Captain Don's Habitat Bonaire reviews
657 TripAdvisor reviews
Amazing!
WendyS984 (Derbyshire) on Jul 30, 2023
Having read the reviews left by Maps182099 and one or 2 others I had a gut wrenching feeling that our experience was going to be a disappointment at best! I couldn't have been more wrong! We were on a drive and dive holiday. The moment we arrived at reception we were greeted with warmth and good humour. Our room wasnt quite ready and we were given a free drink whilst we soaked up the amazing views. We had chosen a garden view room which was almost brand new. 100% clean beautifully decorated and well equipped. On introducing ourselves at the dive centre Roger was welcoming and informative. We found the dive equipment to be of good standard and fit for purpose. Yes the locker area is awaiting an upgrade but it served its purpose. The diving at the dive centre alone could keep you entertained all week - we dived it at least 4 times and every dive was so different. We found all the staff at the dive centre both pleasant and helpful even taking time to recommend dive sites and draw us underwater maps. The dive sites on this island are so well signed and easy to find. We took advantage of a boat dive for which we had a very knowledgeable guide. We found Alex to be a considerate captain who assisted us out of the water and back to our seats onboard the boat. Would we return?? 100% YES! And I am so glad I didnt change my booking after reading Maps182099 review! Thank you Captain Dons for a wonderful experience.
Perfect Stay
Alexander S on Jul 18, 2023
A really nice hotel that has a good location on the coast of Bonaire, where you can see many great fish while snorkelling at the hotel jetty. We had a family bungalow which was really spacious with one living room, 2 baths , 2 bedrooms and a large terrace and everything was very clean and set in a beautifully landscaped garden. The breakfast buffet offers plenty of choice and although we did not eat at the Rum Runners's Restaurant during our stay, which is located on the terrace with a beautiful view, we got the impression that it seems to be very good and that it was well attended every evening, which is why the very nice staff at the hotel reception ask you to book a table before you visit. At the bar, delicious cocktails are conjured up that are second to none. Kralendijk is within half an hour's walking distance and there is a supermarket only five minutes away where you can get everything you need. The hotel is also a good starting point for excursions by rental car, as it takes no more than 40 minutes to get to either the southern or northern end of Bonaire. All in all, I can say that we had a wonderful time and highly recommend the hotel.
Easy diving at its best.
Alex M W on Jun 25, 2023
If you came to Bonaire and Captain Don's Habitat you will find one of the best run dive operations anywhere, grounded in simplicity. To dive, sign up on the board for the posted dives. While I am here, up to 3 boat dives sunday through Thursday, 2 boat dives Friday and Saturday. Might change by season. 3 boats that get you to your nearby dive site. No site was further than 20 minutes, so no surface interval on the boat. Go back to you room for a snack, whatever. Boats leave at 8:30, 11 and 2. As few as 4 people went out, I could not tell a maximum. And when you get to the dive site, you pretty much dive your own dive, not too far from the excellent guide. Typical dives are about 60 minutes. Nitrox and air are both available. Guides are excellent at spotting critters and making sure everyone is back on board before returning to the dock. You are responsible for your air consumption as well as deco status. This is truly refreshing and dive freedom. Most packages include unlimited shore diving, just grab a tank and go! The corals are alive, in great shape and close to shore. I have photos of octopus and seahorses a short swim from the entry dock. There is even a small wreck with lots of growth. I am first or second in one of their new buildings. Great to be someplace new with a comfortable bed. Ac works perfectly, rooms have wifi, refrigerator, microwave, and some utensils and dishes. 2 sinks, 1 for the restroom and 1 for the kitchen area. There is also a TV with internet channels like Netflix available with your account. They got it mostly right. They probably cannot fix drains in shower and sinks, but pay attention and you are ok. Good pressure in the shower with very hot water, so be careful with that. Restaurant on site is Rum Runners, great service and surprisingly good pizza and burgers. I had not tasted the appetizers or other main dishes. They even have a tofu dish which might be vegan friendly. There is a pool and a spa. The on site dive center is TDS, specializing in technical diving. You can get your rebreather training here. Lucia runs or manages the place and is very helpful with repairs and sales. All in all, nowhere is the diving easier, and the reefs are to dive for. Feel free to reachxout to me with qs.
Our place to stay and dive on Bonaire
happytraveller_iz (Boston, Massachusetts) on Jun 16, 2023
I think it was the 10th time we've stayed at Captain Don. Coming back is like coming home, and we are not the only ones who come here time after time. The dive operation is top notch. The dive masters, Roger, Karin, Gertije, Ludson, Carlos, Alex, Wilco and Sherman (who we missed this time, but there is always a next time) are awesome, they watch over non-experienced divers, and experienced ones have diving their diving freedom. Some times the boats are full, but it comes with the territory, people come here because they like it here. We always stay in the bungalow, as we prefer having breakfast in the room, and having fully equipped kitchen is great. Rum Runners restaurant is not for us. The bungalows are spacious, clean and comfortable. Counting days till we'll be back
Great stay!
travel627 (wisconsin) on Jun 01, 2023
My 6th stay in Bonaire and my favorite place on the island for a dive trip. Favorites were the restaurant with excellent food and views, friendly waitstaff and the dive operation. Not real happy with locker rooms in disrepair and rinse tanks which were always dirty, but dive staff was outstanding, providing extra help for those needing it and good briefings including stories of how the dive sites were named.