Is Bonaire a posh resort island?

In a word, no it is not and we love it for this quality.  Bonaire is a unique adventure paradise with nearly ideal weather year-round, world class diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, kite boarding and other adventures. Although there are very nice neighborhoods and a few excellent but smaller resorts, the island is, in many ways underdeveloped and one does definitely experience potholes in most roads.  Sure, you will find a nice hospital (which hosts a recompression chamber), some very nice restaurants but you will also find wild donkeys and goats roaming the island and large undeveloped pieces of desert island.

 

Is Bonaire Safe?

Very! This Dutch "City" has low crime (petty theft does happen though) and a legal structure based on the laws of the Netherlands. In remote locations, is recommended that you leave your truck doors unlocked, otherwise your windows might be smashed because thieves will take this as a sign that you have valuable in your car. Theft is less likely in highly populated locations like downtown and sites near the airport, however, northern, remote sites like dive site Karpata are more likely to attract thieves. 

 

How does one get around?

The best recommendation is renting a pick-up truck.  In fact, if diving, this is your only option. Most vehicles on the island are manual vs automatic transmission. If you can not drive a stick shift, you may have to look harder and pay more for a vehicle with automatic transmission.

 

Is diving or snorkeling the only thing to do?

Although the island of Bonaire is a Scuba and snorkeling paradise, it offers many more activity options.  From land sailing, to windsurfing, kite boarding, birding to fishing, spelunking, tracking down wild donkeys, goats and flamingos. There is so much to do in Bonaire you cannot get it done one visit.

​

What is the local currency in Bonaire?

The local currency is the US Dollar which makes travel to Bonaire especially easy. Be advised though that here are places that do not accept credit cards and only accept cash. There are a few ATM's on the island to restock your cash supply should you run short. 

​

What is the primary language in Bonaire?

There are three main languages spoken on the Bonaire; Dutch, Papiamento and English with many people speaking all three and most speaking English.   Papiamento or Papiamentu is a creole language spoken in the Dutch Caribbean. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papiamento

​

How do we get there?

The most direct route is a non-stop flight via United, KLM, 

American Airlines or Delta Airlines. Depending on where you

are in the world, this may not a direct for you.  If you are

looking to come for a shorter stay, you can fly into Aruba or

Curaçao and take a commuter flight via Divi Divi, Insel Air or

Aruba Airlines to Bonaire. From the US, you could also fly

American Airlines out of Miami, FL on Mondays or Wednesdays.

​

What is the local cuisine like?

While Bonaire is still somewhat undeveloped, their food scene is

actually pretty amazing. Their choices offer a full spectrum of

what you might be looking for. Though only a couple of fast food

options like Subway and KFC, there are amazing food trucks with

locally sourced fish or a burger and fries, fantastic pizza, Thai, sushi places and a few very fine dining establishments. You can find what you're looking for quickly and easily. If you're looking for a longer meal to enjoy while you gaze out onto the ocean, there are plenty of restaurants to try with cuisine ranging from good to spectacular! Regardless of what you're in the mood for, you can find it on the island. Feel free to check out the FOOD section of our blog to see what restaurants we loved.

​

Where is Bonaire located and what does it look like?

Click here to see a map of the island. It is located about 65 miles north of Venezuela. 

​