While it might not be as famous as the other two Dutch ABC islands (Aruba and Curaçao), Bonaire is unanimously hailed as an island paradise—especially by scuba divers, who flock to this Caribbean destination to explore protected reefs filled with marine life. Bright, cheery architecture greets you in the capital city of Kralendijk, a popular stop for cruise ship passengers. But even though the flamingo-filled island maintains a relaxed atmosphere, there are still plenty of things to do on Bonaire, with kayaking, snorkeling, and windsurfing at the top of the activity list.
November through April is Bonaire’s peak season, so expect the biggest crowds then. Though you can scuba dive at any time of year, wind conditions in September and October bring calmer waters that make diving spots on the east side of the island more accessible. For fewer other travelers and cheaper hotel rates, consider visiting from May through October. Bonaire is outside the hurricane belt, so tropical storms aren’t likely to scupper your travel plans.
While you can explore the capital city of Kralendijk and historical sites such as Fort Orange on foot, you’ll need to rent a car or scooter, grab a taxi, or book a tour to get around the rest of the island. Keep in mind that public transportation is relatively nonexistent on Bonaire, besides informal vans. Some Caribbean cruise itineraries stop for a day in Kralendijk, but Bonaire is not accessible by passenger ferries.
You can access most Bonaire dive sites from shore, but a few can only be reached by boat. There are tours and packages designed for both novice and experienced divers. The islet of Klein Bonaire (Little Bonaire) is located just off the western shore of Bonaire and boasts pristine shallow reefs home to stingrays, turtles, tarpon, and sometimes sharks. Also, thanks to the constant trade winds, Bonaire also attracts lots of windsurfers—you can sometimes see hundreds on the water at the same time.
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Bonaire is best known for its water activities—particularly scuba diving, snorkeling, and windsurfing. Travelers go to explore the island’s fiercely protected reefs that are teeming with marine life like turtles, sharks, and rays, and to take advantage of the consistent winds that create an ideal setting for windsurfing.
...MoreYes, cruise ships dock on the southern part of the west coast of Bonaire by Kralendijk. Most of the island’s beaches are located on the west side, with Chachacha Beach within reasonable walking distance. But the best beaches are further away and are only accessible by taxi, rental car, or tour buses.
...MoreIt takes about 3-4 hours to drive around the whole of Bonaire. There are no stoplights on the island, which makes the drive relatively quick. It’s recommended to rent a car to get around, since public transportation is sparse. Choose a truck or SUV with 4-wheel drive in order to tackle the island’s bumpy dirt roads.
...MoreBonaire is more affordable than other Caribbean destinations and the least expensive of the ABC islands, with Aruba the most expensive. However, scuba diving on Bonaire can be pricey. Because there aren’t any big hotel chains here, you can usually find more affordable accommodation from family-run resorts. The average nightly hotel price in Bonaire is US$176.
...MoreBonaire is located just north of the equator, so the weather is good year-round. From November through April, you’ll encounter the biggest crowds of travelers on winter getaways. From May through October, there are usually fewer tourists and better deals. Bonaire is also outside the hurricane belt, so there’s no storm season.
...MoreCruise ships typically stop in Bonaire for one day, but 3-5 days on the island let you experience Bonaire’s range of water sports, including scuba diving, snorkeling, and windsurfing. Keep in mind that you should wait at least 12 hours after single no-decompression dives and 18 hours after multiple dives before flying.
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