seaducer
Contributor
Haven't been to Aruba, and after seeing the ads and talking to people who have been there, I will never go.
Aruba is a built up tourist island. It is kind of like going to Atlantic City, posh hotels, waaaay too many people, etc.
Bonaire is mostly not touristy. Sure there are many resorts there, but 95% of them are tiny, and there are no high rises there.
While there are things to do topside, such as wind surfing, kayaking, kite boarding, mt. biking, photography and brd watching, sailing...well, as you can see it is all outdoor activities. These things are for me, even though I concentrate almost exclusively on diving when I am there, the point is that Bonaire is an outdoorsy place, rustic and made for me.
Lots of people would prefer Aruba. I prefer Bonaire. If you like quiet, do not go to Aruba. If you prefer or need a "nightlife" or a 5* hotel, don't go to Bonaire.
I can not personally comment on the diving in Aruba, but have heard the reefs are beat up. Having spent last week in Bonaire, the reefs there are in great shape.
Aruba is a built up tourist island. It is kind of like going to Atlantic City, posh hotels, waaaay too many people, etc.
Bonaire is mostly not touristy. Sure there are many resorts there, but 95% of them are tiny, and there are no high rises there.
While there are things to do topside, such as wind surfing, kayaking, kite boarding, mt. biking, photography and brd watching, sailing...well, as you can see it is all outdoor activities. These things are for me, even though I concentrate almost exclusively on diving when I am there, the point is that Bonaire is an outdoorsy place, rustic and made for me.
Lots of people would prefer Aruba. I prefer Bonaire. If you like quiet, do not go to Aruba. If you prefer or need a "nightlife" or a 5* hotel, don't go to Bonaire.
I can not personally comment on the diving in Aruba, but have heard the reefs are beat up. Having spent last week in Bonaire, the reefs there are in great shape.