Your Mini-Travel Guide To Bonaire

B is for Bonaire, one of the A B C Dutch Antilles. This is a gorgeous paradise in the Caribbean Sea where even the reptiles match in color the breathtaking turquoise waters that surround them!

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This island is the B in the A B C islands, it's largely overlooked as Aruba and Curacao attract the most attention with tourists heading this way. It is smaller; only 20,000 inhabitants live here full time making it more cozy, relaxed, and friendly. It's also a lot less commercial which is a big plus in my book!

The island has 62 diving and snorkeling sites (can you believe it?) considered to be among the best in the world, many are there right on your doorstep too!

Why Choose Bonaire For Your Caribbean Holiday?

This island is not as popular among tourists as other islands yet so it is not as crowded.
Many parts of the island are still unspoiled.
It's an absolutely stunning tropical island in the Caribbean Sea.
It is very much a family affair here, perfect for a family vacation.
You can enjoy watersports, diving & snorkeling all over the island. Beaches and 50 shades of blue surround you; perfect for relaxation!
You will find here history, beautiful food, and animal encounters, with flamingos for example. All in all, there's something here for everyone!

On the water in Bonaire — Sailing along the coast of Bonaire

Best Time To Visit Bonaire

Between April-May and October, it's the dry/high season. December to March is the rainy season however, it doesn't rain for long periods at a time. The average temperatures here vary very little, it's nice and warm year-round.

General Information You Need To Know

If you're driving around the island: There are no traffic lights on the island! They are more about roundabouts here, 4 in total. There is also minimal signage as far as direction goes.
When diving & snorkeling you must first acquire a token that you will be asked to attach to your mask or make visible in another way more comfortable for you. It costs 25$ for snorkeling and 45$ for divers. These funds are used to protect the water world and marine life as well as periodic major cleanups of the beaches and waters.
They are very strict on Bonaire when it comes to protecting the environment so please follow the rules! Don't enter the waters before you have a token, don't touch the reefs and corals, and enjoy the marine life from a safe distance.
When visiting Klein Bonaire consider the fact that you have no facilities on the island. Spending half a day is a good time frame to stay as you also have no shade and the heat will be ON. Make sure you know the times the water taxi comes and goes so you don’t stay behind.

Where To Stay In Bonaire

I chose to stay in the area of Kralendijk, a few minutes drive from the airport. It has nice vibes, bars, and restaurants to enjoy along the water. There are boats you can rent for the day, water taxis going daily to Klein Bonaire, and shops.

My pick ~ A beautiful resort offering great value for money ~ Courtyard by Marriott Bonaire Dive Resort

A pelican in Bonaire — A pelican spotted in Bonaire

Top Activities To Do In Bonaire

Take a tour of the island in a group or privately rent a car to explore what this island has to offer.
Highlights NOT to be missed ~
Visit the area of Gotomeer where the flamingos live, the views of the mountains, trees, and the water in this area are beautiful!
Check out the salt pans, there's even a pink one!
Right next to the salt pans you'll find the slave huts; this is where the slaves working in the salt pans used to sleep. It will blow you away seeing the conditions these people lived in...tiny shoebox-like huts, no doors or anything inside, only a concrete floor.
It housed 6 to 8 people I was told by locals, unlike what is written saying each hut was built for 3 slaves maximum. They had to sleep sitting down one next to the other as there's no room to move in there. I found it tragic that one of the island's most beautiful spots also played a part in such a dark time in history.
Drive along the coast, it's breathtaking! You'll find many hidden spots & more private beaches to stop in for a while and take in the beauty.
Take an afternoon cruise ~ Blue Bay tours do it like no other! Comfortable new vessels, food packs, a bar, snorkeling stops, and sunsets. Need I say more?...
Take a kayaking & snorkeling tour in the Mangroves using a clear bottom kayak ~ This is a protected area so you may only reach it using a guided tour. Windows to the sea are very professional, fun, and great at what they do!
Visit Rincon: The oldest village on the island. There's a fascinating little museum run by three local ladies all born here who do it voluntarily. The museum is actually a real house and walking from room to room you will learn and truly see the way of life on the island back then, some household articles and methods are used by locals to this day!
Take a water taxi across the waters to the island of Klein Bonaire: Here you'll find the most sensational beaches here you've ever seen! No inhabitants, no services or facilities are available so make sure you have everything you need with you before boarding your water taxi. Think water, sunscreen, and a snack.
It's here I saw an amazing turtle and colorful fish right next to my feet even before I put my snorkeling mask on. Water taxis leave from the pier in Kralendijk: Epic water taxi or Caribe water taxi.
For schedules & prices ~
https://www.watertaxikleinbonaire.com/?lang=nl http://www.caribewatersportbonaire.com/nl/
Do a Bonaire like a safari in the Washington National Park.

Kayaking in the Mangroves of Bonaire- Image by Windows to the sea. — The Mangroves- Image by Windows to the sea.

A house in Rincon, Bonaire - The color yellow stands for happiness! — Rincon- The color yellow stands for happiness!

The museum in Rincon, Bonaire — The museum in Rincon

The Best Beaches Of Bonaire

Crystle clear waters, shades of blue you've never seen, and just good vibes all around!

The Sorobon beach front in Bonaire — The Sorobon beach front

LAC Bay
Sorobon Beach ~ A surfer's paradise!
1000 steps beach ~A point popular with divers. In spite of the steps leading down the beach which luckily only feel like 1000 steps lol
Jibe City is where the surf's always up, there's a beach bar with an amazing view, and sunbathing of course.
Playa Funchi ~ A snorkeling paradise on the West coast, many iguanas like to hang around here too.
Eden Beach