The new course director, Rosie Alvelais Crocker, brings international teaching experience and a strong passion for professional dive training to the island.

Rosie’s journey into scuba diving began far from the ocean. Born in Chihuahua, Mexico, and raised in El Paso, Texas, she developed an early fascination with marine life during family beach trips. 

Buddy Dive Resort has been recognized for its outstanding contribution to professional diver education as a PADI 5-Star Instructor Development Center.

The prestigious recognition is presented to a select group of PADI Instructor Development Centers that demonstrate exceptional commitment to developing the next generation of dive professionals. 

Buddy Dive Resort, one of Bonaire's premier diving destinations, continues to offer its IDC, a comprehensive and internationally recognized program that trains aspiring scuba instructors to the highest professional standards. Held year-round in the idyllic setting of Bonaire, the IDC at Buddy Dive has become the go-to course for divers looking to advance their careers and gain PADI Instructor certification.

Are you an aspiring diver looking to go professional? Buddy Dive academy offers the chance and resources for you to become an instructor.

Buddy Dive Resort has won 14 Scuba Reader’s Choice Awards for 2026!! We could not be prouder than what we stand for and what we offer to our dive community. We are especially proud of placing second place in family friends experience – we enjoy seeing every diver’s journey from the kids’ courses to the technical diving courses!

Buddy Dive Resort’s 2026 Scuba Diving Readers’ Choice Awards:

Buddy Dive Resort is getting ready for the 14^th edition of Bonaire TeK – Caribbean’s premier tec diving event - set to take place September 27 through to October 3, 2025.

Unlock the Depths:  Your Buddies brings CCR Divers together for Exploration

Operation CCR is taking place this year from April 19-25, the highly anticipated event will once again bring together divers and industry experts for the most immersive experience. 

What to expect:

The Buddy Dive Academy proudly presents the 2025 PADI Instructor Development Course Dates.

• February 9 - 21
• April 13 - 25
• June 8 - 20
• August 3 - 15
• October 5 - 17
• November 30 – December 12

Has it always been your dream to dive every day and to share your passion with others while working in the most beautiful places in the world? Take the step and become a PADI Dive Instructor on Bonaire!

Buddy Dive TeK is adding an extra week to Bonaire TeK! 

Bonaire Tek is THE tec diving event on Bonaire, attracting tec divers from all over the world and manufacturers of the best gear in the industry. 

This year, Bonaire TeK takes place from September 28 – October 5, 2024. Because of the huge success of the event, Buddy Dive TeK is adding an extra CCR week to Bonaire TeK! 

The event takes place from September 7th to September 14th, 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. 

This year, Buddy Dive Thru the Lens will be hosted again at Buddy Dive Resort, this time from August 24th - 31st. Buddy Dive Thru the Lens is an underwater photography week with many options for (new) underwater photographers to develop their skills! 

Dive enthusiasts and photography aficionados are invited to immerse themselves in the mesmerizing beauty of Bonaire's underwater world at the much anticipated "Buddy Dive Thru the Lens" photography event, hosted by Buddy Dive Resort.