The Spread:
Bonaire’s bountiful reefs, some within swimming distance of the shore and the rest a short distance away by boat, draw divers and snorkelers from around the world. Many island lodgings cater just to scuba enthusiasts. Buddy Dive Resort is different. Along with featuring a PADI 5 Star Dive Center, the property welcomes families by allowing them to join the dive boats and organizing snorkel-only outings. The resort’s 77 units include hotel rooms as well as studio to three-bedroom apartments. All apartments come with kitchenettes, a plus with kids who want to eat early and snack often. While not luxurious, the comfortable lodgings are air-conditioned. The resort features two restaurants and has its own fleet of rental cars, making it easy to explore the island for a day.

Why Families Love It:
Most resorts on Bonaire have small or non-existent beaches. Buddy Dive has two sandy areas along with three swimming pools. With the Buddy Rangers Kids Club, parents can dive happy in the knowledge that their children (ages five through 14) are enjoying supervised activities. The program operates Monday through Friday year-round from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and costs $30 for one session, $80 for three, and $120 for five. Geared to children who can swim, the program teaches youngsters to snorkel, takes them on guided snorkel outings, and also gives them a SASY (Supplied Air Snorkeling for Youth) experience. This special flotation vest and regulator, designed for ages five to eight, keeps children above water but enables them to experience breathing compressed air. Participants also learn to identify fish and coral, paint driftwood, and play games. The dive shop offers Bubblemaker, a beginner’s dive program for ages eight to ten, plus scuba resort courses for older children and adults.

Year-round, the resort offers a Family-Kids-Free package. When parents book a drive and dive package, kids, depending on age, receive a certain number of free SASY, Bubblemaker, kids’ club, or discover scuba programs.

Special Events & Activities:
In summer, generally in August, the resort teams up with Kids Sea Camp to offer a special week-long program of family-centered dive excursions.
www.buddydive.com