This year November 1st is a very auspicious day — not only is it the first day of DEMA 2017, but it also marks the grand opening of Bonaire’s newest dive accommodation, Delfins Beach Resort.
Situated toward the south of the west coast, it boasts 84 rooms, including studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments, and two penthouses. Don’t miss their pool — it’s the biggest in Bonaire, and a magnesium pool to boot so it’s actually good for your skin and hair (as opposed to the moisture-stripping tendencies of both salt and chlorinated water). And for foodies, the on-site dining is inspired by the resort owners’ Michelin 3-star restaurant, so come hungry.
Bonaire is considered one of the most pristine dive destinations in the Caribbean, with healthy and soft corals, and resurgent populations of elkhorn and staghorn corals that have been lovingly cultivated by the Coral Restoration Foundation. In the north, the land is arid and cactus-laden and the diving is characterized by deeper drop-offs, steeper walls, and bigger fauna like reef sharks, pilot whales and the occasional whale shark or manta ray.
In the south you can find flamingos and palm trees set against a backdrop of mineral-pink lakes, towering white salt dunes, and the turquoise sea. The diving here is a photographer’s paradise, tons of macro life like sea horses and frog fish, plus a plenitude of squid and octopus. It’s clear and warm (about 28° C/82.4° F) and it’s not unusual to spend 90 minutes on one dive taking photos at shallow depths.
In order to give their guests the best diving experiences that Bonaire has to offer, Delfins has partnered with Dive Friends Bonaire, who have a 5 Star PADI dive shop right on the resort. They offer guided diving of course, but also continuing education and even a Bonaire-specific shore diving specialty that makes the most of their house reef. All divers do a preliminary buoyancy check with a member of the pro staff, but after that the level of shop involvement is up to you.
To celebrate their first birthday, Delfins is offering a very special DEMA package that includes seven nights in a studio accommodation including breakfast, unlimited shore diving and a pickup truck to haul your gear. If you book before December 15, they’ll upgrade you to a one-bedroom.
Though Bonaire is known for its world-class diving, there’s plenty there for non-divers as well. The resort has a kid’s pool and can arrange child care with advanced notice. They also offer island tours and the use of cars and scooters. For older children and adults, there’s windsurfing and kiting, hiking, biking, and birdwatching. Delfin’s Beach Resort is also eco-friendly, relying on solar power exclusively during the day, providing electric cars for guest use, and even offering a beer bounty for beach-goers who bring back one of their mesh bags full of recovered litter.
Welcome them to the dive family and check out the Delfins website for more information on pricing, specials, and how to book your trip. Or visit them at DEMA Show in booth #1946.
