Bonaire is known as ‘Shore Diver’s paradise’. With its 60+ dive sites directly accessible from shore, it certainly deserves that title. However, at Buddy Dive Resort you can also do boat diving. The Resort’s unique Drive-Thru station facilitates the convenience of shore diving, while our custom dive boats offer daily trips to various sites, including those around Klein Bonaire. Both offer a unique experience. Understanding the difference between the two could help you tailor your trip to your desires.
Shore diving: freedom and flexibility
Shore diving allows you to explore the vibrant marine life and wrecks at your own pace. You can do this at your schedule, at your own pace. Discover the underwater world with limitless possibilities. Are you an early bird and do you make your first dive before breakfast? Or do you like to cruise down the shore, looking for the best spot to dive? It is all possible with shore diving.
Advantages of shore diving:
- Cost-effectiveness: and who doesn’t like to save on holidays? At Buddy Dive Resort, you always have unlimited shore diving in your package included.
- Flexibility: Dive whenever you choose, fully independent from boat timetables.
- Extended bottom time: you don’t have to dive deep to see the wonderful sea life of Bonaire. You can stay at the shallower depths, allowing for a longer period to explore!
Considerations when shore diving:
- Take a buddy – it is highly advised to always dive with a buddy for safety reasons.
- Physical entry – some dive spots might not be as accessible for some people due to the rocky or uneven shorelines.
Boat diving: access to exclusive sites and tips
Buddy Dive Resort has its own dock, with boats leaving a couple times a day. We are right across from Klein Bonaire, but you can also take the boat to places further. You can easily upgrade your unlimited shore diving package and add 6 or even 12 boat dives to your diving experience!
Advantages of boat diving:
- Diverse dive sites: Reach the locations that are not accessible from shore and discover other beautiful reefs and unique underwater landscapes.
- Guided experiences: On the boats from Buddy Dive, a dive master is always present to point out beautiful marine creatures. Maybe you’ll spot something you would have missed if the dive master didn’t point it out!
- Solo diving: Unlike shore diving, boat dives could be easily done alone without the need for a buddy. Meet up with other solo divers and set a date to go out shore diving afterwards!
Considerations when boat diving:
- Scheduled departures: if you decide to go on a boat dive, you must adhere to boat schedules. This limits your flexibility throughout the day.
- Additional costs: boat diving is more expensive than shore diving due to the presence of the dive master on board, fuel costs and the general maintenance.
