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Dive Review of Buddy Dive Resort in
Bonaire/West Side

Buddy Dive Resort: "Loved the flexibility and freedom of unlimited shore diving", Aug, 2018,

by Josh, FL, US ( 2 reports with 1 Helpful vote). Report 10439 has 1 Helpful vote.

No photos available at this time

Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Accommodations 4 stars Food 4 stars
Service and Attitude 5 stars Environmental Sensitivity 5 stars
Dive Operation 5 stars Shore Diving 5 stars
Snorkeling 4 stars
Value for $$ 4 stars
Beginners 4 stars
Advanced 5 stars
Comments It was my first trip to Bonaire. I chose Buddy Dive Resort based on recommendations from diving friends. We flew to Miami, then into Bonaire on American Airlines. AA only flies in/out of Bonaire from MIA on Saturdays (I live in Florida, so MIA was my best option for getting into BON). We signed-up for the one week, stay, dive, drive and 6 boat trips package. Price was very fair. They gave us a room upgrade (not sure why, we didn't ask and they didn't charge for the upgrade). Enjoyed diving right off the resort ('Buddy Dive Reef') for day and night dives, 24/7. Only used 2 of the 6 boat dives (not into the crowds and being kicked by inexperienced divers, and don't care to follow a set route/DM). Will definitely go back to Bonaire, just won't sign-up for any boat dives in-advance. I grew-up shore diving in Southern California many years ago. Even though I am older now, I still enjoy shore diving, especially when you can go at your own pace without being part of a larger group, and especially the flexibility to dive any sites you wish as often or as little as you wish. Many great dives sites from shore in Bonaire. Resort staff was nice. Operation and instructions were clear re: diving 'rules'. Compressor systems, etc seemed to be adequately maintained and safe. Liked the breakfast buffet that was included in our package. Good food all round the island. One KFC other than that no fast food, no traffic signals, very nice locals.
Likes: climate, water, unlimited 24/7 shore diving (unlimited tanks, no up-charge for EAN32). Friendly staff and locals. Ease of shore diving (watch your step on some entries/exits). Good food all-around at resort and elsewhere.
Dislikes: none really. Wouldn't do the boat dive package again, but that is just personal preference. The two boat dives we did we good, safe dives and DMs were good.
Websites Buddy Dive Resort   

Reporter and Travel

Dive Experience Over 1000 dives
Where else diving Bonaire, Roatan, Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, Southern California incl. Channel Islands, Monterey and Carmel, North Coast of California, Florida Keys, Florida's Gulf Coast (Emerald Coast), Hawaii.
Closest Airport BON Getting There American Airlines from MIA (Saturdays only)

Dive Conditions

Weather sunny, dry Seas calm
Water Temp 81-82°F / 27-28°C Wetsuit Thickness
Water Visibility 50-100 Ft/ 15-30 M

Dive Policy

Dive own profile yes
Enforced diving restrictions 100 foot limit all parts/sites of the island. Entire island is a marine preserve (good thing).
Liveaboard? no Nitrox Available? yes

What I Saw

Sharks None Mantas None
Dolphins None Whale Sharks None
Turtles > 2 Whales None
Corals 4 stars Tropical Fish 4 stars
Small Critters 5 stars Large Fish 4 stars
Large Pelagics 1 stars

Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Subject Matter 4 stars Boat Facilities 3 stars
Overall rating for UWP's 4 stars Shore Facilities 3 stars
UW Photo Comments Dedicated rinse stations on dive boats and at resort/docks. Clear instructions from staff re: which rinse stations for what gear, also clearly marked. Some (not much) camera gear and accessories at resort and area dive shops. One camera shop near resort was dedicated cameras and underwater supplies. I think it was called 'Fisheye'. Decent shop, but bring what you need from home and don't expect to find it on the island (GoPro and related is most common/available).
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Note: The information here was reported by the author above, but has NOT been reviewed nor edited by Undercurrent prior to posting on our website. Please report any major problems by writing to us and referencing the report number above.

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