While not 100% true those staying on the Reef resort never leave it to explore the Brac. We met a couple who were stranded for 4hrs waiting for the plane to get fixed. We saw them at the resort when we went for lunch and they didn't have a clue as to the places we were mentioning- they never left the confines of the resort.Maybe that's a resort thing but part of a vacation is staying at a house, shopping and eating with the locals.
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They don't hold you captive at BRBR; very much the opposite. We have stayed there twice and loved the resort, the reefs, the island and its people! They provide bikes at the resort and advise you about riding and walking routes. They will arrange for a local to give you a guided motor tour of the island. They offer information about the local sites and encourage exploration. They also help you rent a car if desired.
Both times that we were there we enjoyed walking around the area at that end of the island. The Salt Water Pond area is beautiful and I loved watching the birds and other wildlife. We have done short bike tours and we always rent a car for a day or two and spend some time exploring on our own.
If some guests decide to stay on the resort property, it's their choice and their business; but it isn't the fault of the resort if they aren't interested in exploring the island.
---------- Post added September 29th, 2013 at 08:34 AM ----------
My dive buddy group and I are looking to make a dive trip in late January 2014. We have narrowed it down to Cayman Brac (Brac reef beach resort) and Bonaire (Buddy dive).
I would like any and all input considering these two destinations, especially anyone who has dove both places.
Thanks in advance for you input.
We have taken dive vacations to Bonaire 5 or 6 times and have been to the Caymans 5 times, including 2 stays at BRBR and also a trip on the Cayman Aggressor so I will try to share my impressions or both locations.
Regarding Bonaire, we have never stayed at Buddy's so I cannot comment about that property or operation but I can tell you a bit about the island and the diving. Bonaire is below the hurricane belt so is less likely to get hit. We like to travel in fall to celebrate our anniversary so hurricanes are a concern, but you should be fine in January.
Bonaire means "diving freedom" to me. You can do many great shore dives as easliy as stepping off the hotel pier and swimming a short distance to the house reef. Some of the shore dives have difficult entries and exits, but you have the option for terrific boat dives too. You can dive a whole lot and it is pretty inexpensive because there are so many quality dive operations. Mostly you just load up the van or jeep with some tanks and head off on the road looking for numbered yellow rocks that mark the dive sites.
Eating out 3 times a day is expensive in Bonaire and we usually rent a 1-bedroom apartment and cook some meals. If you look for an apartment or condo be sure and check air-conditioning (if that is important to you.) Some of them are only air-conditioned in the bedrooms. We have found the locals friendly and helpful but there has always been problems with theives. We have never had any bad experiences but I know some folks that were victims of theft. Leave the car unlocked and don't leave any valuables in the car or on the shore. (A waterproof beach bank that you wear around your neck is a handy solution for carrying money, cards, key, etc.)
The island is small and low-key; you can find peace and quiet and also some nightlife. Last time we were there, the small casino at Divi was the only casino, but I don't know if that has changed.
It's a really an interesting island to visit, the topography is mostly desert and mangroves - so you see lots of catcus as well as marshy areas. The drinking water is safe and comes from desalinated salt water. Salt is a major export and you will see white hills of salt outlined against an incredibly blue sky. Interesting history too, visiting the slave huts is an eye-opening experience. And Washington Park and the flamingo preserves are gorgeous.
There is not a lot of beach on Bonaire because the reefs are so close to shore, but there are some beachy areas - so if beach and sand are important to you, be sure and keep that in mind when you are choosing a place to stay.
The reefs are healthy and beautiful. Lots of fish life and corals but not many large animals other than tarpon, barracuda, turtles and rays. We haven't been there for a few years so I don't know the current impact of the lionfish on the reef, but the local dive operators were working hard to cull the population.
In January, I think that the water will be warmer in Bonaire than around Cayman Brac; so you might want to check that out, too.
The 2 times we've been to Brac Reef Beach Resort we first spent the first week on Grand Cayman, enjoying the island and the tourist destinations. We don't stay in Georgetown or on the 7-mile beach (too touristy and crowded). We prefer quieter areas like Bodden Town but that means renting a car. The hotels post a list of days that the cruise ships are in port and we avoid town/beach on those days. If the weather is bad there is still lots of fun stuff to do on GC. Diving can be crowded and expensive, but there are some shore dives and many operators that do NOT run cattle boats or cater to cruise ship passengers.
We prefer diving the sister islands Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. Bloody Bay wall off LC is some of the best diving in the Caribbean IMO, but Cayman Brac also has beautiful diving and more options if the weather is bad, because they can dive of off different sides of the island. We love the BRBR, clean, comfortable, pleasant people, great diving and dive operation, and good food.
The walls are healthy and beautiful and there is lots of fish life and many turtles. You do see rays and larger animals crusing by in the blue off the walls. The Cayman dive operators are also trying to reduce the lionfish populations. It is probably a losing battle but we were at BRBR jus last November and the reefs were healthy and the diving was terrific!
The BRBR offers a 2-tank dive in the morning and a 1-tank dive in the afternoon. The Reef Divers operation is very expert and efficient. They will let buddies explore on their own or you can follow the dive master; it's up to you.
Brac is a small, quiet and interesting and beautiful little island and you can go hiking, enjoy the wildlife, visit the caves, and appreciate the friendly local residents.
The Caymans are also very expensive so we rent an apartment when we stay on GC, or pick an all-inclusive like BRBR or a liveaboard.
You've picked 2 of our favorite Caribbean destinations. They are different but each wonderful in its own way. I don't think you can go wrong with either, so figure out what appeals to you and find a good deal and then plan on getting wet, spending money, and having fun!
