🇧🇶 Bonaire

Discover Bonaire

Bonaire is a diver's paradise, consistently ranked among the world's best shore diving destinations. This small Dutch Caribbean island is located outside the hurricane belt, offering calm, crystal-clear waters and year-round perfect diving conditions. With over 80 dive sites accessible directly from shore, healthy coral reefs protected by the Bonaire National Marine Park, and a relaxed, eco-conscious atmosphere, Bonaire attracts divers and nature lovers from around the globe.

Beyond its legendary underwater world, Bonaire features pristine beaches, vibrant flamingo populations at saltwater lagoons, excellent windsurfing at Lac Bay, and a colorful capital city in Kralendijk. The island's commitment to environmental preservation has made it a model for sustainable tourism, with strict marine protection laws and a focus on eco-friendly practices throughout the island.

Award-Winning Excellence

Notable Award-Winning Properties & Services

• Bonaire - Caribbean's Leading Dive Destination 2025
• Harbour Village Beach Club - Bonaire's Leading Hotel 2025
• Shekhinah Tours - Bonaire's Leading Tour Operator 2025

Top Attractions & Things to Do

• Bonaire National Marine Park - Protected waters surrounding the entire island with pristine coral reefs, sea turtles, and vibrant marine life
• 1000 Steps (Piedra Pretu) - Iconic shore diving site with spectacular wall dives and healthy coral formations
• Salt Pier - World-renowned dive site featuring dramatic pillars encrusted with colorful corals and sponges
• Klein Bonaire - Uninhabited island offering pristine beaches and exceptional snorkeling just offshore
• Washington Slaagbaai National Park - 13,500-acre protected wilderness with hiking trails, secluded beaches, and flamingo viewing
• Lac Bay - Shallow turquoise lagoon perfect for windsurfing and kitesurfing, with mangrove forests and Sorobon Beach
• Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary - Important breeding ground for Caribbean flamingos in the southern salt pans
• Kralendijk - Charming waterfront capital with colorful Dutch colonial buildings, restaurants, and dive shops
• Bachelor's Beach - Popular shore dive with easy entry and abundant marine life including seahorses and frogfish
• Donkey Sanctuary - Rescue center caring for over 400 wild donkeys, free to visit and interact with these gentle animals
• Hilma Hooker Wreck - 236-foot cargo ship wreck at 98 feet, one of the Caribbean's most famous wreck dives
• Pink Beach - Stunning pink-sand beach on the southern coast with excellent snorkeling from shore

Diving Paradise

Bonaire Culture & Cuisine

Bonaire's culture reflects Dutch, African, and Latin American influences, with Papiamentu as the local language (a Creole blend of Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, and African languages). The relaxed island vibe centers around diving, conservation, and outdoor living.

Local cuisine features fresh seafood with goat stew (kabritu stushi), fresh catch, conch, and Dutch-influenced dishes. Try local restaurants in Kralendijk or beachfront spots like Rum Runners and Karel's Beach Bar. Don't miss the Friday night food trucks at Wilhelmina Park.

Travel Tips

• Entry Requirements: US citizens need valid passport. No visa required for stays under 90 days
• Getting There: Flamingo International Airport (BON) with direct flights from Atlanta, Houston, Miami, and Newark. Regional connections via Aruba and Curaçao
• Getting Around: Rent a pickup truck (essential for accessing dive sites). Taxis available but expensive. No public transportation
• Currency: US Dollar (USD). Credit cards widely accepted. ATMs available in Kralendijk
• Marine Park Fees: $45/year nature tag required for all divers and snorkelers (purchase at dive shops or airport)
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round destination. Peak season December-April. Shoulder season May-November offers lower rates
• Diving Requirements: PADI certification recommended. Dive orientation required for first-time Bonaire divers
• What to Pack: Reef-safe sunscreen (mandatory), dive gear or rent on island, water shoes, light clothing, hat
• Conservation: No touching marine life, stand on coral, or remove anything. Heavy fines for violations
• Safety: Very safe island with low crime. Stay hydrated in the tropical sun and use buddy system for diving