24 replies to this topic

[ScubaSis]

What would you call Divi in Bonaire......Puurfect for me!!!

[georoc01]

What would you call Divi in Bonaire......Puurfect for me!!!

Divi or Tides/Patajos actually would be both, with both being on the beach and walking distance to town.

I just wish it was easier and cheaper to get to Bonaire. If WW really does Fiji next year for $2500 including air, it would be cheaper than the Bonaire trip with both being an redeye flight away from getting there.

Belize was a great combo. Just wish it wasn't as windy as it was last week. Can't exactly dive the leeward side of the island like you do in Bonaire/Cozy or Roatan.

Edited by georoc01, 14 May 2009 - 02:33 PM.

[Landlocked Dive Nut]

Easier/cheaper is relative, based on how close you live to an airport hub or good air routes. 2 stops is not unusual from the middle of the US, and I'm used to it. For me, next year's Fiji trip at $2,500 plus air to/from LAX is still $750 more than I'm paying for Bonaire this year, but they're both worth the $ IMHO.

The Fiji trip is definitely more a beach resort. I don't think there's a "town" to walk to! All the beach resort lovers need to start their Fiji funds soonest.....once we get back on 6/2 or 6/4 and start posting pics of this years trip, some of you will start that fund!

[scubaski]

Although I have not stayed at either Divi-Bonaire or Tides-Belize I also would consider both a combo Beach-InTown resort, as compared to Journeys End in Belize which definitly was a REMOTE beach dive resort or Cpt. Don's in Bonaire which is a good hike to city center. IMHO I perfer the option of not being locked into only using the remote or gated or 10 $ taxi drive beach resort to other dining- entertainment vendors. I also was on Belize the middle of March and the wind was blowing pretty good then affecting diving to the extent of 12' seas and 1 cancelled dive day.

Please vote after you have checked out the thread, and post comments if you wish Lot's of views, but low number of votes.

[peterbj7]

I can't vote as my decision would be based on other factors relating to quality of experience, and what I was expecting that trip. I've enjoyed both types in the past, as well as liveaboards.

[scubaski]

Everyone can vote. Consider that your hotel room and breakfast and diving, dive boats, DM’s are all the same, every thing is equal for both type resorts. The same SD members will be on your selected type trip. The different style resorts may even be on the same island with the same flora & fauna.

The major difference is that your at a gated beach resort and have limited dining and entertainment-shopping options and have to incur those ancillary expenses or your at a in-city resort with many dining and entertainment -shopping choices and have to incur those ancillary expenses.

Livaboards are a different style of housing and diving, post that they maybe your favorite but the vote is only for land based options.

[scubaski]

DEMA show is in November and some dive travel deals maybe on the table. Some newer members maybe viewing the site and thier feedback is welcome. I really don't use the beach or pool for after diving activity's but I like to check out the nearby nightlife of either style of resort.

What's your preference, Please vote...
Ss

[Greg@ihpil]

From the looks of the votes,Beach over Marina.Both lead us into the deep.Which is what we all Dive for to Enjoy & whats there for us.ImhO the beach does offer some solitude,it allows you to stroll along the waters edge,reflect etc.Something not all land based (locked) Sd's get to do. Greg@ihpil

[ThatJoeGuy]

Live Aboard > Beach > Marina.

I don't much care for clubbing or shopping, so access to those does not generally concern me.

Best is sitting on the beach in the dark. (Ideally with minimal light pollution.) Assuming of course that I am not wiped out from diving

[UP Diver]

Sounds like you want a simple answer to a less than simple question!

My preference is Beach>Marina>Liveaboard but it really depends on the liveaboard...

When I travel to dive, I want to get away, not get placed in the middle of an in-city resort with the Goo Goo Dolls banging away at midnight at the club next door. Most of the resorts tend to shut down evening entertainment at 10PM. A little solitude on a beach adds to the experience (assuming that the SD Cabana Boys are present to protect the SD Chicks).

From a safety standpoint, if the Beach is remote enough from town, it will require arranged transportation to and from (i.e. no driving = no DUI=no having to bail out our fellow divers from the local jail). In some places we dive, public intoxication is a marginal call. Driving under the influence is a capital offense! To quote Willie Nelson about a DUI after a NY Eve gig, "next year the only thing I am going to drive is the elevator in the hotel..."

Marina second because it is usually not a far walk to the hotel and a quick escape to the dive site. Less time in the commute and more in the water! Still have the local bars banging out tunes until 2AM to deal with though!

Finally, although many liveaboards are improving in both quality of accomodations and service, others are getting a little worn. I really prefer a little "quiet time" that is impossible to get get onboard. Although I agree with Simon on the 50' from breakfast to the dive deck, many SD members have a little trouble with the "motion of the ocean" and suffer the consequences [yes Tammy, we mean YOU]!!!

My 2PSI I'm just saying...

UP Diver