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Black Durgon Inn

Kaya Gob. Debrot 145 Hato, Bonaire, Kralendijk Bonaire
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Pool & Beach (22)
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#2 of 2 inns in Kralendijk
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The Black Durgon Inn is a moderately priced oceanfront property with a tranquil tropical ambience. We have easy access to clear, calm water and world-class diving and snorkeling from the property, 50 feet from our shore it drop to 120 feet. The Small Wall and Black Durgon Reef is our front-yard. It teams with marine-life to include hard and soft corals. We offer a relaxing, non-commercial atmosphere, cater to non divers, scuba divers, swimmers, snorkelers and offer quality instruction from swimming to instructor certification. Our forte is bringing new or uneasy divers and snorkelers to a proficient comfort level. The Black Durgon Inn...a place where non divers can relax, new and uneasy divers, snorkelers, swimmers can learn to get comfortable and experienced divers continue to enjoy diving time and time again. Our vacationers come as tourists and leave as friends. Private Pier Rental: Snorkel, Scuba equipment, Kayaks Bed and Breakfast: Yes Condominium/Apartment: Available on request Additional Information: Credit Cards: No Nearest Airport: Flamingo Distance to Nearest Airport: 3 miles
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Free breakfast
Bar / lounge
Beach
Diving
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Room features
Air conditioning
Room types
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Quaint

Location

Kaya Gob. Debrot 145 Hato, Bonaire, Kralendijk Bonaire
57Reviews4Q+A9Room tips
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Alena A wrote a review Feb 2024
Chelmsford, Massachusetts10 contributions7 helpful votes
Great place just amazing. Has a large shady common area right on the sea , a peer, beautiful location. The room is very nice, super comfortable bed and brand new quiet A/C. Breakfast in the morning. Kitchen for common use facing the sea. The only thing you hear is the sea. Additional beauty is actually the company of others as you can meet people from all parts of the world. This is the best place on Bonaire and I have come here for 20 years
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Date of stay: February 2024Trip type: Travelled solo
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.
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Boatswain2PA wrote a review Jan 2024
United States84 contributions41 helpful votes
Great place, but not a "nice" place! It is a great place to stay. The location is stunning, right on the water, terrific shade (a necessity on Bonaire), amazing diving/snorkeling right from the shore without even having to swim "out" to the reef as it is RIGHT THERE. Saw octopus, eels, and fish, fish, fish, and more beautiful fish! Many dive/snorkel boats bring their customers to the mooring buoy just a few meters off of the Black Durgon. In the little courtyard you can find the resident iguanas, parakeets, and other birds while looking out at the beautiful ocean view. It is also quiet, just north of the hustle&bustle of the town. Instead of a big resort, this is an intimate little inn perfectly located for divers/snorkelers where you will make friends with all of the other guests. Al, the owner, is great. He took great care of us, helped a novice diver, and has a fully stocked dive locker. I saw him help many people with gear problems, etc. Very knowledgeable about where to go and what to do. We didn't have a kitchenette in our room, but there is a fully stocked communal kitchen right on the water with plenty of covered seating for dining. Breakfast M-Sat morning served up. Okay, now for the not-so-good. The rooms are very dated. REALLY dated. Clean, but....dated. If you are looking for a "resort style" stay, this isn't it. If you are there to dive/snorkel and/or explore the beautiful island, and don't plan on using your room to do much other than sleeping, then this is a great place at a great price. Huge thanks to Al and his staff for a great vacation!
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Date of stay: January 2024
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Location
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Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip: Bring a cooler and a couple extra towels.
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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.
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Sheree wrote a review Jul 2023
3 contributions1 helpful vote
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Are you a scuba diver and do you want the flexibility to dive at any hour? Do you want to stay at a quiet spot or be bombarded by families full of wild children? If you want crowds and 5 star amenities and $$$$, then this is not for you. If you want to hang with fellow scuba divers and snorkelers in a tranquil atmosphere with easy access to diving and snorkeling then definitely consider staying here. We come back annually. This year we spent 2 wonderful weeks at the Black Durgon. Wonderful is an understatement. I could go scuba diving at any hour off of our private dock onto our private dive site “Small Wall” The gear compound is just yards away from the dock and accessible by guests 24/7. No need to hire a boat to dive “Small Wall”. Al installed a new ladder that is so much easier to climb back up from the dive. So many dive spots on the island and yet all that I need to see is here on Small Wall and easy access! Doris still makes the great breakfasts and Al shares intriguing stories. I could have stayed longer as it was so relaxing. I have already signed up to return next year! Ps. Learn how to play rumikube!
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Date of stay: June 2023
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Trip type: Travelled with friends
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.
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Herv G wrote a review Jan 2023
2 contributions2 helpful votes
The Black Durgon is a great little place away from the big resorts. The owner, Al was always helpful and gave great advice on places to visit. The breakfast was always great. The room are simple and very clean. Plus you can dive/snorkel one of the best site right off the dock. The other guest and staff treated us like family. It became obvious why people continue to come here year after year.
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Date of stay: December 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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.
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Sheree wrote a review Nov 2022
3 contributions1 helpful vote
If your idea of paradise is grabbing your tank and scuba/snorkeling gear and doing a quick dive whenever you want to do so, and simply walking a few feet and jumping off the dock and being miraculously transported onto a beautiful private reef full of life, then the Black Durgon is the place for you. Commune with a smaller group of folks - those who tend to return again and again for the tranquility and the easy access to a beautiful reef and wall enjoyed by divers and snorkelers. if you want 5-star hotel accommodations, this is not the place- but it is very clean and welcoming. If you want to SCUBA to your hearts content with a wonderful breakfast daily, in a tranquil atmosphere, close to town, consider this spot. Be prepared to become engrossed into Rumikube games while you are there, too. Scuba courses: Al, the owner says he enjoys bringing new or uncomfortable divers to the proper comfort level and he doesn’t limit the time for his course. I have seen new students thrive with Al's instruction. The course is not over until the student reaches their proper comfort level. No pressure and no time limits to learn. Self-satisfaction for Al is bringing students to proper comfort level. All equipment is supplied for course. Unlike most places if you forget to bring a mask, snorkel and fins they are supplied gratis at the Black Durgon. For divers, Al provides air tanks on site. Daughter Rona runs tours of the island which are very informational and fun. You will most definitely enjoy the noncommercial atmosphere; and experience the island as the locals do. I can hardly wait until my next visit!
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Date of stay: June 2022
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip: renting a truck is suggested so to travel to other beach entry dive sites. bring sunscreen.
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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.
1 Helpful vote
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Betsy N wrote a review Oct 2022
2 helpful votes
Black Durgon Inn is the ONLY place we'll stay on our annual trips to Bonaire - now 12 years and counting! If you are looking for a small, friendly, clean resort on the prettiest spot on the island - look no further! Long-time owner Al, along with Doris & Rona make you feel like family. Use of the ocean-side, open air kitchen for lunches & dinners makes for intimate meals; and is the only spot where we watch the sun set on the island! The resort also has great snorkeling and two great dive sites from it's pier ! You can always end your day of diving right out in front of your resort - easily rinsing and hanging your gear for the day!
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Date of stay: May 2022
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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.
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kim r wrote a review Jun 2022
New Jersey5 contributions
Small quiet inn located on one of the island's most visited dive site "Small Wall" Walk out your room walk downstairs to the convenient dive locker and dive in right off the pier. Al Catalfumo can help you with any problem that may arise. I feel very relaxed and safe when staying at the Inn. The next time I go will my 25th time. Love it that much.
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Date of stay: September 2021
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mmbed wrote a review Jan 2022
1 contribution
End of december 2021 I was lucky to spend almost two weeks at Black Durgon Inn Bonaire. It had been more than 15 years since I last visited this wonderful place on the island. Bonaire is called “ divers paradise” and I could still remember some exciting dives from my last holiday. However, it had been so long since my last dive that I was doubtful about going into the water again for a dive. The first week I enjoyed myself with a lot of snorkelling around our accommodation. Each time I was surprised by the amount of fishes and the beautiful colours of the coral and reef. At the same time, I looked around and was also curious about the world at a greater depth. The adventure of exploring the reef was attractive so I decided to ask for a diving- refreshment course. Was I able to go diving again after so many years? And how long would it take to feel comfortable again in the water? An ideal situation: my two oldest teenagers were interested in a diving course as well. So I had the opportunity to join them for their first open water exercises. The owner of Black Durgon Inn, called “Al '' invited us to complete the course at the Black Durgon Inn. Very easy and comfortable because all we had to do was jumping into the water next door. Al supplied the three of us with all the gear needed and explained into detail the basics for starting to dive. After some theory and instruction it was time for our first session: snorkelling and exercises in relation to swimming with fins….. It may sound easy but once you are in the water, taking off your mask and clearing, you realize that it is very important to practice these skills. The day after this session it was time for our first dive, but not after the necessary exercises underwater with the complete gear. Take your mask and clear it, without panicking. And take off your regulator, put it back in your mouth and still be relaxed. My kids did great and I have to admit that it took me some time to get that feeling of being comfortable in the water again… But Al was in no rush and took the time needed to help and assist if needed. After that first dive together with my two kids I was ready again for diving and enjoying one of the most beautiful dive spots on the island. How lucky I was to get instructions and help from Al. We also learned everything about our equipment, tanks and how to properly clean everything. Even for my husband these were good lessons, since most of the time he goes diving all the equipment has been prepared for him (e.g. on a dive trip etc). Not to forget to mention that the course is affordable and not expensive in comparison with other courses on the island or even online……. The kids went on with their course, got more theory lessons from Al and had to read the book with all the information and explanations. After 5 dives, theory and tests they were happy to get their certification! Thanks to Al and his way of teaching, very easy access to the water and all the equipment provided we were able to enjoy the underwater world at its best! Quote kids: “ A fun course that is undoubtedly different from any other diving course out there. Practice and theory are uniquely combined instead of being taught separately from each other. Al is kind, lively man and most importantly, incredibly patient, while at the same time, he forces you to self-reflect. During the course, you shift your own boundaries and learn to dive in a fun way”
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Date of stay: December 2021
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.
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dpaustex wrote a review Aug 2017
austin, TX136 contributions86 helpful votes
I have only stayed at Black Durgon, in all of my trips to Bonaire. If you want noisy town-life, screaming kids, etc., this this ISN'T the place for you. Al has 10 rooms at this small, quaint resort. He has an open air kitchen where breakfast is served 6 days a week. You are allowed to use the kitchen - if you keep it spotless. The rooms are basic, and spotlessly clean (Doris has been with him for 20+ years). You run the A/C only at night (electricity and water are outrageously expensive on the island). Tanks are provided 24/7. The dive locker is right beside the water, with rinse buckets, etc. right at the water's edge. The pier for entry/exit literally juts to within 75 feet of the reef drop-off. The "house reef" Small Wall is so good, that many dive boats also come there to dive. Want awesome night diving? Got it here, too, with a lush reef just a few kicks away. In between dives, take a kayak over to Klein Bonaire (about a 15 minute paddle), or snorkel the shoreline. Visitors have the use of two refrigerators at the site. You can save a small fortune doing your own dinners or lunches. There is a fully equipped outdoor kitchen literal steps from the beach. Hammocks under the palms, quiet place...what are you waiting for? Don't be surprised if the Owner, Al, takes a day, or so, to get back to you (yep, island time), if you want a reservation. Like me, people come back year-after-year to this laid-back place. It isn't the Ritz, but it's as good as it gets for real divers. Want crowds? Then you need to go somewhere else.
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Date of stay: August 2017
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Trip type: Travelled with friends
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.
1 Helpful vote
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bocsa wrote a review Jan 2017
119 contributions60 helpful votes
Al is a great person.He believes and lives the values.After bad exeperiences with some diving teachers in Gouadeloupe my husband, 63, and very demanding,end with Al as a teacher to finish his education in diving.After three days he came home happy as a teenager after his first kiss. "I learned so much that you can not imagine.He cared about me,he thought me more than you can imagine" Al is the first peson that did this to my husband. Al must be GREAT.Thank you Al.
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Date of stay: January 2017Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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.
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ALSO KNOWN AS
black durgon inn and scuba hotel bonaire
LOCATION
CaribbeanBonaireKralendijk
NUMBER OF ROOMS
10
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BLACK DURGON INN: UPDATED 2024 Reviews, Price Comparison and 145 Photos (Kralendijk, Bonaire) - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Black Durgon Inn
What are some of the property amenities at Black Durgon Inn?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a lounge.
What food & drink options are available at Black Durgon Inn?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Black Durgon Inn?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
Are pets allowed at Black Durgon Inn?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.