First time to Bonaire – where to stay for diving, space and a good location?
Hi all,
We host guests on Bonaire and see this question come up a lot, so I thought I’d share some practical insights that might help if you’re planning your first trip here.
A lot of people automatically look at resorts, but many divers (and couples/families) actually prefer apartments. The main reasons we hear:
- You have more space to relax after diving
- A full kitchen (very useful on Bonaire)
- Private outdoor space for drying gear or just enjoying sunset
- More quiet compared to larger resorts
Location-wise, staying somewhere in the Belnem area or close to Bachelor’s Beach is a sweet spot:
- Very close to many southern dive sites
- Easy access to town and restaurants
- Great for sunset and shore entries
- Not too busy
Also something people often underestimate: wind. Having a place with a bit of shelter + a pool to cool down after diving makes a big difference.
If you’re diving with a partner who doesn’t dive, it’s also nice to stay somewhere where they can easily snorkel, relax or explore without needing a full-day plan.
We run a small-scale apartment complex near Bachelor’s Beach, so we’re a bit biased, but we’ve seen that most guests really value space, peace and having a “home base” instead of a hotel room.
Happy to answer any questions about areas, logistics, dive spots or what to look for in accommodation 👍