Visit Your Buddies at the DEMA Show Las Vegas from November 19 – 22, 2024!  Buddy Dive Directors Barbara, Steffie, Paul, and Dive Operations Manager Martin, will be in booth 8051 to tell you about what is new at Buddy Dive Resort, our great group facilities, and of course the DEMA Special!

We can’t wait to inspire you for your next dive trip, advise you on how to prepare for your trip to Bonaire, and tell you about what highlights, above and below water, you should not miss when visiting Bonaire.

This is also a great opportunity to benefit from Buddy Dive’s fantastic DEMA Special (including an 8=7 group deal)!

Come and see us at DEMA in booth #8051. We can’t wait to see you there!

AnouckAbout tec diving on Bonaire

Meet Anouck. Only 31, years old, she is already the Tec Diving coordinator at Buddy Dive TeK. She has been working at Buddy Dive Resort for over 10 years and leading Buddy Dive TeK full-time for the past 2,5 years. Our communications intern Joep was curious to learn more about tec diving on Bonaire, so he conducted this interview with Anouck… It is too good not to share it with you…

Can you briefly explain to us what Tec diving is?

Many people think Tec diving is only diving deep and outside recreational limits. Tec diving for me, is diving with a specific goal and requiring additional equipment and procedures to achieve this goal. Going deep or diving in wrecks is not that difficult, but doing it safely is the challenge.

How and why did you start Tec diving?

If you had told me at the beginning of my diving career that I would be doing this now, I would have laughed at you. I first learned about Tec diving during my Rescue Diver, Dive Master, and Instructor Courses in Thailand. When I first saw tec divers preparing for their dives I thought, that’s a lot of extra gear, that’s not for me. When I got more explanation about the projects they were doing, the procedures, and the use of the equipment, it got me. I realized there was a lot to see in the deep places I couldn’t go to now. Eventually, I got the chance to do a Discover Tec Dive. In Thailand, I didn’t have the funds to take the tec courses and buy the gear but was hungry for more.

Why did you become Tec-dive Coordinator at Buddy Dive Resort?

When I came to Bonaire, I was able to start my tec courses and have been tec diving a lot in the past years. I continued to develop and I have learned so much. I became the tec diving coordinator because the position became available and I not only love tec diving, but I am also very much interested in the logistics and organization within the tec department.

Can you explain what Operation CCR is?

It’s a yearly event specifically focused on diving with rebreathers. It is a great event for certified rebreather divers, but also a lot of fun if you are just interested in trying a rebreather for the first time. In the mornings our CCR-dedicated boats go out for 2-hour dives on the deep reefs and wrecks of Bonaire. In the afternoon there are usually tryouts and demos of new gear (new units, but also DPVs, etc) and during the evenings there are presentations and moments to socialize and get to know fellow tec divers. Later in the year we also host Bonaire TeK an event especially for tec divers.

What was your best Bonaire Tek/Operation CCR moment?

My favorite moment of Bonaire Tek and Operation CCR was when I got to join the tec divers in the water for the first time. I had been involved with the “dry” part of the events  – mixing gas and organizing logistics- and was beyond happy to finally join the tec dives.

What makes Buddy Dive unique compared to other dive shops that offer Tec diving?

I think the biggest advantages of booking tec diving with Buddy Dive Resort are the easy logistics and flexibility. We have a wide range of services available and since we have all facilities on site, we can deliver gas, services, and supplies/ equipment when and how guests like it. Our tec department with rental gear and gas blending station is located in our Drive-thru, which makes the logistics extremely easy.

Bonaire isn’t a very well-known tec diving destination. Can you tell us what makes Bonaire interesting for tec divers?

In my opinion, Bonaire is interesting for technical diving because of the amazing conditions and simple logistics. It is easy to find depth and the bottom contour makes it very attractive to do tec training on Bonaire. We regularly welcome guests for training or instructors taking students here to do training. The dives are beautiful with deep coral reefs, a few wrecks, and interesting objects at depth such as anchors from Bonaire’s colonial days.

What are your favorite tec diving locations around the island?

This is a difficult question, but I will list a few. 1. The deep wreck of the Windjammer, at 60 meters/ 200ft. It is an old sailing ship that was built when there was a switch between wood and metal construction and sail or motor-driven, with the result that she had the construction of an old sailing ship but was made of metal, so the wreck is in great condition. I also love deep dives at Red Slave where at depth you will come across several anchors that are full-grown with beautiful coral. On Klein Bonaire, you have a second reef system, which is untouched. It is so beautiful there. Finally, it’s worth going down at Karpata, which has an endless wall to dive along.

Why would you encourage potential tec divers to take his or her course with Buddy Dive?

I like the way Buddy Dive approaches the tec courses. We always thoroughly check the participant’s diving skills to ensure the course participants are ready to take the course and whether there is a good chance of success. If not, we help the students get ready for the course. This baseline check allows us to determine what we might have to work on. We focus on great basics, so divers remain stable and focused when they need to start multitasking

What is your most memorable tec diving experience?

That was during my GUE Tec1 course. During an exercise with my team, extra difficulties were imposed on us. Our instructor decided to give us even more problems. At one point, at about 30 meters deep, we only had one person left with a mask, only one left with a light, and we were all attached to someone else’s air. Because we were so comfortable with each other, it still went quite easily. The instructor was quite impressed afterward. Note: This stress training is conducted by highly skilled and trained instructors, who are trained to teach this kind of training.

What is the most beautiful thing you have ever seen during a Tec dive?

I have to say that I love seeing the subtle changes on the reef and the corals on wrecks and the bottom around 70+ meters compared to shallower water.

What is still on your Tec Dive bucket list?

I do have a wish list that is getting longer and longer. I would love to travel to other places. Maybe not necessarily places, but other wrecks. I would love to go to Truk Lagoon and Bikini Atoll in the Pacific Ocean. I would also love to go to the Scapa Flow (World War I wreck) in Scotland. I am interested in history. All these wrecks have a historical story, and I would love to see it for myself.

Which tec course is your favorite and why?

That’s a tough question as I enjoy teaching all courses. I still find the Tec Basics the most fun to teach. I love laying a solid base that students will benefit from throughout all other courses and dives. When students pass the Tec Basics course, they can move on to the next courses with peace of mind and confidence.

What advice would you like to give to future tec divers?

“Take your time to build your skills and search for a high quality training facility. Take a few dives to practice and gain experience before moving to the next course. If, you don’t feel comfortable enough to take the next course, don’t do it! When choosing a training facility, go for quality over a good price or discount.

Buddy Dive Resort celebrates 40 years of Hilma Hooker Diving with Hilma Hooker Week

 On September 12, 2024 it is exactly 40 years ago the Hilma Hooker sank. Buddy Dive Resort will celebrate 40 years of Hilma Hooker wreck diving with a week-long event, including presentations, dedicated boat dives and lots of wreck diving! The event takes place from September 7th to September 14^th, 2024.

The Hilma Hooker is one of the most well-known and favorite (wreck)dives on Bonaire. The wreck is in great shape and easily accessible from shore, as well as by boat, making it the favorite wreck in the Caribbean for many.

The Hilma Hooker was built in 1951 in The Netherlands under the name Midsland. After changing names many times, it ended up on Bonaire in June 1984. It was in very bad shape and after inspection, the local authorities found a big load of drugs on board of the ship. The ship was already sinking and no owner came to claim the ship. That is why it sank between a double reef at a depth of 30m/ 120 ft, creating a new playground for divers.

Buddy Dive Resort will celebrate 40 years of Hilma Hooker with a new yearly event: Hilma Hooker Week. During this week – September 7 – 14, 2024, guests can sign up for a wide variety of activities such as:

• Wreck Specialty Course.
• Guided Penetration Dives
• Night Wreck Boat Dive
• Doubles Try Out
• Free Presentations at Blennies restaurant & bar
• Dedicated Boat Dives to the Wreck

Would you like to join this extraordinary week dedicated to the Hilma Hooker? Mark your calendars for September 7 – 14, 2024! For more information, the full event schedule, and bookings visit https://buddydive.com/hilma-hooker/ or contact info@buddydive.com.

Buddy Dive Resort is one of the largest Dive Resorts in Bonaire – Caribbean Netherlands.

The resort has 73 apartments with 220 beds, a dive center, two resort restaurants, two swimming pools, and its own car rental company.

To strengthen our team, we are immediately looking for a motivated and service-oriented

Restaurant Employee

In addition to being one of the best dive resorts, our beautiful dive resort offers the possibility of enjoying delicious food & beverages. Both resort restaurants are located on the waterfront and provide a meeting place for our hotel guests, our dive guests, and island residents. Both restaurants offer something for everyone.

Our Blennies Pool Bar offers an informal atmosphere, with service ranging from breakfast to lunch and dinner. For beautiful sunsets and evenings of delicious dining, including matching wines, guests can visit our fine-dining restaurant Ingridiënts.

Job Requirements:

What are you going to do?

• Together with the rest of our enthusiastic F&B team, you are responsible for the daily operation of the restaurant;
• In this full-time position, you prepare for the opening of the restaurant, advise and serve the guests, ensure payment control, and help clean up the restaurant after closing time;
• As a restaurant employee, you are attentive, customer-friendly, and proactive;
• In addition, you have a flexible working attitude and you can communicate well with guests, colleagues, and your manager;

What we ask:

• Have at least one year of relevant experience;
• Insight into (legal) regulations in the field of safety;
• A team player;
• Command of the English and Dutch language;
• Spanish and Papiamento are a plus;
• Above all, you are motivated to fulfill this position successfully and give the guests the best experience!

What we offer:

• Working in a leading organization within the diving world in Bonaire;
• A challenging position in a beautiful working environment;
• Working in a committed team;
• A competitive salary supplemented with generous tips;
• The opportunity to (learn to dive) for free;
• Special rates at two gyms;

Want to become part of our Buddy family?

Recognize yourself in this and wish to get started in a challenging environment, send your written application including your curriculum vitae, via e-mail to human resources@buddydive.com and then we will contact you as soon as possible!

Where Great Food Meets Stunning Ocean Views

Are you dreaming of the perfect beachside escape on the beautiful island of Bonaire? Look no further, Blennies Restaurant is your gateway to relaxation, delicious dining, and breathtaking views. Whether you’re staying at Buddy Dive Resort or just visiting the island, Blennies is the place to be for an unforgettable experience.

A Slice of Paradise

Nestled at the beachside of the Buddy Dive Resort, Blennies Restaurant offers a slice of paradise that’s open to everyone. Step onto our pristine beach, complete with comfortable beach beds where you can soak up the Caribbean sun, sip on a cool drink, and take in the serene surroundings. Our beachside pool adds an extra touch of luxury to your day of relaxation.

The Dining Experience

Blennies is not only a feast for the eyes, but also for your taste buds. We take pride in serving a delectable blend of international and local dishes, ensuring that every meal is a celebration. Whether you’re here for lunch or dinner, our menu offers a variety of options to satisfy your cravings.

• Lunch: From 11:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m., savor our selection of fresh salads, sandwiches, burgers, and delicious fruit shakes. Enjoy your meal while observing the activity on the dive dock below you.
• Dinner: From 6:00 p.m. till 10:00 p.m., choose from our daily specials or our à la carte menu. Dining under the stars at Blennies is a truly special experience.

Weekly Specials You Can’t Miss

We also offer special themed nights to make your dining experience even more exciting:

• Tuesday Steak Night: For the carnivores, juicy tenderloin or sirloin steak is on the menu. Choose your favorite side and sauce for a perfect steak experience.
• Thursday All You Can Eat Ribs: If you have a serious appetite, join us for a feast of delicious ribs served with all the fixings.
• Friday All You Can Eat BBQ: It’s a party you don’t want to miss. Enjoy a buffet featuring a variety of meats, salads, and desserts while dancing to live music.
• Saturday Raw & Roasted: Experience a food truck festival with fresh sashimi, tacos, and live music, all against the backdrop of a Bonaire sunset.
• Sunday Pizza Funday: Indulge in a variety of mouthwatering pizzas at unbeatable prices.

How to find us

Blennies Restaurant is conveniently located within Buddy Dive Resort. Our beachside oasis is open for you:

Lunch: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Dinner: 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

To make a reservation for today or for groups of more than 6 people, please give us a call at +599 717 5080 or +599 789 5080, or email us at restaurantmanager@buddydive.com.

We can’t wait to welcome you!

Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease Bonaire

Lately, we have been getting some questions about the Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease or SCTLD on Bonaire.  Tina, Martin and Augusto made a video for you to explain the current situation, the stoplight system, and most importantly, how you can still enjoy diving on Bonaire. Spoiler: You can still dive 60+ dive sites and the dives are still amazing!

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any additional questions – info@buddydive.com – +599 717 5080 – 1-866-GO-BUDDY

For more information about SCTLD on Bonaire and the stoplight system visit https://stinapabonaire.org/bonaire-national-marine-park/

For more information about our rates and specials, please visit https://buddydive.com/resort/rates-specials/

Buddy Dive Resort is getting ready for the 12^th edition of Bonaire TeK which will take place from September 30 – October 7, 2023. With a spectacular program filled with interesting presentations, tryouts and lots of spectacular tec dives, Bonaire TeK 2023 will be one to remember.

During the most significant technical diving event in the Caribbean, guests will get to enjoy demos and tryouts with the newest equipment, presentations from renowned names in the industry, and lots of exciting and fun tec dives. Buddy Dive will welcome guest speakers and presenters from Dive Rite, Divesoft, and more!

Bonaire TeK thrives to bring together tec divers from all over the world, creating a community and initiating new partnerships.

Bonaire TeK is a great platform for suppliers and retailers to show the best they have got to offer. Informing about their products firsthand and letting guests try their newest gear and equipment. Our longtime partner and supplier of (part of) our rental and staff gear, DiveRite, will be there showcasing their latest gear and offering demos with their DiveRite O2ptima CCR. While Divesoft, will provide tryouts with their Liberty rebreather.

Bonaire TeK offers guests the chance to try CCR diving, diving with doubles or take the chance to have a test ride with our DPVs. Of course, our dedicated tec boats will go out every day for dives on the deep reefs of Bonaire.

During the surface intervals, Buddy Dive offers a fun program including yoga classes, presentations and a tec gathering with drinks and snacks on the beach.

Sounds good? Sign up for Bonaire TeK 2023 from September 30 – October 7, or join Bonaire TeK 2024 from September 28 – October 5, 2024! Contact our reservations department – reservations@buddydive.com or tekdiving@buddydive.com for info and bookings.