Your Buddies on Bonaire Divers Paradise
BELMAR
BonaireOceanfront Apartments HOSPITALITY WITHOUT Dive, Relax & Explore LIMITS Caribbean Club Bonaire Contact your favorite travel specialist Bonaire, divers paradise Contents
3 About Bonaire 5 Island Highlights 6 Diving on Bonaire 7 Bonaire’s Dive Sites 8 Buddy Dive Resort 10 Buddy Dive Academy 11 Kids’ Activities 12 Kiteboarding & Windsurfing 13 Premier Dive Operation Buddy Dive’s Fleet 14 Belmar Oceanfront Apartments 16 Luxury, Romance & Weddings 18 Nature 20 Caribbean Club Bonaire 22 Outdoor Activities 23 Coral Restoration Foundation 24 Washington Slagbaai Park Safari 25 Technical Diving 26 Photography 27 Dining 28 Specials & Events 29 Quick Facts 30 Marine Life ID
Dive, Relax & Explore BELMAR Bonaire
BonaireOceanfront Apartments
Kaya Gob. N. Debrot 85, Bonaire EEG Boulevard 88, Bonaire Santa Barbara Boulevard 50, Bonaire Dutch Caribbean Dutch Caribbean Dutch Caribbean
International Reservations: International Reservations: International Reservations: +(599) 717 5080 (ext. 572) +(599) 717 5080 +(599) 717 5080
US/Canada Reservations: US/Canada Reservations: US/Canada Reservations: 1-866-GO-BUDDY 1-888-655-0605 1-800-906-7708
Fax: +(599) 717 5780 Fax: +(599) 717 7899 Fax: +(599) 717 7900 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.buddydive.com www.belmar-bonaire.com www.caribbeanclubbonaire.com
Photography by: Federico Cabello, Martin Cicilia, Annie Crawley, Bob Edwards, Alcides Falanghe, John Wall, Martien van der Valk, Marcel Westerhoff, Beth Watson, Kids Sea Camp. Design: Sapias Holding Ltd. Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean. All rights reserved.
Bonaire, diver’s paradise / 2 hatching area and its beaches. The clear waters are ideal for snorkeling and sunbathing. Diving, kayaking, Bonaire is an island small in size wide, also offers a variety of activities caving, snorkeling, mountain bik- but filled with dynamic opportunities for those who do not dive. ing, wind- or kite-surfing, bird for diving, eco-adventures, or simply watching, hiking, or just relaxing enjoying the laidback slow pace, and and re-energizing from the real tranquility that is a way of life here. world's stress: you name it and you The island is located in the south- will find it on Bonaire. ern Caribbean, outside the hurricane belt close to Aruba and Curacao which are only respectively 80 and 40 miles (129 and 64 kilometers) away. Bonaire is just a 3 hour flight from Miami and approximately a nine hour The eastern mangroves, the “nur- flight from Europe. sery of the reef”, is best discovered by On October 10th 2010 Bonaire kayak, while on the western part of ceased to be part of the Netherlands the island, several caves are open for Antilles and became a municipality of guided tours to explore this unknown the Netherlands, however the local and mystical side of Bonaire. Lac Bay currency is officially the US Dollar. in the south has near perfect wind- The island's strong ties with the surfing conditions, making the area Netherlands guarantee even more ideal for beginners and advanced benefits to what the island already en- windsurfers alike, whereas the hilly joys: good education, justice, and a landscape in the north is every moun- stable financial structure that serves tain bikers dream. Klein Bonaire, a the wellbeing of both Bonaire's popu- small deserted island a mile off lation and its visitors. Bonaire's coast, is a well known turtle Consistently rated as the top dive destination in the world and as a pio- Constant trade winds from the neer in preserving nature, Bonaire is east ensure a pleasant breeze over indeed a dream for every diver. Over the 112-square mile (290 square kilo- eighty dive sites, many of which are meters) island. Although influenced easily accessible by shore, truly make by a dry climate, Bonaire has three Bonaire the shore diving capital of distinctive land types. The central re- the world. However this boomerang- gion is semiarid, while the southern shaped island, 24 miles (39 kilome- region is flat and wide open with a ters) long by five miles (8 kilometers) unique mangrove system and salt pans. Bonaire, diver’s paradise / 3 The northern part is more green occupants, such as the Spaniards and tional gadgets and souvenirs you en- and hilly. With a height of 714 feet the Dutch. Friendly and warm are the counter when visiting other main (218 meters), Brandaris is Bonaire's best ways to describe the people be- Caribbean tourist destinations. The highest point. An average annual rain- hind the bright smiles for which selection of goods offered are like fall of 22 inches (56 cm), an almost con- Bonaireans are so famous. Bonaire itself: diverse and surprising. stant water temperature of 80 de- While Dutch and Papiamento are We have some shops that offer high grees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Cel- the official languages, English is quality jewelry while others carry sius), and a slightly higher air temper- widely spoken by most people on the arts and crafts from our local artisans. ature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit (28 de- island. For many years, Bonaire's govern- grees Celsius), makes Bonaire a pleas- Renting a car is highly recom- ment has played a leading role in pre- ant environment in which to vacation. mended as there is no formal public serving and protecting the nature on Bonaire's population is a rich mix- transportation system on the island. the island, both under and above the ture of several cultures and dates Taxis are available at the airport or water. Most significant and well back to around 1000 AD, the era of the can be arranged by your hotel. known, of course, is the Bonaire Arawak Indians, when the Caiquetios On Bonaire's main street, Kaya National Marine Park, initiated over sailed across from what is now Grandi, you won't find busy and over- thirty years ago at a time when ma- Venezuela. Traces of their culture still crowded shops retailing the tradi- rine parks were unknown. can be found on various archaeologi- cal sites. Slaves were brought from Africa in the early 1600s. Historical landmarks from this dark period in his- tory are still visible on the island. Most eye-catching and impressive are, of course, the slave huts on the southern tip of the island. Although defined by diversity, Bonaire's rich culture is heavily influenced by African elements. Songs and dances of the slaves, created to deal with their inhumane treatment, are kept alive by the people of Bonaire. African styles have been creatively mixed with cultural influences of the island's
Bonaire, diver’s paradise / 4 Island Highlights Bonaire's unspoiled natural beauty
There are too many highlights and landmarks to list them all in this brochure, but to give you a peek into Bonaire’s rich and diverse natural, cultural and historical treasures here are some tips to assist you on your discovery through Bonaire.
Goto Lake Flamingos are probably Bonaire’s best known trade- mark. One spot where you al- most always have a “flamingo guarantee” is the Goto Lake.
Salt pan mountains Various salt pans shape the landscaping in the wide, flat, open southern region. From a distance they look like snowy mountains, truly amazing and surprising scenery in the tro- pics.
Kralendijk Driving all the way along the west coast, you will see this small, but lively town that nowa- days is the commercial center of the island. Stroll over to Kaya Grandi and visit the various sou- venir shops, taste a chilled beer on a terrace, and finish the day with a delicious meal in one of Bonaire’s superb restaurants. Bonaire, diver’s paradise / 5 With over 70 marked dive sites Just a taste of our dive sites: 8m swim). Descend to the mooring at you will find that the type of dive you 10m and you will find the drop-off (bo- encounter in the south will be distinct ttom here at 24m) soon after which is from the type of dive you encounter in Buddy's Reef covered in hard coral formations with the north, or at Klein Bonaire, for that patches of soft coral in-between. Look matter. An easy entrance just off of the out for rays in the sandy patches and At Bonaire's southern dive sites, dock at Buddy Dive or walk down the a diverse fish population living in the you'll enter the water and find a long, stairs. Follow the rope line straight to reef here with the occasional turtle shallow, gently sloping shelf. In some the reef which drops off at 36 ft (11m). passing through for a snack on the areas such as at “The Lake” and “In- The topography is a steeply sloping reef. visibles” you will encounter a double reef ending with a sandy bottom at reef system, where the 2nd reef is 105 ft (32m). The reef has a wide vari- much older geologically. In the sha- ety of hard coral and large sponges. If Sara's Smile llows, large soft coral gorgonians are you look closely you will find frogfish common, and in the extreme southern among the crevices and sponges hi- Just step right off the dock at sites, encounters with pelagics are ding out. Expect a large variety of Belmar Oceanfront Apartments and possible. fish–French angelfish, parrotfish, swim out to the house reef . When one looks at Bonaire's nor- chubs, silversides, grouper, etc. Large The reef here has an interesting to- thern geography, it is much hillier, tarpon hang out here and are espe- pography with “hills” covered in hard this will follow through to the under- cially active at night. At 46 ft (14m) a and soft coral – this is also a great water terrain. On the northern sites, small wreck, called “La Machaca” lies place to spot the unexpected. We you'll find everything from a short te- encrusted with life so there is a lot to have seen everything from turtles and rrace gently dropping-off at a 45o an- see in and around the wreck. rays to dolphins and even a whale- gle to an exciting sheer wall drop co- *Currently there is a coral nursery lo- shark here! This is due to its location vered in coral outcroppings and cated in the sandy area before the dropoff near the end of a point – so a lot of ani- sponges waiting to be explored. Here sponsored by Buddy Dive Resort and the mals are traveling through on their you'll see large colonies of star and Coral Restoration Foundation. way out into the blue. brain corals. On the small uninhabited island of Klein Bonaire you will discover a bit of Oil Slick Leap Sampler everything and due to its popularity among nesting turtles you can expect Located by Caribbean Club Bo- Located at the north of Klein to see quite a few during your dives & naire in the north, the entrance and Bonaire and only accessible by boat, snorkels here. exit are easy & exciting! this dive site truly offers a “sample” of Take a giant leaping-stride off the just about everything! The drop-off From North to South low cliff wall to enter the water – it is bottoms out at around 100ft (30 m) at least 5m deep at its shallowest du- and the reef is covered in hard and to Klein Bonaire, ring low tide making it the most fun soft coral as well as healthy sponges. way to enter. You may also use the lad- Loggerhead, green and hawksbill tur- it's truly a divers der & small platform that was built by tles, octopus, squid and during the Caribbean Club to enter as well as night, lobsters will accompany you dream come true. exit. The reef is marked by a buoy during your dive. that is a quick kick away (about an
Bonaire, diver’s paradise / 6 NOORDPUNT
MALMOK 1 SERU BENTANA BOKA SABANA KATUNA SALIÑA BARTOL PLAYA MAKOSHI Bonaire's SERU MANGEL 148m BOKA CHIKITU 2 WASHINGTON SERU POS MANGEL GRANDI ROI
3 SER´I PALMITA 136m SALIÑA 4 MATIJS Dive Sites BRANDARIS YUWANA BOKA PAMPER 5 241m 164 m PIEDRA PRETU SALIÑA POS NOBO 103m WAYAKA NATIONAL PARK World - Class Diving WASHINGTON-SLAGBAAI 6 VENEZUELA BOKA SLAGBAAI SLAGBAAI YUWA PASS RESERVE SALIÑA SLAGBAAI LIGNUM MOROTIN PORTA MAKAKU FLAMINGO ISLAND FASCIATIONS SAN JUAN BUENA VISTA -
NO BOKA ONIMA REPUBLIEK ONIMA SERU SUMPIÑA DIVING LABRA RIGO
SALIÑA FRANS POS CHIKITU SOLEDAT RINCON DOS POS PIEDRA KRUS GOTOMEER SABANETA 7 SANTA KRUS COLOMBIA BOKA OLIBA SERU WEKUA BRASIL KARPATA PORTA SPAÑO 8 160m RISKADO SUB´I RINCON SALIÑA TAM LEEUWARDENBOLIVIA ABOU SUPLADÓ GOTO BOKA SPELONK PUNT´I WEKUA BOPEC TANKI MARAKA ROSHIKIRI BOKA KANOA KARPATA RESERVE - NO DIVING BOKA RINCON JAN DORAN TOLO MONTAÑA 9 10 11 12 BOLIVIA MEI MEI BOLIVIA 13 14 TRA´I MONTAÑA BOKA 15 WAYAKANO WANICO MARAVIA DI TOLO 16 17 Santa Barbara Crowns SAC BARKADERA18 19 KIBRÁ DI MONTAÑA BOKA CHIKITU BEKU 20 LONT ORINOCO BOLIVIA ARIBA SANTA GURUBU 21 SUB´I BLANKU 22 BARBARA SERU LARGU 23 Santa Barbara 123m Dive, Relax & Explore 24 SAN TRES KRUS Hato BERNARDO BONABISTA 25 TERA Caribbean Club Bonaire Republiek HUNDU LAGUN 26 KUNUKU BIEU WAMARI NAWATI SERU 27 ANGOLA GRANDI WASHIKEMBA Dive Sites Klein Bonaire Z Noord MENTOR A 28 Saliña GUATEMALA Lagoen Hill X Y 29 DENTERA W PUNTA BLANKU A. No Name V B 30 Antriol ROI PAGAI BOKA WASHIKEMBA M. Hands Off U BUENA ESPERANSA C B. Ebo´s Reef N. Forest T POS KABRITU 31 MEXICO C. Jerry´s Sponges O. Southwest Corner WESTPUNT R BONABISTA BRICAT PIEDRA DOS D. Just A Nice Dive P. Munk´s Haven KLEIN BONAIRE 32 AMBOINA P Kranlendijk ARUBA STENCHI E. Nearest Point R. Sharon´s Serenity BARÁ DI KARTA MAL RAIS O (Piedra Kolet) T. Mi Dushi TANKI KALBAS D YATU BAKU N F. Keepsake (Johanna´s Revenge) M L K E 33 Nikiboko SANTA CATARINA J 34 G. Bonaventure U. Yellow Man I F NIEUW AMSTERDAM H G ISHIRI SANTA MARTA ARIBA H. Monte´s Divi Tree V. Carl´s Hill (Punt P´abou) 35 ROI LAMUNCHI I. Rock Pile W. Ebo´s Special Tera Kora 36 J. Joanne´s Sunchi X. Leonora´s Reef KARANYITO PARADIJS K. Captain Don´s Reef Y. Knife 37 SAN JOSÉ HOOP POS NOBO SANTA CLARA DAM GRANDI L. South Bay Z. Sampler 38 POS KALBAS SALIÑA KANGREU KINKU WANAPA BAKUNA WARAHAMA GRANDI 39 Belnem WARAHAMA CHIKI BOKA PRETU PUNT VIERKANT 40 LIMA SUPLADÓ 41 42 YATU LARGU 43 LAC BAY 63 44 45 62 46 47
48 BRUA WESU
49 PLAYA MANTEKA 50 CONDENSER BASINS 51 PLENCHI 52 19 53 MAMPARIA KUTU PUNTO KABAYERO SOLAR SALT WORKS PIEDRA PRETU
TRESIKURA Dive Sites Bonaire 54 CONDENSER 55 BASINS DOSIKURA 1. Boka Bartól 17. Weber´s Joy (Witch´s Hut) 33. Town Pier 48. Jeannie´s Glory 56 2. Playa Benge 18. Jeff Davis Memorial 34. Calabas Reef 49. Salt Pier 35. Eighteenth Palm 57 ZUID OOST HOEK 3. Playa Funchi 19. Kalli´s Reef 50. Salt City (Saliña Abou) PEKELMEER 4. Bisé Morto 20. Oil Slick Leap 36. Windsock 51. Invisibles 58 KURA RONDO 59 5. Wayaká 21. Barkadera 37. Corporal Meiss 52. Tori´s Reef 60 LACRE PUNT 6. Boka Slagbaai 22. Andrea II (North Belnem) 53. Pink Beach (Kabayé) 61 7. Nukove (Doblet) 23. Andrea I 38. Bachelor´s Beach 54. White Slave N 8. Carel´s Vision 24. Petrie´s Pillar 39. Chez Hines 55. Margate Bay 9. Karpata 25. Small Wall 40. Lighthouse Point 56. Red Beryl 10. La Dania´s Leap 26. Cliff 41. Punt Vierkant 57. Atlantis 11. Rappel 27. La Machaca 42. The Lake 58. Vista Blue 12. Bloodlet 28. Reef Scientifico 43. Hilma Hooker 59. Sweet Dreams 13. Ol´Blue (Boka di Tolo) 29. Buddy´s Reef 44. Angel City 60. Red Slave (Peleké) 14. Country Garden 30. Bari Reef 45. Alice in Wonderland 61. Willemstoren Lighthouse 15. Bon Bini Na Kas 31. Front Porch 46. Aquarius 62. White Hole 16. 1000 Steps 32. Something Special 47. Larry´s Lair 63. Cai
Bonaire, diver’s paradise / 7 Copyright © 2006-2009, Bonaire Affair. All Rights Reserved. Fun, friendly, and convenient are just a few words that come to mind to describe Bonaire’s Eat, Sleep, (Buddy) Dive premium dive resort.
Divers, snorkelers, adventurers, access to your own private balcony or all the activity happening on the dive and leisure travelers alike will feel porch with an astonishing view over dock below you. equally at home at Buddy Dive. the crystal blue ocean or lush tropical Make a sunset stop at the bar over- Complete with two restaurants: gardens. looking Klein Bonaire and meet your Ingridiënts & Blennies, two swim- The bedrooms have twin, or twin- new (dive) friends to start planning ming pools, a Kids Activities and Acti- converted to king beds, airconditio- your dinner in either Ingridiënts vity Center, and our own fleet of pick- ning, a safety deposit box (free-of- Restaurant or at one of our theme up trucks, Buddy Dive Resort is the charge) and a spacious closet. Each nights. International dishes and local place to be while enjoying your vaca- and every bedroom has its own bath- music guarantee the food and fun tion on Bonaire. room with toilet and comfortable which you’ve been searching for!. At Buddy Dive, we are known for shower. The Dive Shop our casual atmosphere, personable Food, Drinks and Fun Bonaire’s best dive operation staff, spacious accommodations, and A flavor of international a dive operation that keeps the needs cuisine and local culture Indeed Buddy’s Dive Shop keeps and wishes of its guests in mind. the needs and wishes of divers in Our guest services include 24 hour An American breakfast buffet a- mind with comfortable boats, a com- front office staff and security on the waits you in our Breakfast Restaurant plete rental and retail center, excep- premises - ensuring you receive the as- overlooking the ocean and Klein tional staff, and a unique “Drive Thru” sistance you need at any time. Bonaire. with a two-lane air/Nitrox fill station. The Rooms Lunch is served at Blennies and Buddy Dive Resort is a member of Convenience and Comfort on the beach, with a selection of sal- DAN (Divers Alert Network), as well ads, sandwiches, burgers and daily as a PADI 5-Star IDC Dive Resort, and Our 78 newly renovated rooms, specials. It is the perfect time to catch a Universal Referral Center. studios, one, two and three-bedroom apartments offer the comfort and pri- vacy you desire. All of our apartments have fully equipped kitchens com- plete with microwave, and refrigera- tor, while the living rooms are com- fortably furnished with cable TV, phones, and fan. You will have direct No matter which apartment you Buddy Dive Resort, home of the ORIGINAL “Drive Thru”: choose, you’re never more than a few a full service drive through tank exchange & gear rinse/storage steps away from our popular and lively house reef which is perfect for Back in the 80’s guests affec- In the shore diving capital of the diving and snorkeling, day or night. tionately called it “McAir” – and with world where surface intervals are Buddy Dive Resort: good reason. The introduction of a carefully calculated for repetitive Home of the Drive Drive Thru put Buddy Dive on the diving ALL DAY and into the NIGHT, & Dive package map as the easiest, fastest, most Buddy’s invention of the Drive Thru convenient place for divers to get their has been key, keeping our guests Buddy Dive Resort has the conve- AIR or NITROX “fix”. stocked with full tanks so they can nience of its own rental car fleet with DIVE, DIVE, DIVE!. over 70 pick-up trucks. When booking our Drive & Dive package, you have everything you need: accommoda- tion, unlimited shore diving, 6 boat McAIR dives (optional), free & unlimited air or nitrox, daily buffet breakfast, transfers from/to the airport, and a all day rental car. Our non-diving guests can exchange the diving for a variety of ac- tivities. No more waiting in long lines "fresh tanks" at the airport! Get out of the plane and Don’t miss our weekly: you will be welcomed by our staff. Manager’s Transportation is waiting to bring you to the resort. Attend the dive ori- Rum Punch entation & make your first dive or re- lax a bit, unpack and once you are all Party set, come to the front desk to pick up your car.
Unlimited Air & Nitrox Pick-Up Truck Daily Buffet Breakfast BBQ Bonaire, diver’s paradise / 9 LIVE MUSIC RUM PUNCH Academy
“Diving with Buddy is Rockstar Cool” Guest from Texas, USA. “Got our AOW, Nitrox, and Fish I.D. certification at Buddy’s, their instructors were first rate” Guest from Washington D.C. USA. Eat, Sleep, Learn (Buddy) Dive!
Buddy Dive Resort Bonaire has a PADI professional. We have the per- relaxed than the majority of Instruc- long been recognized for its profes- fect combination of the most impor- tor Development Courses in the re- sionalism and quality of service. At tant aspects that will guarantee your gion. Your IDC at Buddy includes a Buddy Dive Academy we share our success on your IDC and future career free Preparation Course and we also knowledge and secrets with divers as a PADI instructor. offer the online option (e-Learning) for who want to become PADI Profe- The dive operation and instruc- candidates who have time limita- ssional Diving Instructors. tional staff have earned an industry- tions. Buddy Dive Academy offers an ex- wide reputation for excellence that en- tensive spectrum of courses, from ables us to guarantee you 100% suc- kids courses like PADI Bubble Maker cess on your Instructor Examination. Contact us for more information about all the all the way up to the IDC course, and Workshops and instructional sce- courses we offer, prices, our IDC course dates, continuing education for our instruc- narios during your IDC will prepare or if you would like to receive our complete tor candidates, like specialty instruc- you for real life as a working PADI pro- Buddy Dive Academy brochure. tor training after the IDC, and TEC fessional. Courses at the instructor level. Our Instructor Development pro- www.buddydive.com The Instructor Development grams are 3 days longer than the stan- 1-866-GO-BUDDY Course at Buddy Dive Academy of- dard 8 day IDC. This allows our pro- (US/Canada)+599 717 5080 ext. 525 fers the best environment to become gram to be more comprehensive and [email protected]
Bonaire, diver’s paradise / 10 Ks ids e viti ti c
A Fun and learning in the sun Happy Kids = Happy Parents
As a parent considering Bonaire would like to do, but we also have a For those kids that are ready and as a potential island to visit, you fully staffed kids club where your chil- eager to take up the sport of scuba couldn’t wish for a better place for dren are taken care of while you are diving, we have the PADI Seal pro- your children: safe, quiet, shallow wa- doing that morning or afternoon, boat gram. ter, nice beaches like Donkey beach, dive with your spouse, strolling PADI has developed a unique pro- Sorobon, or Lac Cai, and lots of fun ac- through Kralendijk’s shopping center, gram for kids from the age of 8 to 10 tivities to do. or just relaxing on the porch. with the goal of letting them discover At all our resorts we offer exten- Buddy’s Ranger Kids Club is a full scuba diving in a safe and natural en- sive and well organized kids’ pro- morning program where we mix edu- vironment. Our dive operation has grams for all ages, including a baby- cation with fun. We’ll teach the young specially trained instructors. sitting service for the little ones, and a ones to snorkel or use SASY equip- Our restaurant, Blennies, caters to yearly Kids Sea Camp is organized by ment, do Fish and Coral-ID, paint the young ones with delicious meals Family Dive Adventures. Our Dive driftwood, and have a surprise trip at especially for them. Shop & Activity Center can set- up all the end of the program. the excursions, trips, and tours you
Bonaire, diver’s paradise / 11 Kite & Wind boarding surfing
Bonaire may be best known as a top dive destination, but that just A hidden Caribbean blue it doesn’t get much skims the surface of the water better than this. Book our “Sail sports that are gaining more and Away” package and make the more attention on this peaceful most of your windsurfing vaca- and relaxing Dutch Caribbean tion on Bonaire with a special island. Bonaire’s best-kept se- rate. cret? Lac Bay. It’s over three gem Bonaire is also a paradise square miles (eight square ki- for kiteboarders. Year-round lometers) of tropical blue wa- trade winds and the great ter providing near-perfect “definitely one of the constant water temperature windsurfing conditions, makes the choice an easy ideal for beginners and ad- best spots in the world one. There is a designated vanced windsurfers alike. spot on Bonaire’s west coast in A favorite of water sports en- the south that is ideal for thusiasts, Lac Bay is blessed to practice these kiteboarding: Atlantis Beach. with an average water and wind Both experienced and beginner temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit kiteboarders will feel at home on (28 degrees Celsius), steady onshore sports” Bonaire since two kiteboarding winds between 15 and 25 knots that schools with internationally certified are practically guaranteed and shel- and jump chop. For instructors can teach this exciting tered, shallow waters. All these key in- the advanced sailor, there is an up- sport to those who are ready to ride gredients make Lac Bay one of the wind beach near Lac Cai offering top- the wind. Our Dive Shop and Acti- Caribbean’s best windsurfing spots. notch windsurfing in the waves. The vities center can arrange your courses Beginners can practice in the half-mile long strand of fine, sugary for you and if you would like to make waist deep, gin-clear water, while ad- sand makes the beach area one of the a vacation of it choose our “Become a vanced windsurfers can look for the most popular sun and fun spots on Kiteboarder” package & learn with excitement that comes with bump any given day. Wind, sun and the pros.
Bonaire, diver’s paradise / 12 At all three of our resorts you will Bonaire's Premier find an on-premises dive shop that is managed by staff on-location but is a Dive Operation member of our Buddy Dive family. We combine the best of both worlds: the extensive knowledge, resources, and facilities of Bonaire’s top dive opera- tion, Buddy Dive, while providing di- vers personal attention from the friendly dive staff that will become the familiar faces guests are greeted by on their next visit. Bonaire’s #1 award-winning dive operation is a PADI, 5 Star IDC and Universal Referral dive center, as well as a DAN business member, located on the premises of Buddy Dive Resort and home to Bonaire’s Drive-Thru air and Nitrox fill station. The dive (retail) shop, gear room, classroom, photo shop, and rental room of Bonaire’s premium (dive) re- sort are located dockside, making it more convenient for guests to enjoy Bonaire’s diving freedom with Buddy’s Reef less than a “giant stride away.” Buddy Dive Resort has the reputa- tion of keeping the needs of divers in mind, making it easy, comfortable, and convenient for them. For those who would like to begin scuba diving or continue their dive ed- ucation, there is our PADI 5-star Academy, where experienced dive in- Buddy Dive Watersports: structors are ready to assist you to im- The best of what the island has to offer prove your skills and knowledge. convenient Buddy Dive's boats Fleet: 5
1 Dive Buddy 2 Bayena 3 Red Tide 4 Harbour Lady 5 Coral Buddy A custom made motor cat boat Two (32’ & 30’) custom dive boats Two Newton 36‘ (11 meters) that that has room for 24 divers on a 3- (Newton & Island Hopper) with room can easily accommodate 24 divers tank dive, including dive platforms, for up to 12 (Bayena) and 14 (Red and crew on a 2-tank trip with a spa- bridge, dry storage, fresh water rinse, Tide) divers, each with a dive plat- cious deck, dedicated camera table, covered area, camera table and fresh form, dry storage, fresh water rinse, dry storage, fresh water shower, and water tanks. Coming back from your covered area, and camera tank. Great large rinse bucket. dive, you can enjoy the sun and stun- for smaller groups on one or two tank ning views from a comfortable seat excursions! on the fly-bridge.
Bonaire, diver’s paradise / 13 BELMAR
BonaireOceanfront Apartments
Intimate Independent & Inspirational These are words that go hand-in-hand with this place of tranquility that combines the con- veniences of home with a relaxing atmosphere. Each of the twenty two apartments is stylishly decorated and detailed with individual Cari- bbean touches. Spacious & comfortable oceanfront apart- The apartments: ments, set amid lush tropical gardens at the ocean’s edge, free wifi & service with a personal Designed for comfort touch: these are a few of the amenities that with the conveniences of home make this PADI 5-Star resort with its own full- service dive shop a very special place. Spacious apartments feature one, two or Everyone is invited to escape their hectic three bedrooms with one or two bathrooms, daily life and enjoy the sun on the swim- fully equipped kitchens, and large living areas. ming/dive docks or at the oceanfront mineral Every one of the balconies/porches provides a water system swimming pool with its amazing fantastic ocean view. panorama. This is truly the ultimate way to re- All bedrooms are air-conditioned while the lax. living room and porches have ceiling fans. Every Lac Bay’s windsurfing area, Kralendijk’s kitchen has a full-sized U.S. refrigerator with ice- downtown shopping area, restaurants and sev- maker and includes a dishwasher as well. The eral dive sites are just a minutes drive away. The well-equipped kitchens make preparing & en- office is staffed throughout the day, whereas out- joying meals together fun. The privacy you en- side of office hours, our on-premises security joy while having the stunning view of the can provide assistance. Caribbean Sea in front of you is spectacular!
Bonaire, diver’s paradise / 14 The dive shop:
B elmar’s PADI 5-Star and “Feels like having your own Universal Referral Dive Center private dive instructor” is conveniently located on the premises. They offer multi- lingual instruction from basic Open Water courses to dive- master and many dive special- ties, all conducted by our friendly dedicated PADI trained dive team. Due to its small scale set-up, you will feel like you have your own private dive instructor. Belmar’s dive staff specializes in guided shore dives, night dives and UV dives. Tanks, guest lockers room, and rinse tanks are located only steps away from the parking lot or dive dock. The small and cozy re- tail shop, located in the dive cen- ter, carries dive and snorkel gear, t-shirts, sandals, locally made souvenirs, and many other popular items.
Unlimited Air & Nitrox Pick-Up Truck
Bonaire, diver’s paradise / 15 Romance Weddings
Whether you are looking to tie the knot in a naturally romantic setting or celebrating an im- portant day, Bonaire is the perfect setting!
Let us arrange a romantic BBQ on the beach of Klein Bonaire. We’ll pick you up from your ho- tel and transport you by boat to a pristine beach on this uninhabited island. A private cook and waiter will guarantee the romantic and exclu- sive moment you are dreaming of.
Book your own private dive instructor to take a guided shore dive from one of Bonaire’s numerous dive sites accessible from shore.
Arrange a private charter and afterwards a boat ride along Bonaire’s picturesque west coast, a swim in the bay of Washington Slagbaai, or a picnic on the beach, all while you absorb the peacefulness of that unique part of Bonaire: nature in its purest form.
Bonaire is a perfect hide-away for couples and romantics. When vacationing on Bonaire, Just imagine your dream island wedding your stress will melt away with the laidback pace that is the island’s way of life. For those The day begins as you cruise together in a who would like to go to the next level, we have small boat along our scenic waterfront towards several day spas that will pamper your body. Town Hall, or one of the beautiful outside loca- Choose from a wide selection of massages, tions where the official wedding can take place. body, hand & foot treatments, and facials. Get married with your feet in the sand and af- Exercise studios offer yoga, pilates, or aerobic terwards, celebrate with champagne and cake sessions. under the palms on the beach with the tur- quoise sea as your background: a perfect place for pictures to capture the moment. Follow with lunch for two on the nearby un- inhabited island of Klein Bonaire, where the day is yours to enjoy a barefoot romantic stroll on the beach or to bathe in the gentle surf. Share cocktails together or with friends as you watch a perfect sunset before enjoying an intimate din- ner with the calming sound of the sea below, and you have the perfect setting for your wed- ding and honeymoon.
Bonaire, diver’s paradise / 16 The naturally romantic side of Bonaire
At Caribbean Club Bonaire we have a real Wedding Village that caters to wedding couples and their friends and family or just the newlyweds alone. The wedding couple can enjoy a romantic honeymoon villa overlooking the Cari- bbean Sea. In the same section of the re- sort, other two-bedroom villas are nearby where close family and friends can stay.
Just imagine your dream island wedding
Whether you’re getting married, renew- ing vows or going on your honeymoon, you want something special. Let us arrange the details that will make this important day an unforgettable one. As we say: “Everything is possible, only miracles take a bit longer to arrange.” Bonaire is well known for its un- On the other hand, the large salt derwater wonders. Once on Bonaire, pans are a favorite spot of the flamin- you will discover that our island has a gos. The most interesting area of the diverse and rich nature above the wa- region is, without a doubt, Lac Bay. terline as well. From a topside point- Being part of the biggest lagoon in of-view, the island can be roughly di- the Dutch Caribbean, it covers over vided into three regions with their 1730 acres (700 hectares) and has a own distinct vegetation and land- water surface of over three square scape. miles (8 square kilometers). It is bor- Bonaire was formed millions of dered by a barrier reef and, although years ago in different stages. Chan- it is a highly protected area, there are ges in sea level have left up to four many activities which you may enjoy, stranded terraces above the present from birding to kayaking through main sea level and one terrace below. the mangroves, scuba diving out- In the South you will find the salt side the coral dam, or windsurfing. pans and mangrove forests - this area Strict rules and regulations ensure is wide, flat, and open. Besides the im- that this unique wetland with its frag- pressive and important mangrove ile eco-system stays preserved for fu- trees, vegetation is limited here be- ture generations. Endangered species cause of the influence of salt and like the green turtle, queen conch, wind. and mangrove tree all get the
Discover natural wonders above and belo chance to survive the often so de- The major portion of the northern A vacation to Bonaire is not com- vastating influence of humans. region of the island is made up of the plete without a half or full-day trip to The central region of the island is Washington-Slagbaai National Park. this exceptional national park. There semi arid and dominated by cacti and Originally a plantation, the park was are almost 200 species of birds, in- the divi-divi tree. For the real explorer, sold to the government for a symbolic cluding the flamingo, the lora and, al- there are many natural beauties to dis- amount under the condition that it though you might not encounter and cover. The area south of Washikemba would become a nature reserve. The see abundant tall coconut palm trees, is a breeding place for the wild terns landscaping is more hilly and rich in Bonaire boasts over 300 flora species. while the feral donkeys give the area vegetation than the other parts of the The datu, kadushi, divi-divi tree, man- its own unique feel. island. The size of this natural habi- grove trees, and the prickly pear are Rooi Lamoenchi, a former planta- tat, home to many flora and fauna spe- probably the ones you will notice the tion, is certainly worth a visit. A bit cies, is over 19 square miles (5,000 most. Other above-water fauna in- more up north there is a trail that hectares), and it is blessed with a clude the hermit crabs, iguanas, liz- takes you along the eastern coastline wide variety of eco-systems. From ards, and, of course, the donkeys and of Bonaire and brings you to several sand dunes to mangroves, and from herds of goats that roam the island. caves and Indian inscriptions. The beach areas to salinas and dry forest, caves are populated by bats that play the park has many beautiful attrib- an important role in the ecosystem on utes to discover. Bonaire.
w the water line Dive, Relax & Explore Bonaire
Located north of Kralendijk at the foot of Bonaire’s The rooms: Affordable conve- nience in a peaceful setting. hills and just steps away from the most pristine dive A wide range of room types sites, you’ll find Caribbean Club Bonaire. This friendly make Caribbean Club Bonaire 39-unit resort combines affordable accommodations a unique resort. Guests may choose from basic studios to with full resort facilities, a restaurant, bar, two spacious villas overlooking the crystal blue waters of the swimming pools, an on-premises dive shop/activity Caribbean Sea or from a pent- center, along with front office and security services. house to comfortable one- bedroom cottages. All units have air-conditioned bedrooms while the living rooms and porches feature ceiling fans. Kitchens in the one-bedroom cottages and studios are equi- pped with the utensils and equipment you need to pre- pare a good meal, while in the two-bedroom cottages the kitchens provide you with all the luxury you can wish. Cable TV and safes complement the convenience you need.
Bonaire, diver’s paradise / 20 Diving and other nature ad- ventures, top dive sites and hid- den secrets of Bonaire.
In a unique setting and loca- tion, “Caribbean Club Divers” of- fers a complete and wide range of services from air fills to a full re- tail shop. Rinse tanks and show- er facilities make this top dive shop what the northern part of Bonaire has been awaiting. Ca- ribbean Club Divers’ packages are unique on the island and even if you are not staying at Caribbean Club Bonaire, it is a must to visit this dive shop where you will be welcomed by an international staff of English, Dutch, German & Spanish speak- ing dive professionals.
Bonaire’s top dive sites are just a few minutes drive away, and besides diving, Caribbean Club Bonaire is the perfect place to discover the many other eco- adventures Bonaire has to offer. Hiking, mountain biking, cave exploration, snorkeling, kaya- king, and trips to the Washin- gton Slagbaai National Park or the Goto Meer (Lake Goto) are just a few of the activities to ex- Local cuisine & hospitality, plore while staying at Caribbean Caribbean atmosphere. Club Bonaire.
There is no other restaurant and bar on the island that epitomizes the local and truly Caribbean atmosphere like KAS. Imagine a peaceful setting with a constant breeze where local cuisine is served: the perfect place to relax and enjoy delicious meals or just have a drink. The weekly BBQ is an event you should not miss.
Unlimited Air & Nitrox Pick-Up Truck Daily Buffet Breakfast
Bonaire, diver’s paradise / 21 Kayaking Kayaking Snorkeling In addition to scuba diving, kaya- With over 75 different species of king is one of the most popular activi- fish along the shallow reef terrace ties on Bonaire and there are all sorts alone, snorkeling is a great activity for of places to discover. Take a guided the entire family. Young or old, any- kayak tour through the mangroves or one who can swim and float can snor- to nearby Klein Bonaire. Combine the kel. Bonaire has some great snorkel Klein trip with a guided walk and ex- sites. Several sites around Klein ploration of the island or a snorkel Bonaire are a “must” for snorkelers to along the island’s shallow terraces: a discover, and at the sites 1000 Steps perfect place to spot turtles! Or go for and Karpata on the scenic route are a leisurely paddle and explore on your also good snorkel spots. A drift snor- own as you tour the coastline. kel from Something Special to Buddy’s Reef is an awesome adven- ture and a trip you’ll always remem- ber. On Friday afternoons a snorkel boat departs from Buddy Dive to Klein Bonaire for a guided snorkel tour. Or combine snorkeling and kayaking in Bonaire’s mangrove fo- rest, and you will explore the “nur- sery” of the ocean. Among the high- Outdoor lights are three-inch long barracudas, upside down jellies, baby sergeant Activities majors, and "dancing" flatworms. For those who want some instruction or Caving Caving (Eco) Adventure guidance, the Activity Center can pro- Bonaire has many cave systems; vide a private snorkel lesson, or you some are dry and others have lakes & fun-filled Tours. may join a guided snorkel trip. and tunnels. We offer you the unique Discover the opportunity to explore these ancient wonders with their majestic stalac- wonders of tites and stalagmites. Out of over one hundred caves on Bonaire, a mere Bonaire. three of them are accessible for tour- ists, and they may only be entered un- der the supervision of a certified guide. The caves play an important role in the island’s eco-system, with six species of bats inhabiting the caves. These flying mammals polli- nate the island’s flowers and con- sume mosquitoes. MMoounutainnt Bikinaing Biking Bird WBatchinirdg Watching Miles and miles of trails have been Almost two hundred species of mapped on Bonaire for mountain bik- birds live on the island, and bird ers. Literally around every hilltop watching is gaining popularity. Du- there are different vistas to enjoy. ring a bird watching tour, you are not With such a wide variety of routes only discovering the diversity of from which to choose, we’re sure to Bonaire’s bird population, but at the be able to put together a tour that same time, you’ll visit sites and loca- best suits your interest and fitness tions you would otherwise never get level. Although there is not much traf- to explore. fic on Bonaire to begin with, this sport really allows you to get away Snorkeling from it all!
Bonaire, diver’s paradise / 22 In 2012 the Coral Restoration Founda- tion (CRF) was invited to assist the local coral Environment restoration group on Bonaire in the southern Caribbean. In early Ken Nedimyer February, the Bonaire Island Council granted a permit to the local group to allow work to begin on developing a nursery and restoration program on the main is- land of Bonaire and adjacent island of Klein Bonaire. Ken Nedimyer, CRF Board member, Denise Nedimyer, and the CRF staff traveled to these islands in the Dutch Caribbean, during April and began work on the Coral Restoration Foundation Bonaire Project sponsored by Buddy Dive Resort. In addition to working with local Bonaire authorities and dive profession- als to identify specific sites for coral nurseries and reef outplantings, CRF to- gether with the Bonaire National CORAL RESTORATION FOUNDATION Marine Park and Buddy Dive Resort staff volunteers collected different ge- ON BONAIRE @ BUDDY DIVE netic strains of staghorn (Acropora cervicornis) and elkhorn (Acropora palmata) coral. These specimens were used to populate coral growing “trees” in two coral nurseries. These corals are monitored and maintained by the local Coral Restoration Foundation Bonaire,
supported by Buddy Dive Resort and The main production nursery is lo- is forming the base nursery stock, cated off of Klein Bonaire, where fragmented every six months, to de- there is limited public access and min- velop second and third generation cor- imal disturbance for the growing cor- als in each genetic strain. Since June als. Another nursery is located on the 2013, these new coral generations are main island of Bonaire, at Buddy's regularly taken onto nearby degraded Reef, north and south side. These reefs, called coral restoration sites. nursery trees, placed at the drop-off CRF's goals in Bonaire are to as- depth of 6mt/20ft are not only used to sist the local government and local en- produce corals but also to train Coral vironmentalists to preserve the exist- Restoration Divers. The Nursery at ing genetic diversity of staghorn and Buddy's Reef is accessible to divers elkhorn corals, establish a nursery from the dock at Buddy Dive Resort. and restoration program designed to Join the Coral Restoration slide pre- restore the shallow reefs, and to work sentation at Buddy Dive Resort, be- with the community to identify and re- come a Coral Restoration Diver and duce land-based stressors, such as un- dive for a cause! You will learn all the controlled storm water runoff and coral restoration techniques, how to poor sewage treatment practices. work in a nursery, fragmenting corals and transplanting them to the restora- tion sites.
Bonaire, diver’s paradise / 23 Dive Sites Washington Washington Slagbaai
Slagbaai Park 1 Boka Bartól s a f a r i 2 Playa Benge 3 Playa Funchi At the end of December 2009 bridge. With this boat, Buddy Dive 4 Bisé Morto 5 Wayaká Buddy Dive Resort proudly added a Resort is the first and only resort on new boat to their fleet: Dive Buddy. Bonaire that offers a 3-tank boat dive 6 Boka Slagbaai This new boat, designed by Buddy trip to the Washington Slagbaai Dive in cooperation with the company National Park. Publifibra, is completely innovative The Washington Slagbaai Park and new in the scuba diving industry. Safari, is a full day dive trip, starting This yacht cat boat has room for 24 di- early in the morning and ending in vers on a 3-tank dive. It has every- the afternoon. A lunch with an assort- thing on board that a diver needs like ment of sandwiches, fruit, and cold rinse buckets, a camera table, a drinks is included. Our guests can en- sundeck, a shaded area, and an easy joy their lunch on the boat’s sun deck entry platform for both going in and near Boka Slagbaai beach, where the out of the water. After your dive, you boat will be moored in between the can enjoy the sun and stunning views second and third dives. from a comfortable seat on the fly- Join this unique half day 3 tank boat dive trip* *Available upon request. Choice of boat may be different. O 2 O2 O2
O H2O 2 O2
H2O O 2 O H O O 2 gog o 2 2 HO scuba gear expert 2 HO O HO 2 O2 2 2 beyonddeep filltrimix O H2O HOadvanced 2 2 sgaukge ills Technical diving nitrox scrubber H2O O maximum air mask 2 ) H2O O ( buzzer 2 H O specialized ccr 2 rebreather O suit equipment 2 depth breath training solo oxygen O O 2 2 O latest dive 2 Diving technology dive rite gauge >100 buddy H2O computer >150 dive open sidemount For those that want to circuit slate HO >200 regulators 2 tec bailout bottlelight H2O “experience it all”! >250 dive knive >350 feet light The dive industry is constantly courses from instructors who come, looking for new alternatives to feed stay, and use our facilities to teach the non-stop demand for more ways their tech diving students. Buddy to enjoy and explore the underwater Dive is a rebreather friendly dive oper- world. Following this idea and direc- ation, and we have Poseidon MKVI tion, Buddy Dive Resort went deep rebreathers for both instruction and into the development of a new depart- rental. PADI Course Director and TRI- ment fully dedicated to technical div- MIX Instructor, Carlos Peña Herre- ing. After a year of intensive training, ra, choose Buddy Dive to be his tech investments, and improvements, we diving classroom for two consecutive were very happy and pleased to an- years and remarked that he, “couldn’t nounce the opening of the Buddy find a better location or diving facility Dive Resort Technical Diving De- to bring my tech diving students.” partment in October 2007. The non-stop spirit of adventure and Under the leadership of Dive complete list of alternatives for the dif- curiosity of the enthusiastic diving Operations Manager, Augusto Mont- ferent requests of tech diving guests. community world-wide keeps push- brun, the project started first with Today we are proud to say that ing the dive industry forward, and it is the investment in top-of-the-line tech amongst our staff we have tech di- our pleasure to ensure that we at diving equipment from Palm Trading vers from PADI, GUE and TDI. At this Buddy Dive provide the latest in Tech- Bonaire, a local dealer of Dive Rite time, PADI technical diving courses nical Diving in a safe and friendly envi- tech gear. can be taught up to the instructor ronment. Right after that, five of resort’s level. dive instructors went straight into Buddy Dive Resort also rearran- tech diving training, achieving vari- ged the fill station, adding a complete ous levels of certifications from differ- and new partial pressure gas blend- ent agencies, providing a wide and ing station, where we are able to fill our tech diving tanks and prepare cus- tom blends at the desire of our clien- tele. Our technical diving staff is quali- fied as gas and TRIMIX blenders from PADI and TDI, thus keeping the safety standards at the highest possi- ble level. Today we are able to offer tech di- ving courses, equipment rentals, cus- tom blends, and guided dives to wrecks and other interesting sites not explored very often on Bonaire. At the same time, we can host tech diving
Bonaire, diver’s paradise / 25 Photography The Digital Doctor makes imaging as easy as
John Wall Buddy Dive’s own “Digital Doctor” 1 - 2 - 3! Underwater photo veteran with nearly 40 The Digital Photo Center is conveniently located at years teaching experience. the center of Buddy Dive’s waterfront area on the dock.
Open daily from 8 am – 5 pm (Sat- pher to easily redirect the angle of tion with corrective settings specific urday till noon), the Photo Center of- light, allowing for increased texture to your camera. This popular service fers digital U/W photo and video in- and dramatic lighting effects. The is an advantage in terms of time and struction at beginner, intermediate, Center rents focus lights for night pho- money, and enhances results. and advanced levels. tography. The Digital Photo Center can film We have an extensive line of qual- We have DSLR camera systems your family or group for a lasting mem- ity point and shoot digital cameras available for u/w photographers with ory on DVD or you can rent our video preset with optimal settings that al- extensive digital point & shoot experi- system and make your own movie. Be low the beginner or casual u/w pho- ence considering an upgrade to their sure to check out our line of hand- tographer guaranteed results. Inter- photo system. Photographers want- crafted "Driftwood Art" souvenirs, mediate level photographers will ing to get the most out of their own CDs and DVDs. want to take advantage of our digital U/W cameras may want to schedule external flash systems. Tested on a Digital Doctor session. The “Doc” Digital Photo Center over 100 models of u/w camera, the will examine your camera, images, +599-717-5080, ext 516 external flash allows the photogra- and settings then prepare a prescrip- [email protected]
Bonaire, diver’s paradise / 26 Dining Bonaire's restaurants, bars, and night life
Bonaire’s restaurants are a reflection of the island: diverse and surprising. For every budget, taste, and expectation level, you will find your restaurant: international, exotic, local, or a quick bite. Let us know when you wish to dine, and we’ll make a recommendation & reservation for you.
Local cuisine & hospitality
KAS, the Caribbean Club’s Res- taurant is situated in the middle of the resort's beautiful garden and over- looks one of the its swimming pools. On Sunday we organize the Mana- gers Rum Punch Party with a BBQ af- terwards. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner serving lo- cal Caribbean cuisine!
Visit Blennies, located at Buddy Dive Resort, to enjoy some of the best international dishes and freshly roasted rotisserie chicken on Bonaire in a casual environment with ocean views. Every Friday you’re invited to dine different join us at our Managers Rum Punch Party, a lively event with popcorn and The newest addition to Buddy Dive free rum and fruit punch from 5:30pm Resort is the Ingridiënts Restaurant - 6:30pm. Dance to the live music of sweeping ocean views and elegant the island sounds of Moogie until it’s Caribbean décor make this the perfect time for a dinner break at 7:00pm. place to create your own special meal. Complete the evening by joining us Complete with a brick oven for for our famous All You Can Eat BBQ, homemade pizza and an array of featuring a hog roast and steak, fish, choices that you combine based on chicken and ribs accompanied by a va- your own taste you can expect an un- riety of stews, salads and rice dishes, forgettable dining experience! soup, and of course, dessert! It is a feast you will not want to miss!
Bonaire, diver’s paradise / 27 Specials & Events Unique experiences you won't encounter anywhere else A dive vacation is more than just pro- Kids Sea Camp Through guided dives and interactive viding a bed and tanks. At our properties seminars on subjects like fish behavior & we strive to give you the best dive vaca- @ Buddy Dive coral/fish id, divers find out what’s really tion you’ve ever had. Whether you are stay- Summer Each year at Buddy Dive going on down on the reef, and then ing at Buddy Dive Resort, Belmar Ocean- this program offers a week of combined “wow” their dive buddies with all the fun front Apartments, or Caribbean Club fun and educational dive & snorkel events and interesting facts learned! Bonaire we will make sure that you and for kids, balancing equal time for relax- your family, friends, or dive group have an ation and private time with their parents. unforgettable dive vacation experience. The result is a complete program designed Our entire staff strives to give you an to give parents a memorable family dive va- experience that goes beyond just a regular cation and their children an experience of vacation. Important elements for us in- a lifetime, meeting other kids from around clude organizing events that mix fun with the world, learning to dive, as well as education for the entire family. building a bond with the underwater world. These young people who experi- Freediving Event with Karol ence our oceans at an early age learn to love and protect them, ensuring the future Meyer @ Buddy Dive of the reefs for years to come. Spring The annual Buddy Dive Freediving Event has been gaining in po- Fish ID Program pularity since its start in 2009. The world- August What better way to learn the class Brazilian freediver Karol Meyer co- fishes than with world famous Ned & mes to Buddy Dive to bring her freediving Anna Deloach at their popular “Learning expertise to guests through interactive pre- Fish is Fun and Easy” program at Buddy sentations and clinics. erink Dive Resort. For those who want to add to
The focus of this special event is on ue Elf their week, the Buddy Dive staff will also the sport of freediving with special presen- oniq be offering the Fish Identification tations and clinics as well as themed par- Specialty Course.
ties like a Brazilian BBQ. oto by M On her 2012 visit to Buddy Dive for the Ph Marine Life Education annual event she set her 8th world record, Coral Spawning Showcase September Always a highlight of the reaching a depth of 68.9m in the compe- program, Ned & Anna’s insights into the tetitive class called Skandalopetra. This @ Caribbean Club Bonaire mysteries of coral spawning make this discipline draws from the history of free- August - September At Caribbean event something to look forward to for diving and the ancient Greek sponge fish- Club we showcase this rare & amazing many visitors who come year after year to ermen. Stay at Buddy Dive during the event with a FREE ½ day Project AWARE expand their knowledge in this “living freediving event and try diving without air Specialty in Coral Spawning. Divers learn classroom”. yourself by joining the clinics or just sim- more about what they will see during the ply be astonished by our hostess’s stories spawning and join the dive staff for these during one of the presentations. special night dives! U nderwater Photography Event *Additionally if you book a “Dive & @ Belmar Oceanfront Apartments Explore” package during the Coral Spaw- September Divers join “Digital Dr” ning Showcase you will receive a FREE up- John Wall - a U/W photography veteran grade upon arrival, based on availability. with over 40 years teaching experience - Showcase dates are based on marine park and learn how to “trick” their digital cam- predictions. era into taking amazing photos below the surface. The Digital Dr. combines interac- tive class time with digital photography Special Guests Ned & Anna clinics underwater, putting into practice Deloach @ Buddy Dive the tips & tricks from class and seeing an Fall Join world-renowned au- immediate difference in their underwater thors/naturalists Ned and Anna DeLoach photos!. Just some of the extras that make when they come to Buddy Dive as hosts of this event special are: Ÿ the annual Fish ID & Marine Life Edu- Complimentary “Buoyancy for Photo- cation Programs. graphers” clinic - free. Ÿ Guests learn about life on the reef from Dedicated 2-tank boat dive – You get 6 the people who literally wrote the books boat dives for the price of 4!. Ÿ Guided Salt Pier “photo shoot” - $35/pp. on it: Reef Fish Identification, Reef Crea- Ÿ “Expert’s Corner” interactive presenta- ture Identification and Reef Coral Iden- tion-free. tification. Ÿ Guests best shots from the week take center stage at the Beer & Pizza Photo Bonaire, diver’s paradise / 28 Show-off!. Tech Diving Event @ Buddy Dive Resort October Buddy Dive Resort teams up with Dive Rite, TDI & Micropore for some exciting weeks of Technical Dive De- monstrations, Presentations and Trai- nings. Additionally Special Equipment, Materials and Fills are available during Number of rooms/units 78 22 39 the event. Buddy Dive Resort is totally geared up Number of beds 218 96 108 for you to make the most out of your tech Number of swimming pools 2 1 2 diving vacation. With a fleet of custom dive boats and a well stocked 'Drive Thru' Number of restaurants 2 1 offering air/nitrox tanks, every divers needs can be satisfied. Besides unlimited Number of bars 2 1 air/nitrox fills for the entire 6 days, quali- fied CCR divers have unprecedented sup- Theme Nights with music port for their diving including scrubbing Location/view Ocean/Garden All Ocean Ocean/Garden material and tri-mix fills for FREE! Sidemount divers have tanks available in On-premises dive shop various sizes included in the package. Dive Something Different, Learn 24-hour tank availability Something New: For divers that have not Boat dives from premises experienced Rebreather or Sidemount Diving, demos are available throughout Excursion desk the week. Educational sessions by leading Dive Professionals are also available to Kids club help educate divers, in this style of diving and technology. Maid service Daily Every other day Every other day Security guard
Wireless internet
Car rental
Private parking
Telephone in rooms
In-room safes Underwater Photography Event Televisions in room @ Buddy Dive Resort November– December If you’re a Audio center in room new diver who has never taken a photo un- Bathrooms Showers Showers Showers derwater, or if you’re currently using a ca- mera underwater and simply would like to Airco in bedrooms take better photos, the Buddy Dive u/w Photography Event is the program for you! Fully equipped kitchens Registered guests of Buddy Dive Resort are encouraged to participate in a Types of beds Single/Double Single/Double Single/Double special version of our 3 day Masters Extra beds Upon request Upon request Upon request Underwater Digital Photo Class consisting of three half day photo classes. The three Child beds/cribs Upon request Upon request Upon request classes (regularly valued at $300) are Diving with a Digital Camera, Macro and Voltage 110/220V/50Hrz 110/220V/50Hrz 110/220V/50Hrz Close Up Photography, Advanced Camera Distance from airport 4 miles 1 mile 6 miles Settings and color correcting U/W images using Photoshop. Each class, and escorted Distance from town 3 miles 2 miles 5 miles photo dive, is conducted by Buddy Dive Resort’s own Digital Doctor, John Wall, an U/W photo veteran with over 40 years teaching experience. Bonaire, diver’s paradise / 29 Marine Life
ID MAP Bigeye Blackbar Soldierfish
Coney
Whitespotted Filefish Tiger Grouper
Spotted Trunkfish Queen Angelfish Cherubfish
Baracuda Rainbow Wrasse
Scrawled Filefish
Lettuce Sea Slug Harlequin Bass Bandtail Puffer Longsnout Seahorse
Bonefish Snook
Jawfish Spadefish
Southern Stingray Bonaire, diver’s paradise / 30 Longspine Creole Wrasse Squirrelfish Caribbean Reef Squid French Angelfish
Four-eye Flamingo Tongue Red Hind Butterfish
Tiger Grouper
Queen Parrotfish Redtail Parrotfish Rainbow Parrotfish
Juvenile Blue Tang Golden Hamlet Yellowtail Juvenile Queen Angelfish Barred Hamlet Damselfish
Black Jack Long-lure Grey Angelfish Frogfish
Spotted Drum (intermediate phase)
Tarpon Bonaire, diver’s paradise / 31 Schoolmaster Snapper Become a diver in Bonaire
book our packages
BELMAR Dive, Relax & Explore Bonaire Bonaire Oceanfront Apartments