Thanks for the replies. Livaboard may be easy but we would enjoy the freedom of doing our own thing at night and not bring in a boat. The Philippines and Bonaire are definitely destinations that I have considered on the short list. My research says Belize may not have really good diving, would be interested in hearing more about it. Isn’t ISIS in the Philippines?
First, let me say I like your idea of what makes a good dive destination. My wife and I prefer those kinds of places, too. West End Roatan is wonderful.
Bonaire has the kind of freedom of West End, Roatan, but the restaurants, etc., are spread out, and while there is indeed a central area, it’s not likely going to be walkable from your lodging unless you make that the priority. It can be busy, especially when cruise ships are in. I think it lacks the charm of West End, although since they paved the “charming” (not to locals, I’m sure) main road in West End, I’m no longer so sure of that.
Caye Caulker or even the busier Ambergris are much more like how I think of West End. However, I agree with your assessment that the best diving in Belize is not out of those places but rather farther out on the atolls, like Turneffe Island Resort. I haven’t been there in a long time, but I loved Caye Slacker.