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Dive Review of Toucan Diving/Plaza Resort in
Bonaire

Toucan Diving/Plaza Resort, May, 2004,

by Kevin, TN, USA . Report 1092.

No photos available at this time

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

Accommodations 3 stars Food 3 stars
Service and Attitude 3 stars Environmental Sensitivity N/A
Dive Operation 4 stars Shore Diving 5 stars
Snorkeling N/A
Value for $$ N/A
Beginners 4 stars
Advanced 4 stars
Comments Very friendly locals. The people reminded me of how Grand Cayman was 20 years ago. My decision to stay at Plaza Resort is mostly to satisfy my wifes (non diver) likes for a nice beach, A/C and cable TV. The Plaza Resort is probably the largest on the island. It also might be the most over rated. If you dont need a large beach, consider staying somewhere else. The rooms are huge and very clean. Decor is basic and limited. We stayed on the 2nd floor (top) and our ceiling leaked in five places during a couple of afternoon rain showers. The landscaping around the resort was lacking. Bird droppings covered walkways under tree over hangs. I expected alot more from this resort based on the rates I was paying. I might stay here again if the rates were about 25% less.

Toucan Diving is locted at the Plaza Resort property. Convenient walk from my room to the dive operation.The operation is very professional and accomidating. They cater to all diving. Rental BC's and other gear looked new (I have my own). They provide lockers and keys for gear storage. They have four very clean and well maintained dive boats. Twelve divers max on these approx 30 ft boats. Never felt crowded. Rinse tanks on all the boats. Divemaster and captains very knowledgeable and go out of thier way to please all. Tank fills are generous at approx 3200psi/80's. Crew accomidated dive site requests. Loose dive restrictions. Recommend reserving before making your trip. Boats can be full even in May. I had to dive with different operation one day due to being booked. I highly recommend Toucan Diving. I definatly would dive with this operation again.

The reefs are beautiful and seem to run forever. Most everything you have read about diving Bonaire is true. I will just mention a couple dive sites I liked best. "Karpata" and "1000 Steps. Both sites are similar. Soft and hard coral of every description. Colors abound with schools of small fish. Blue chromis and tangs. Frequent sitings of french and queen angels (my favorites). Several visits by loggerhead turtles. Spotted morey's and trunk fish. I watched a gold spotted eel rummaging through rocks looking for his next meal. The list goes on and on. Bonaire has over 85 dive sites. I dove sixteen of them and they were spectacular.

Dinner anyone? Try the following restaurants 10-20 minute walk of Plaza Resort. "Richards" for seaside dinning. Ate there twice and loved the fresh catch of the day each time. Table clothes and very reasonable prices. "Chibi Chibi" located at Divi Flamingo resort. Again we ate there twice. Sorry but the fresh catch wins again. The fresh El Dorado mmmmm. I have never eaten better sea food than in Bonaire. This was also seaside dining. Watch the sun setting and night divers lights below the surface in the near distance. Best steaks are at "Casablancas". Don't ask questions, just go. Thick cut Argentina beef and more. You won't be disappointed. Consider reservations even in May.

Reporter and Travel

Dive Experience 26-50 dives
Where else diving Grand Cayman, Curacao, Turks and Caicos.
Closest Airport Getting There

Dive Conditions

Weather cloudy, dry Seas choppy
Water Temp 83-85°F / 28-29°C Wetsuit Thickness 3
Water Visibility 60-70 Ft/ 18-21 M

Dive Policy

Dive own profile no
Enforced diving restrictions Loose resrictions. 100 ft depth 1st dive, 60 ft 2nd dive. Group return after 1st person hits 1500 psi. We could remain diving reefs near the boat until our our air was spent. Most of my dives exceeded 60 min.
Liveaboard? no Nitrox Available? N/A

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 4 stars Large Fish 2 stars
Large Pelagics 1 stars

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

Subject Matter 4 stars Boat Facilities 4 stars
Overall rating for UWP's 4 stars Shore Facilities 4 stars
UW Photo Comments [None]
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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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