Diving F.A.Q.

That depends on what time of day your flight arrives. The Bonaire Marine Park regulations require you to participate in an orientation program before you enter the water for your first dive. At Buddy Dive, this orientation is held each day at 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. So if your flight arrives in time for you to participate in either orientation, you can begin diving the day you arrive, and this would count as the first diving day of your diving package. Dive Packages are calculated on consecutive calendar days, and not on “24 hour” clock days. In the vast majority of cases, divers arriving on afternoon flights attend orientation at 9:00 a.m. the following morning.

Not only do we offer Nitrox, we make it available to you on our dock, and at our air/nitrox fill station. If you are certified, you can use it without extra charge. We also offer Nitrox Courses!

We offer daily boat dives departing from the Buddy Dive dock. There is a daily 2-tank boat dive at 8.10 am and a daily 2.15 pm 1-tank boat dive (except for Saturday).

The schedule can be adjusted to the demand. Extra boats and departure times can be added. Guided night and shore dives are available daily (on request). Signing up in advance is a must.

Yes, they are included free of charge with all diving packages.

Yes, but be sure you take into consideration the affect the hot sun will have on the tanks left for long periods in your vehicle! You may take 2 tanks per person from our drive thru on each new collection.

Everyone must take it – but we guarantee you will enjoy it! The Bonaire Marine Park requires all divers arriving on Bonaire, regardless of experience level and diving frequency, to participate in an Orientation Program before taking any boat or shore dives off-premise. After a brief introduction to diving at Buddy Dive Center at 9:00 a.m. or 2 p.m.; you simply get your gear ready, enter the water, and do your buoyancy check. Our staff on the dock is ready to assist you if you need to make weight or equipment adjustments. Once you’re set, off you and your buddy go, for an enjoyable dive on beautiful Buddy Reef.

This is probably the most frequently asked question, but the most difficult to answer, since everyone reacts to temperature differently. As a rule of thumb, you should expect the water temperature in the winter months to be between 79 – 81F degrees (±26 – 27 Cᵒ). Most people will find that they are most comfortable in a 3mm wet suit, or perhaps a 2mm for the warm blooded. The summer and fall months can find temperatures approaching 82 – 85F degrees (±28 – 29 Cᵒ). During this period, most people can wear shorties, 2mm wet suits or dive skins with comfort.

We can arrange a number of programs, from baby-sitting to a special kid snorkel program or introductory scuba courses! Have a look at our kids diving page  or contact us for more information or to pre-book your desired activities.

The power from most of the electric outlets in your room is 127 volts operating at 50/60 cycles (Hz.) and 220 volt 50 cycles in the kitchen. Unfortunately, this does not match the power requirements of most European or American appliances. Therefore, we do not recommend that you use the outlets in your apartment for any sensitive plug-ins, such as laptops and battery charges. You can, however, plug your battery chargers into a power strip in at Front Desk which is protected from fluctuations by a transformer.

Bonaire is located with neighboring islands Aruba & Curacao approximately 50 miles north of the coast of Venezuela in the southern Caribbean outside the hurricane belt.

We are 8 km/5M north of the airport and about 3 km/2M north of the capital town of Kralendijk.

Yes we have two areas, but they are raised sand beaches and not at water level, although you can easily access the water via a ladder or steps, that leads to our protected swimming and snorkeling area.

You do not need a car specifically, but if you are interested in shore diving, or seeing the diversity of our beautiful island, you will want to have one. Many of our packages include a vehicle from our own rental fleet. Public transportation is not available on Bonaire.

We do have a laundry service available for our guests. Please hand in your laundry at our Front Office and we will make sure it will be cleaned for you.

There is a small convenience store within walking distance, and larger grocery stores within a 5-minute drive.

No, not all rooms have a phone, but you can always ask reception to use their phone (there may be costs involved).

Yes, we have a desktop computer with internet & Skype installed next to the front desk for complimentary guest use.  We also have wireless internet at Blennies Restaurant and breakfast area if you have your own laptop or other device with you. Each guest is given complimentary wifi for one device with a code that can be picked-up at the front desk.

We have a limited number available – please request one at the front desk… or our constant trade winds will do the job for you in no time flat!

We can place one roll-away bed or one baby cot in our apartments. Please note it is not possible to add any extra beds to our studios. Surcharges apply if extra beds are added for anyone aged 13 years or older at time of travel. Please make these arrangements when booking the room, so we can make sure the bed is placed in the room prior to arrival. The roll-away bed will be place in the living area of the apartment.

Cancellation Policy

Deposits are Non-Refundable
56 – 29 days prior to arrival: 25% of the reservation is non-refundable
28 – 15 days prior to arrival: 50% of the reservation is non-refundable
14 – 1 days prior to arrival: 75% of the reservation is non-refundable
Day of arrival 100% of the reservation is non-refundable

In order to avoid unnecessary cancellation fees and expenses, we strongly recommend all clients to take out Travel Insurance.