6 replies to this topic

[Hexkraut]

I want to go somewhere for about a week or maybe long weekend 4 days. Can't decide, Mexico Playa del Carmen, Bonaire or Curacao. I heard Bonaire is awesome. What's Curacao to offer? How is the diving in Playa del Carmen? I've been to Cozumel. Playa del Carmen I could do a long weekend trip which Bonaire is not possible I think flights only leaving once a week.
What cheap accommodations are there in Bonaire under $100? Anyone know of the Golden Reef?
Thanks, help me decide and maybe find someone I can go with?

[Hexkraut]

Oh btw this will be my last Caribbean trip in a while before heading off to Thailand for 1 year and then Australia. So I can't decide if I go to Mexico or Bonaire or Curacao? Damm choices...

[Hexkraut]

What accommodation and dive centers can you recommend in Playa del Carmen?

[timalso]

My choice is Bonaire for four days after that it gets a little boreing but the aquatic life on those reefs is some of the best, check for flights they should be available all the time. The Divi Flamingo is very nice resort with an excellent staff. I did not enjoy Curacao as much and have been to Playa del Carmen but not for diveing. Just my opinion I'm sure others will say I'm wrong. Tim

[WreckWench]

My choice is Bonaire for four days after that it gets a little boreing but the aquatic life on those reefs is some of the best, check for flights they should be available all the time. The Divi Flamingo is very nice resort with an excellent staff. I did not enjoy Curacao as much and have been to Playa del Carmen but not for diveing. Just my opinion I'm sure others will say I'm wrong. Tim

No not wrong...just different experiences!

My best experiences have been with Buddy Dive in Bonarie but it's all relative!

My preference would be:

Bonaire
Curacao
Mexico....

But when comparing costs it might go:

Mexico
Curacao
Bonaire

and if comparing night life:

Mexico
Curacao
Bonaire

and if comparing where its most fun to be a solo diver:

Curacao
Bonaire
Mexico

see what I mean? Its all relative to what you are looking for and what you want. So can we try to help you book a buddy? If so SD will beat any deal you find! Just send us your best deal and we'll beat it!

[scubaski]

I'll chime in.
Golden Reef is nearby Cpt Dons and Buddy Dive. I have been on the property at GR but I have not stayed there. My next solo trip Bonaire I will most likely book with GR it looked fine enough for me a budget traveller.. You need some transport to get down town from GR. Bonaire cool also if you have a chance go out with Larrys WildSide Diving. He use a SRI on the rougher side (north) but you'll have fun. Bonaire can be sleepy at night.

Curacao I feel is a cool place to dive. Again I recommend a auto. You can dive the Willianstead area with a number of operators. I use Ocean Encounters they have links to resort ie. Lions Dive Resort that is nice and on the beach or PM me and I can provide info on bugget place you need a car for. Much more night citylife and nightlife beachside.

My go to place for a quick and cheap dive trip is Aruba. Lots of different airline fly there with cheap and highend resorts and hell the island is only 20- 40 miles from Bonaire and Curacao. They are all the ABC islands. Lots of the same sea life, lots of wrecks but no real walls.
Hope this helps
Stan

[Parrotman]

I love Bonaire and have been there several times. GR is a nice place you can also look at the Carribean club. Their prices are pretty good as well. If you could get a room at the Carib Inn, that would be my first choice. I like staying there and as a single diver it is a comfortable place within walking distance to town and a great house reef. I actually stayed there for 10 days one time and did not even rent a car. The nice thing about Carib Inn is that there is usually someone there that you can jump in the water with and they have great rates.

Go for Bonaire, you'll love it.