic (feel free to throw in a link if you found something I didn't!) but I wanted to get some real opinions on Buddy Dive Resort versus others on the island.
We've stayed at Tranquilseas Eco-Lodge on Roatan and LOVED it - and that is the kind of atmosphere we are looking for. No cattleboating, personal service, small groups for boat dives, very "dive lodge" atmosphere, and just that kind of experience where you feel like you're staying in a couple of beach cabanas with good friends who are enthusiastic about diving. That being said - we're not opposed to some creature comforts
Some items we'd definitely like to have in a resort -
- Dive packages (duh!)
- Solid dive operation (wonderful staff, well maintained gear, nice boats, etc)
- On the beach (preferably with easy access to on site shore diving)
- Small, personalized service
- Small dive group sizes for boat dives (i.e., no cattleboating)
- On site bar / restaurant (surface interval!)
- That special atmosphere that just makes you feel like you're on a dive vacation and nothing else matters
We've looked heavily into Buddy Dive and while I'm not at all opposed to it, it seems like there are a lot of people, over-crowded gear storage rooms, and maybe packed boat trips - so I'm just wondering if you can really get that 'personalized touch' here. In my mind, I kind of equate it to Anthony's Key on Roatan - went there but didn't stay - much preferred the personal service of Tranquilseas next door.
Am I totally off in my interpretation of Buddy Dive? Are there awesome, smaller resorts I'm overlooking that would show us a phenomenal dive trip?
Thanks so much in advance for the tips - can't wait to get there!
Cheers,
DSB