Bonaire is open, and Buddy Dive is welcoming divers back to the island with a combination of familiar favorites and noteworthy upgrades. That's the message from Tina Nicolass-Wall, a long-time team member of the dive team at Buddy Dive, and the resort's social media coordinator. In a recent virtual presentation, Tina shared information and updates to an audience eager to return to Bonaire.
“We never actually closed the resort,” she says, “but without our North American guests, the past 15 months have been pretty quiet.” Though there have been periods when travelers could reach Bonaire by way of indirect routes through Curacao, it was June 5th 2021, when divers really began to return, thanks to the resumption of direct flights to Bonaire from Miami and Atlanta. “It's wonderful to have our American diving friends back,” Tina says. “Now the boats are going out every day, the drive-through fill station is open and everything feels like normal.” Learn more about Buddy Dive Resort
Some of the things that have happened over the past year include a series of upgrades to the resort grounds and facilities. “We took advantage of the down time to make some updates to the resort and dive operation,” Tina says. Newly added was the fire pit, which will serve as a place for divers and the dive staff to gather in the evenings, “We moved the playground from that area so we could enlarge the pit area. It's the perfect place place for cocktails after your day of diving.”
Another favorite gathering spot at Buddy Dive has also seen a full update. “Blennies restaurant got a total remodel,” Tina says. “There's more space under a new roof, the bar is bigger and there's a wider barbecue area. The views are still wonderful, the kitchen is open for lunch and dinner and we've added some theme night menus — pizza night, steak night, all you can eat rib night, and our Friday barbecue with live music.” The resort's open-air breakfast terrace also received some upgrades, and now features a full window enclosure. “It's the same great views,” Tina says “but now with air conditioning, and we're still putting out the full breakfast buffet.”
The dive operation has also seen some updates and streamlining in the past months,” Tina says. “The first thing divers will notice is the new dock — it's wider and longer, so there's more space for everyone.” Another noteworthy update is the retail shop, which has a new floor plan and a décor Tina describes as “Caribbean chic.”
Dive check in has also been streamlined, Tina says, as the entire process has now gone digital. “You can sign up online, and take care of everything before you arrive,” she says, “Caradonna can help you with the links and the registration, and you can also do it at the resort. We have QR codes posted and it's an easy process.” Daily boat scheduling has also gone digital. “I know some folks will say they miss the old chalk board,” she says, “but this new process is really easy.” Not only has the dive operation gone digital, but the check-in process at Buddy Dive has digitally transitioned as well to reduce the waiting for guests and give them more time during their stay.
- To prevent queuing at the front-office upon arrival, room key, beach towels and safe key will be in the room upon arrival. There is no need to immediately check-in so Buddy guests can avoid waiting in line at the front-office. Check-in needs to be done within 24 hours after arrival.
- Buddy Dive will provide guests with a telephone number so they can reach their ‘digital butler’ this results in less physical contact but will maintain service standards. Of course, guests can also reach the digital butler by dialing ‘0’ from their room.
- Guests receive a damage report by mail per car which they can check after checking in at the front desk (within 24 hours after arrival).
Marine park fees are also now paid digitally, Tina reports. Again, Caradonna can provide the link to the marine park registration page, and divers receive a QR code as proof of payment. Anyone who also want a physical marine park tag can get them from the marine park offices, she says. “I know there are a lot of divers like me who still like to collect the tags.”
Another signature program at Buddy Dive that has been maintained through the pandemic is the Reef Renewal Foundation's coral nursery. This groundbreaking initiative has planted more than 20,000 new staghorn, elkhorn and boulder star corals on the reefs of Bonaire. There's also a new crop recent crop of brain corals that can be seen growing in the shallows just off the resort docks.
Buddy continues to take appropriate Covid-related safety measures, Tina says, including numerous hand sanitizing stations and the encouragement of social distancing. Dive boats are running at normal capacity, and as of June the only place on the resort where masks are required is within the tighter spaces of the dive shop. “The beauty of Bonaire is that most everything from dining to diving is outdoors,” she says. “It's really good to see people are able to gather and having a good time”
Traveling to Bonaire
Requirements for entry to Bonaire include negative COVID-19 test results. Online registration is required prior to arrival. Changes have been happening for less entry restrictions for guests with proof of vaccination as well. Because these requirements can change based on caseloads and other factors, the best sources for up-to-date information on safe entry to Bonaire are Caradonna's Dive Travel Agents. In addition to having the latest word on current requirements and travel conditions, our agents can help with all aspects of travel, including digital registrations for Buddy Dive and all required government documentation.