Sea Donkey Diving
Sea Donkey Diving
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About
We offer bespoke diving services on board a Classic 1965 Maine Lobster Boat, with a maximum of 8 Divers. We believe that being rushed and diving with a crowd is not the way to enjoy the stunning reefs of Bonaire. Let us know what you'd like to do and we will build a custom itinerary to fit your needs!
Kralendijk, Bonaire
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
5.0
29 reviews
Excellent
29
Very good
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Average
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Terrible
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daveewise
Annapolis, MD12 contributions
Jun 2019 • Couples
My wife and I were planning to visit Bonaire for our first time, arriving on a a cruise. I wanted to dive, though my wife doesn’t dive, so I went looking for a dive outfit that was willing and able to accommodate my diving while my wife snorkeled. I contacted Sea Donkey, and spoke with Tracey, one of the owners. She was very willing to work with us on our needs, which included picking us up from the cruise port. On the morning of our arrival she was right where she told us she would be when we got off the ship. She drove us to the dock, where we met her dive master, Raul, who was extremely friendly and helpful with our gear. My wife and I were joined by another couple, and a woman diving solo before heading out. We dove Barkadera and (I think) Small Wall, which were both great sites. Tracey and Raul were both very personable, and a wealth of information about both the diving, and the island itself. Tracey’s tale of how Sea Donkey was transformed from a Maine lobster boat into her current glory as a dive boat is great! Raul was a perfect combination of being focused on his job, and being friendly and chatty. We will definitely be joining Sea Donkey for more diving the next time we’re in Bonaire!
Written June 9, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We're glad that you had a good day and look forward to seeing you again!
Written July 11, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jackie
San Francisco, CA51 contributions
Dec 2017 • Couples
We had a wonderful time on a 3-dive day trip including a delicious lunch prepared by Tracy. Tracy and Dave are super nice, caring people, and very interesting to talk to. We loved their boat and it's story! We did one dive on the north side of Bonaire and two dives off Klein Bonaire. All excellent, the highlights were the Klein Bonaire dives! These are special because they're not easily accessible from shore. Overall we had an amazing time and highly recommend Sea Donkey! Thank you for the great day we'll see you next time!
Written January 10, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What a perfect way to spend Christmas Day! We look forward to doing it again on your next visit!
Written January 16, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DiLovesadventure
Walton Hills, OH31 contributions
Aug 2017 • Couples
We dove with Captain Dave and "Boy" on Sea Donkey and could not have been happier ! We booked six boat dives thru The Plaza resort and wanted more, but Toucan Diving could not accommodate us. We found Captain Dave thru VIP diving which is right next to the Plaza.
Both Captain Dave and Sea Donkey are full of character and personalized service!! Captain Dave is very personable with many interesting and entertaining stories.. He is very knowledgeable and experienced in diving. Boy, the other dive master is very, very nice and awesome dive master! The lobster boat, Sea Donkey, was brought from Massachusetts by David and the story behind it is very intriguing!
We were the only two on the boat for two days of diving, which spoiled us!!! He suggested great dive sites and we had four very relaxing dives full of beautiful and abundant fish and coral!
We were so happy to dive with Dave and Boy !
Both Captain Dave and Sea Donkey are full of character and personalized service!! Captain Dave is very personable with many interesting and entertaining stories.. He is very knowledgeable and experienced in diving. Boy, the other dive master is very, very nice and awesome dive master! The lobster boat, Sea Donkey, was brought from Massachusetts by David and the story behind it is very intriguing!
We were the only two on the boat for two days of diving, which spoiled us!!! He suggested great dive sites and we had four very relaxing dives full of beautiful and abundant fish and coral!
We were so happy to dive with Dave and Boy !
Written August 8, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I'm glad that you found us and we were able to share some awesome diving with you! Looking forward to seeing you again!
Cheers,
David
Written September 15, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MayaBimbimbap5
New York City, NY11 contributions
Jul 2017 • Couples
After a week of shore diving in Bonaire, my husband and I booked an afternoon dive trip upon the SeaDonkey to Klein Bonaire, and we were extremely pleased!
I love the opportunity to go on a smaller boat (you don't feel congested with too many folks scrambling around with equipment, and the pace is more relaxing). The boat itself is very clean, and the center of the boat is equipped with proper tank storage and set up so you can easily prep your dive gear.
Our guide, Pauline, and Captain David were extremely helpful in introducing us to Klein Bonaire. The captain knew so much about the area and had us laughing the whole time. The SeaDonkey really allowed us to experience the more secluded underwater parts of Klein Bonaire, which we were grateful for. Due to this and the high level of professionalism throughout the trip, we would definitely book again.
I love the opportunity to go on a smaller boat (you don't feel congested with too many folks scrambling around with equipment, and the pace is more relaxing). The boat itself is very clean, and the center of the boat is equipped with proper tank storage and set up so you can easily prep your dive gear.
Our guide, Pauline, and Captain David were extremely helpful in introducing us to Klein Bonaire. The captain knew so much about the area and had us laughing the whole time. The SeaDonkey really allowed us to experience the more secluded underwater parts of Klein Bonaire, which we were grateful for. Due to this and the high level of professionalism throughout the trip, we would definitely book again.
Written July 24, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
blawler12
Lago Vista, TX5 contributions
Jan 2018 • Couples
On our recent trip to Bonaire, I was looking for a dive boat that would take me to Klein Bonaire in the afternoon and allow me to hunt lionfish, an activity that has renewed my passion for diving. One of the dive operators I contacted referred me to the Sea Donkey, a newer independent dive boat operator on the island. I was not disappointed. Tracey and David were awesome and ran an outstanding operation. They accommodated my completely and made sure that we came home with dinner. I am already looking forward to next years trip and will be definitely be diving with Sea Donkey again.
Written January 15, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It was a pleasure hunting Lionfish with you and we look forward to seeing you next year!
Written January 16, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
GLFFLORIDA
Orlando, FL29 contributions
Dec 2017 • Friends
What a amazing company. Their customer service is over the top
Every email was answered promptly and very informative
Once arrived at the port from the cruise ship - Tracy was there to meet us - drove us to the pier and we were off.
Such a pretty place to snorkel. We went to 2 locations and saw lots of fish.
They had plenty of water and snacks as an added touch
What a great way to spend the day!!
Every email was answered promptly and very informative
Once arrived at the port from the cruise ship - Tracy was there to meet us - drove us to the pier and we were off.
Such a pretty place to snorkel. We went to 2 locations and saw lots of fish.
They had plenty of water and snacks as an added touch
What a great way to spend the day!!
Written December 31, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I'm glad that you enjoyed the trip and we hope that you will visit us and Bonaire again!
Written January 16, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ron57nie
Wilmington, NC68 contributions
Nov 2017 • Couples
Been diving since 1989, been to Bonaire eight times for a week or longer as well as numerous stops on cruises. This was just my second time boat diving since Bonaire is so famous for perfect shore diving conditions. My son and daughter-in-law set this up for my 60th birthday and what a great choice and day it was. We were visiting for just a day on the Navigator of the Seas, so we had no equipment, but Sea Donkey took care of all our needs. Very nice and safe equipment, a great boat fresh from lobster fishing in New England but refurbished to work great as a dive boat.
Tracy picked us up at the dock and had us on the boat in less then 10 minutes, All our gear was ready and off we went. Our trip to Klein Bonaire was quick and easy, and before you knew it we were wet, the first dive was good but the normally clear waters were a bit cloudy. A quick move around the bend got us perfect conditions and a great dive for our second dip. Bonaire has a great abundance of fish in quantity and variety, the second dive and its enhanced visibility had us seeing eels, puffers and the ever elusive octopus.
Between dives we chatted with Dave and Tracy, learned a bit about their adventure getting to Bonaire, had a few snacks and a drink. I would not hesitate to dive with Sea Donkey again, whether coming on a cruise or staying a week Bonaire is a must do for the serious dive fanatic, Sea Donkey will make it easy.
Tracy picked us up at the dock and had us on the boat in less then 10 minutes, All our gear was ready and off we went. Our trip to Klein Bonaire was quick and easy, and before you knew it we were wet, the first dive was good but the normally clear waters were a bit cloudy. A quick move around the bend got us perfect conditions and a great dive for our second dip. Bonaire has a great abundance of fish in quantity and variety, the second dive and its enhanced visibility had us seeing eels, puffers and the ever elusive octopus.
Between dives we chatted with Dave and Tracy, learned a bit about their adventure getting to Bonaire, had a few snacks and a drink. I would not hesitate to dive with Sea Donkey again, whether coming on a cruise or staying a week Bonaire is a must do for the serious dive fanatic, Sea Donkey will make it easy.
Written December 14, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It was a pleasure to dive with you and celebrate your birthday! We look forward to seeing you on your next trip!
Written December 16, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
pochmahon
Seattle7 contributions
Aug 2017
We made a late booking for a boat dive through GoodDive and they couldn't accommodate our schedule. Rather than turn us away they reached out to David at SeaDonkey, and arranged for a two tank dive. KUDOS to GoodDive.
David was punctual at the marina and soon had us loaded onto his boat. We made a majestic departure (Better to look good than be fast). We had the boat to ourselves and arrived at the dive site off of Klein just as we finished suiting up. David explained the dive profile and eduacated us on recently spotted marine life and we proceeded to have two of the best dives of our trip. David informed us afterwards of a shore dive that exceeded our expectations and for which we were grateful to get some inside scoop. This is our fourth trip to Bonaire and we will be using David to augment our shore diving on our return next year.
Thanks David for a great day Iain and Jan
David was punctual at the marina and soon had us loaded onto his boat. We made a majestic departure (Better to look good than be fast). We had the boat to ourselves and arrived at the dive site off of Klein just as we finished suiting up. David explained the dive profile and eduacated us on recently spotted marine life and we proceeded to have two of the best dives of our trip. David informed us afterwards of a shore dive that exceeded our expectations and for which we were grateful to get some inside scoop. This is our fourth trip to Bonaire and we will be using David to augment our shore diving on our return next year.
Thanks David for a great day Iain and Jan
Written September 5, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi guys,
It was a pleasure meeting you both & I look forward to seeing you next time!
Cheers,
David
Written September 15, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
txlloyd
Pearland, TX25 contributions
Mar 2017
We booked Captain Dave's Sea Donkey for four days of boat diving through Gooodive. It was our third trip to Bonaire, but our children's first dive trip. As the only divers on the boat, Captain Dave found the best dive site each day for our three children. Each dive was absolutely beautiful and over the four days we saw the variety Bonaire has to offer. Captain Dave is a very experience diver and boat captain in addition to being friendly and entertaining. We will certainly use Sea Donkey when we return to Bonaire.
Written May 4, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
peterpansen
12 contributions
Apr 2017 • Couples
We had a perfect 2 tank dive to Klein Bonaire with some awesome Lionfish hunting. Tracey and Dave were awesome hosts and we really enjoyed the day. The old lobster boat is in great condition and the diving was safe and professional. I'm sure we come back!
Written April 6, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No questions have been asked about this experience
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.