Diving Buddy’s Reef Bonaire | The Shore Dive Collection | TropicLens - 4K

When we first came to Bonaire in 2018, we stayed at Buddy’s Dive Resort. It was quite convenient with their on site car rental and terrific facilities. Then we dove the site and fell in love. Tarpon, octopus and crab were exciting, but we also saw a few things we had not seen on Bonaire before like a cuber snapper and music volute. Plus, they have strong support for reef renewal and restoration efforts. What’s not to love?
The combination of logistics and reef life puts this in one of our top ten dive sites on the island. Don’t believe us? Check out the video and see for yourself!
We want to encourage more shore diving, so this video provides some guidance where the site is, how to dive it and what you may see there. If you want to skip to or review specific topics, the section timings are as follows.
0:31 Site Background/Description
2:44 Site Logistics
5:28 Dive Profile
8:26 Sea Life
11:03 Night Diving
Please add a comment and let us know what you saw there.

[@MegaLitefoot]

Really good information and excellent camera work. I felt like I was there!

[@TropicLens]

Thank you for the kind words, Joel. We are glad you enjoyed the video. While physically being here is the best, we are glad the videos give you a small sense of being here in spirit. :-)

[@peterclark85]

That "sunfish" is an ocean triggerfish I believe. Love your videos by the way! Thank you for producing these!

[@TropicLens]

Good call! Will make a note to include that when we update the video. :-)

[@Pete_R63]

I'll be there in about 3 weeks. Can't wait.

[@TropicLens]

Let us be the first to welcome you, Pete! :-)

[@JanPaiva]

My buddy's and my ears are so used to that sound that your video got our attention straight from the beginning.

[@TropicLens]

:-) Still looking for something to get Leslie's attention underwater...

[@Chogogo717]

I carry a spare double ended on my shoulder d-ring. It works great for tapping on your tank.

[@peterclark85]

Can you dive this site with tanks rented elsewhere, such as Dive Friends? My next trip to Bonaire will be my first not renting from Buddy Dive, but I would still love to be able to do a dive or two on this reef since I love it. I love to be able to grab lunch at Blenny's at the same time.

[@TropicLens]

Yes, you can Peter. In fact, we asked about renting their tanks to dive their house reef because we aren't staying there and were "formally" told that we would have to go to Buddy Dive Watersports in downtown Kralendijk to pick some up as they like to reserve the resort tanks for guests that stay there. Basically, you can show up with any tanks and dive there. Two additional points: First, "formally" is in quotes because when we went to Buddy Dive Watersports, they called the resort and we got permission to use the resort tanks. It was certainly easier than loading/unloading tanks and carting them across the island. Not sure if they do that for everyone; but hey, it doesn't hurt to ask! Second, get the fish & chips at Blennies. You won't regret it. :-)

[@Catpanl]

Hey nice channel. How would you guys rate the three ABC islands?

[@TropicLens]

Thanks. Glad you enjoy our videos. As far as "rating" goes, I'll share diving differences here; although cost, convenience, dive shops, road conditions, island "vibe" and the ability to get repairs/parts are also factors to consider. ARUBA: Some wrecks, limited shore diving some of which can be challenging, some variation in topology (sloping sand to rocky drop offs). Favorite sites: Tres Trapi and Hole In The Wall from the shore. Arashi Beach, Antilla and the Renaissance Barge by boat. CURAÇAO: More wrecks, lots of full service shore dive sites (food, restrooms, dive shop, showers, rinse tanks, etc.), easiest shore entries, great variation in topology (some long sloping shallows and absolutely fantastic drop offs). Favorite sites: Playa Piskadó, Vaersenbaai (aka Kokomo Beach), Playa Porto Marie and Tugboat Beach. BONAIRE: Limited wrecks, many entries can be challenging, the most dive sites, good variation in topology. Favorite site: Pink Beach, Buddy's Reef, Karpata and Salt Pier. Hope this helps, but let me know if you have any follow-up questions. Also, we have videos for all of the sites mentioned above if you want to compare them yourself. :-)

[@JanPaiva]

I've never been to Aruba (for diving), But if should have to choose between Bonaire and Curacao, I'd still go for Bonaire. Take into consideration the size of the islands and their size will reflect the number of options you have in activities non-diving related.

[@TropicLens]

Didn't see this comment until after I responded to the other one about the other islands. :-) Indeed, Curaçao is larger which makes it a bit of a drive to Westpunt...although there are some fantastic dive sites out there. The general island vibe is much more laid back on Bonaire as well. Plus, there is much greater dive shop support. So, we agree with your assessment wholeheartedly! That said, we plan to go back to Curaçao for four months starting in February, so more videos from there in 2022.

[@Friedolays]

How much for a single person in october? 7 nights with air, i got all my own gear.

[@TropicLens]

Hi Dan. Unfortunately, don't have pricing information for the Buddy Dive Resort. While we did stay there in 2018, we have been staying in a condo for 2021. Check buddydive.com/resort/rates-specials/ for their current pricing and specials. Hope this helps. Safe travels!

[@erjtej]

😂

[@TropicLens]

:-)