Bonaire or Belize-please

[buff]

My wife and I are going to on a dive vacation in July. We have been debating between Bonaire or Belize. I have been to Cozumel and loved it but I wanted something new. We have decided to leave it up to the board-so what's it gonna be: Bonaire or Belize?
Mike

 

[SubMariner]

Bonaire gets our vote.

Great diving for a variety of experience levels... and you don't even have to take a boat to get to it (if you don't want to). IOW, great shore diving!

~SubMariner~

 

[herman]

I have not been to Belize...yet, but I do like Bonaire. We have been there the last 2 years and are returning in July. If you like/want a lot of the touristy type stuff (lots of shopping and casinos ) then Bonaire might not be your place. If diving, sleeping and eating are your main goals then by all means give Bonaire a try. Drop me a email if you have a specific question, be happy to try and answer it.

 

[Rick Murchison]

Go to Bonaire.
There is virtually zero chance of a blowout there in July.
There is a chance of a storm in the Belize area, though pretty slight.
I personally don't plan trips to the upper Caribbean between mid July and mid November - enduring a Hurricane is one of those things I never care to do again, and I don't recommend it even once.
Rick

 

[Natasha]

This is a hard one. I have been to both Bonaire and Belize within the last 12 months. They are 100% different from each other. It's like comparing apples and oranges.
In Belize we experienced several sharks, and rays, turtles, and large grouper. I personally like 'big fish'. As for the restaurants and shopping, I would say it is somewhat more laid back with less choices then Bonaire, yet the choices you do have are very good. Assuming you are coming from the US, Belize will price out less, then Bonaire.
Bonaire has the shore diving, and that's the biggest plus there. My group didn't see any 'big fish' on this trip, but there is still tons of coral and small macros that will keep your interest. And the food was very good. The local people in both places exceeded my expectations.
You can't go wrong either way.
:sunny:

 

[nobends]

Just got back from Bonaire last week. Great trip! The weather was beautiful, the water was pristine! Can't wait to go back!

Belize is next on my short list, so I understand the dilema (sp?). Go to Bonaire if you want unlimited 24hr shore diving..... Good luck!

 

[carlislere]

buff:
I have been to Bonaire. Great beach diving. You only need to do a couple of days of boat diving to get over to Klein Bonaire and places north.
I have not been to Belize but have been told by numerous folks that the way to see Belize is on a liveaboard.
You will have an awesome time at either place. Have a great time and tell us about it when you return!
RonC.

 

[fschwarcz]

I've never been to Belize but debated going there on my last dive trip and ended up choosing Bonaire. I loved it! Met the greatest people and had the most fabulous time. I'm going back in December. If you've ever been to Amsterdam, then you know how cool the Dutch are. Now imagine those great people running a caribbean island. You can't beat it. If you want some very personal attention, dive with wannadivebonaire. http://www.wannadivebonaire.com. I'm not affiliated but I had a great time diving with Bart and Bob. They are located in the Eden Beach resort and also run the shop at Hamlet. Bonaire is the ultimate in diving freedom. 24hr. shore diving, easy, beautiful reefs and great restaurants. You'll love the island. You'll want to go back.

 

[Tavi]

Something I've done before(though not with diving yet)is put 2 trips together. Depending on where you live this can help save $ on airfare. I've got two weeks booked in November for Grand Bahama, I've been considering going someplace else for the second week.

Have a great time wherever you decide to go!

Tavi:tree:

 

[kenny]

Been to Belize, and just got back from Bonaire. If you like easy great diving, better than mexico,cayman, or just about anywhere, go to Bonaire. Go to Bonaire......Go to Bonaire. Buddy Dive or Captain Dons..Don't think anymore, Just go.