Dive into the New Year
Where we are diving
With abundant marine life, over 80 official dive sites, and breathtaking views you’ll never want to leave. Bonaire is often referred to as the “shore diving capital of the world”. Its crystal-clear waters are perfect for any diver at any level. The calm waters allow novice divers to swim parallel to the shore with minimal currents. Advanced divers will enjoy the unlimited shore dives and freedom to explore the ocean floor. Swimming along with the large sponges and sea fans, you’re bound to spot angelfish, butterflyfish, seahorses, crab and shrimp.
Each dive site in Bonaire is marked with a large yellow rock with the site name painted on it. This makes it easy for you to hop in the car and just drive to your next site. You’re on island time now and the sea is yours.
We will be diving with Buddy Dive. As a full-service dive center, their dive team is known to go out of their way to make every dive a safe and enjoyable experience you won’t forget. Boat diving is very popular in Boniare and offers divers an excellent opportunity to dive sites other may not have access to. Boat diving with Buddy Dive lets the diver explore the beautiful underwater world under the guidance of one of our experienced dive staff members.
As the “shore diving capital of the world”, the fringing reef begins close to the shore, usually, a short 30 feet (10 meters) swim or less. Bonaire’s sea abounds with beautiful marine life and a fascinating variety of multi-colored tropical fish. The sea is remarkably calm and conditions are superb for both scuba diving and snorkeling. On average, while diving on Bonaire, the visibility exceeds 100 feet (30 meters) and our average water temperature is 80º Fahrenheit (28°C).
Registration closes soon!
Trip Leaders
Claude Smith, Instructor Trainer
Claude has led over 150 Atlanta Drive n’ Dive trips and has taken some incredible overseas trips to Bonaire, Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Maldives and Galapagos. One of his best experiences as an Instructor was when he certified his son in Key Largo. He is always learning from his students, both recreational and professional.
Gary Mahoney, Divemaster Instructor
Gary started diving during the Spring of 2007. His first dive trip was to Hawaii and then the Galapagos where he discovered his passion for diving. He was so impressed with diving that he partnered with a colleague to teach a Coral Reef Ecosystems course in Utila, Honduras in January 2009. Gary completed his instructor’s certification in 2010. He enjoys working with beginning divers and underwater photography students. Diventures Lexington helps him keep up to date with the latest and greatest in diving. He also finds that being a member of such a diverse group provides exposure and resources to all things diving.
Top 5 reasons you should come to Bonaire with us!
1. It’s the shore diving capital of the world! And good news! You get unlimited shore diving.
2. The island is as authentic as they come.
3. There are flamingos!
4. And donkeys!
5. You can dive basically anywhere you like. Hop in your rental car and go!
6. Delicious food and drinks.
Resort Details
Where we are staying
An unhurried, unspoiled natural paradise with spectacular sunsets, gentle breezes and crystal clear, turquoise waters.
Buddy Dive is a resort where you can dive, take part in a multitude of activities or just sit back, relax and enjoy the atmosphere. Their personable staff, spacious accommodations, and dive operation makes your holiday worry-free.
Buddy Dive is one of the largest Bonaire dive resorts. All of their one-bedroom apartments have an ocean or garden view and are comfortably furnished to accommodate your needs. Each apartment has a fully equipped kitchen, spacious living area with cable TV, patio or balcony and air-conditioned bedrooms, each with its own bathroom and shower.
Trip Details
Price
Ground Only
1 Bedroom:
- Double Diver: $2,030
- Double Non-Diver: $1,610
- Single Diver: $3,070
- Single Non-Diver: $2,640
1 Bedroom:
- Double Diver: $1,770
- Double Non-Diver: $1,350
- Single Diver: $2,540
- Single Non-Diver: $2,120
Deposit and payments
- 1st deposit: $500 upon signup
- 2nd deposit: $500 due May 5, 2023
- Full balance: October 6, 2023
- Pre-trip meeting: December 3, 2023
Other info
- Prices are based upon double occupancy
- All payments are non-refundable
- Prices are subject to change due to events outside of our control
What’s included
- 7 nights in selected accommodation
- 7 day rental vehicle
- 6 boat dives
- 6 days unlimited shore dives
- Free Nitrox upgrade
- American-style breakfast daily
- Free Wifi
- Airport transfers
What’s not included
- Airfare: Diventures will assist
- Dive insurance (required)
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Recommended courses
- Enriched Air Nitrox
- Deep Diving
- Wreck Diving
Itinerary
Wednesday, December 27: Travel day and check into the resort
Thursday, December 28: Introduction to Buddy Dive
Friday, December 29 through Tuesday, January 2: Dive as often as you like
Wednesday, January 3: Travel home
Possible dive sites:
- Oil Slick
- Salt Pier
- Karpata
- Hilma Hooker
Possible excursions:
What prior travelers say
“Dang!! These guys make it so easy and FUN! Diventures offers us a great value on a super adventure-filled vacation.”
-Pat Witherspoon
Know Before You Go
Seasonal weather
The average high temperature is 87°F and the average low temperature is 84°F. The average water temperature is 83°F.
Passport/Visa requirements
Must be valid 6 months beyond the dates of your trip.
Drinking water
In most cases, the piped water is perfectly safe to drink, yet bottled water is the common choice due to the poor taste of piped water. Piped water in the Turks and Caicos almost always originates from one of two sources: reverse osmosis desalination, and rainfall collection.
Electricity
Voltage is the same as the United States.
Language
The official language of Bonaire is Dutch, yet the native language is actually Papiamentu, spoken exclusively in the ABC Islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao. Papiamentu is a mixture of many languages including Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese, French, English, Caribbean Indian and various African languages.
Money
The U.S. Dollar is excepted everywhere.
WiFi
There is Wifi service throughout the resort.
Dress code
Dress code on the island is casual t-shirts and shorts.