Bonaire(ish) dive locations

[pa diver]

Looking for a location with the Bonaire type of shore access but with a little more topside activity. We loved the no schedule, dive when you like, where you like atmosphere of Bonaire and may end up back there again but thought I'd ask for suggestions. We've been to Cozumel several times and to Roaton. Thanks

 

[tvictory]

Try Curacao, especially if you'll be having a vehicle to drive.

 

[robint]

Looking for a location with the Bonaire type of shore access but with a little more topside activity. We loved the no schedule, dive when you like, where you like atmosphere of Bonaire and may end up back there again but thought I'd ask for suggestions. We've been to Cozumel several times and to Roaton. Thanks

Bonaire is the Shore Diving Capital of the World. No place has diving so easy and accessible. The only places that come close are maybe Curacao (lots of great shore diving from what I am told but still no where near as many sites or diversity of Bonaire), and then maybe Hawaii (but still nothing to compare to Bonaire). Cocoview, Roatan has shore diving but just there at the resort (wrecks and reefs, but still only the one site).

 

[Wayfarer2]

Its funny my friend and I had the same thoughts after our trip to Bonaire in 2006, last year we went to Curacao and had a great time but its just not the same, first off there are way more people on Curacao and that means lots more traffic and the roads were rougher than Bonaire and it takes much longer to get places because the island is bugger and all the traffic. We had a great time in Curacao but both agree that Bonaire was better it felt more small town and Curacao felt more big city.

 

[herman]

Its funny my friend and I had the same thoughts after our trip to Bonaire in 2006, last year we went to Curacao and had a great time but its just not the same, first off there are way more people on Curacao and that means lots more traffic and the roads were rougher than Bonaire and it takes much longer to get places because the island is bugger and all the traffic. We had a great time in Curacao but both agree that Bonaire was better it felt more small town and Curacao felt more big city.

We did the same thing several years ago, wanted to try some place other than Bonaire but still wanted the Bonaire feel. Our assesment is pretty much like yours, liked Curacao, would go back but given the choice, Bonaire wins every time.

 

[pa diver]

From everything I've read, I'd already come to the same conclusion but figured I'd ask. I've stayed at Coco View, the shore diving is pretty much limited to the backyard, don't get me wrong we enjoyed it but.............and topside was limited. Was hoping to find that perfect mix, as I'm sure most people are.

 

[ronbeau]

Looking for a location with the Bonaire type of shore access but with a little more topside activity. We loved the no schedule, dive when you like, where you like atmosphere of Bonaire and may end up back there again but thought I'd ask for suggestions. We've been to Cozumel several times and to Roaton. Thanks

As TVictory said try Curacao located right next door to Bonaire.

 

[Doc]

Bonaire is a unique treasure and nothing else comes close.

 

[Damselfish]

I'm a Curacao fan, haven't been to Bonaire for a long time because we got bored with it and find Curacao much more interesting, plus a bit easier to get to. There may not be as many shore diving sites or as quick to get from one to another, but I would say they are more diverse than Bonaire's. If you don't want city, traffic etc, simply get away from the city. There's plenty of remote quiet area and that's where the best diving is anyway. And, the city is still there with it's restaurants, shopping, casinos etc. when you want it.