Bon Bini na Bonaire! Welcome to Bonaire! This secret hideaway is a Caribbean gem with a tiny population covering just 5% of its land, so the rest is wild, secluded, and perfect for letting go of stress and the trappings of modern life. Bonaire derives its name from the language of its indigenous people, the Caiquetio, descendants of the Arawak Indians who came from Venezuela around 1000 AD. It comes from the word "Bonay", meaning "low country", and its untarnished land is, indeed, relatively flat. But don't equate "flat" with boring, as Bonaire is the most interesting i ... More
An experienced naturalist takes you on a tour of Washington Slagbaai National Park, via a 4-wheel drive truck. You see blowholes, iguanas, parrots, flamingos, ancient coral reefs, and more. Have lunch on the beach at Boka Slagbaai, and go snorkeling if you wish. Board a sailing yacht for a trip to Kralendijk, Bonaire's capital, and enjoy delicious snacks and drinks.
In an hour, you could be windsurfing! Use an on-land simulator to learn how windsurfing equipment works, how to operate it, and how to properly stand. Your knowledgeable instructor then guides you to a beautiful bay with ideal windsurfing conditions. Private and group lessons are available.
Move through the lush green and serenely tranquil mangroves on a kayak. The mangroves are the nursery room for many kinds of fish usually found along the coral reefs. You could see juvenile barracudas, parrotfish, tarpons, and trunkfish. For a truly memorable experience, listen to the sound of silence emitted from this special ecosystem at night.
Enjoy the fun and relaxed atmosphere aboard the vessel Seacow, which takes you to 2 snorkel sites in the Bonaire Marine Park on this 3-hour guided tour. In crystal clear waters, marvel at the vast variety of fish and assortment of corals. Bonaire is among the world's top diving destinations. Soft drinks, rum punch, and homemade gourmet snacks are included.
Your first stop is to snorkel in clear water teeming with marine life. Set sail with the help of the trade winds to the historic south. At Pink Beach, meet up with your guide to the salt ponds and slave huts. Lunch is served at a beach bar. Take a 2-hour guided kayak tour through unspoiled mangroves.
This tranquil resort on a private leeward beach is especially favored by divers, snorkelers, and couples. Accommodations are plush, most with balconies and views of the water.
The beachside Plaza Resort Bonaire offers comfortably appointed suites and villas overlooking either the sea or the lagoon. The property has it's own white sand beach and dive shop.
This oceanfront resort has some of the best snorkeling & scuba diving in the Caribbean, featuring 50 awesome dive sites. Enjoy balcony rooms, a casino, al fresco dining, nightlife, & more.
Divers are drawn to Bonaire's clear and bountiful waters. When not relaxing in your luxuriously spacious apartment, you will no doubt be drawn to Buddy's full-service dive center.
Beautiful studio and 1- to 3-bedroom units are set in oceanfront condos with hotel amenities & service. This diver-friendly resort also has great dining, tennis, a kids' camp & more.
Bon Bini na Bonaire! Welcome to Bonaire! This secret hideaway is a Caribbean gem with a tiny population covering just 5% of its land, so the rest is wild, secluded, and perfect for letting go of stress and the trappings of modern life. Bonaire derives its name from the language of its indigenous people, the Caiquetio, descendants of the Arawak Indians who came from Venezuela around 1000 AD. It comes from the word "Bonay", meaning "low country", and its untarnished land is, indeed, relatively flat. But don't equate "flat" with boring, as Bonaire is the most interesting island in the Dutch Antilles.
Its culture is a vivacious mix of Dutch, African, Spanish, and Portuguese, all of whom have contributed to the music, food, and architecture of this small community. The Spanish were the first Europeans to notice the island, claiming it in 1499. Ownership changed hands many times until 1816, when it was ceded to the Dutch in the Treaty of Paris. Though it remains a Dutch Protectorate, it gained self-rule in 1954. Its complex history entwines several diverse cultures, spanning more than a thousand years, that live on in the daily lives of its people, the delicious cuisine, and colorful festivals. The island is a leader of environmental conservation, setting aside more than 20% of its land and 100% of its waters as protected nature preserves.
New York City 5.5 hrs
Boston 6.5 hrs
Miami 3.25 hrs
Philadelphia 5.5 hrs
Los Angeles 7.5 hrs
Chicago 6.5 hrs
Dallas/Fort Worth 6 hrs
San Francisco 10 hrs
Kralendijk: This town is the capital of Bonaire and houses the Museo Bonariano. Significant sites include Fort Oranje, built to protect the salt stores so important to the island's history. There are boutiques, restaurants, dive shops, and Bonaire's largest market, the Cultimara. The Bay of Kralendijk is a sheltered area with constant wind for great sailing. West Coast
Rincon: Bonaire's oldest town speaks to the island's history, with one of the island's oldest buildings, the Mangasina di Rey, or Storehouse of the King, standing watch. Stone slave huts, no higher than a man's waist, also remain. The Lourdes Grotto is a nice place for quiet contemplation. What used to be a Spanish settlement, built inland to escape the eyes of pirates, now contains pretty pastel cottages. Try the best homemade ice-cream on the island at Prisca's. Northwest
Pekelmeer: The salt flats offer stunning vistas with a color palette ranging from turquoise to pink to brilliant white. Bonaire's protected flamingos dine on the shrimp, and Pekelmeer Bird Sanctuary harbors over 170 species. Southwest Coast
Klein Bonaire: Take a water taxi to "Little Bonaire," a completely undeveloped satellite island. Bring everything you need to have a picnic and enjoy the many outstanding dive sites. West Coast
Bonaire is the least industrialized of the Dutch Antilles, located outside the hurricane belt 50 miles north of Venezuela. The crescent-shaped island is small, only 112 square miles, and is mostly flat with low, rolling hills. The highest peak is Subi Brandaris, at 785 feet above sea level. The northern section is a colorful semi-desert with many types of cacti, as well as divi divi and Watapana trees. The south is flat, except for the white hills and lakes of the saltpans that are the breeding grounds for 5-6,000 flamingos. Bonaire is almost completely surrounded by reefs.
Great weather is one of Bonaire's best attributes. The sun shines brightly every day and keeps the daytime temperature at an average of 81°. Steady trade winds from the east generally create cool and comfortable nights, and make the shores a playground for windsurfers. Bonaire is located well outside the hurricane belt, and its relatively low humidity remains constant throughout the year at around 76%. From December to April, when most people visit, there is very little rain, and the "coldest" the ocean gets is about 78° degrees in February, heating up to around 83° degrees in September.
The high season runs from December to April, when everybody with the winter blues seeks out some equatorial utopia. Low season runs from May to November, and fewer people means more room and solitude. August is Family Month in Bonaire, so although it is in the low season, there are many activities scheduled, and it's a great opportunity to interact with the locals.
Bonaire is a small and quiet tropical island with spectacular weather and a friendly, accommodating community of locals.
The island is a mecca for adventurers, with top-ranking scuba diving on over 86 sites, as well as world-famous windsurfing conditions.
Bonaire is known for its world leadership in environmental conservation; there is very little development crowding the island, leaving more room for large breeding communities of flamingos, among other wildlife.
Washington-Slaagbai National Park: This must-see key element of Bonaire's natural personality includes vast saline plains, trees filled with birds, and wild donkeys, goats, and iguanas. There are several beaches (playas) within the park, each with its own appeal:
·Playa Funchi: Located on the west coast of the island, this beach's clear waters make it easy to spot the colorful coral and parrot fish, and the absence of a current makes it safe even for small children.
·Boca Slagbaai: Further to the south, this is the best spot for swimming, because there is no reef. Historic buildings dating back to 1868 stand on the beach.
·Playa Benge: This is one of the most spectacular snorkeling areas on the entire island.
·Playa Chiquitu: On the east side of the park, near the entrance, this is a beautiful spot to look at and have a picnic, but swimming is strongly discouraged due to a strong undertow.
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling: The Bonaire Marine Park is a pristine ecosystem that encompasses the entire perimeter of Bonaire. Highlights include the unspoiled reefs of phenomenal size, ranked consistently among the world's top 10 dive sites containing elkhorn and staghorn coral, fire coral, patch reefs, soft corals, black coral, and a staggering assortment of fish -- documented as the most varied in the Caribbean -- as well as wrecks.
Bird Watching: Delight in Bonaire's variety of over 170 species. Pekelmeer Bird Sanctuary is an excellent spot for this relaxing activity, as well as Goto Meer, where a good water supply lures ospreys, herons, cormorants, the rare pearly-eyed thrasher, and the endangered Lora.
Windsurfing at Lac Bay: Bonaire received a perfect 10 rating from Windsurf Magazine for its waters and a 9.8 for its wind. There are 3 clearly-defined areas within the bay for each level of expertise. Advanced windsurfers head for the challenging outer edges, where grand swells and whisking winds make for adrenaline-pumping thrill rides. High wind season is December through August, with many professional surf-sailing competitions.
Fishing: Anglers find many different species to challenge skills and vary the fight. Some of the more common catches are sailfish, marlin, tuna, tarpon, wahoo, dorado, and the elusive bonefish. There are international fishing tournaments held throughout the year.
Cycling: Rent a bike and head out on your own with trail maps, or join a guided tour through the "Kunuku" (outback). Off-road, you'll find agricultural areas, geological formations, and ancient Caiquetio petroglyphs
Spelonking: There are great caves at Barcadera, north of Kralendijk. Guided tours are available through Captain Don's Habitat.
Sailing: Sailing charters can be booked for half/full day and sunset cruises, including excursions to Curacao and the Venezuelan islands. This relaxing venture across smooth turquoise waters also includes a gourmet dinner on certain yachts. Glass-bottom boat rides over the beautiful reefs are a great alternative for people who don't scuba dive or snorkel.
Horseback Riding: Cantering through the outback is a great way to explore the island. Ranches offer group tours, private lessons, and trail rides.
Petroglyphs: Adorning the walls of a limestone cave in Onima, these mysterious red markings offer a moving glimpse into an ancient culture. Onima
Sorobon Beach Resort: The island's only "clothing optional" beach is great for catching some sun, and a perfect spot for protected windsurfing. Lac Bay
Museo Bonariano: This museum houses a beautiful collection of various seashells, native and colonial artifacts, archeological finds, historic photographs, and a showcase of island mythology. Kralendijk
Dining in Bonaire runs the gamut from barhap (bar snacks) to fast food, beach cook-outs, and world-class gourmet delicacies. Pastechis, a local delight of spiced meat, shrimp, or fish rolled in pastry, finds its way onto tables at every occasion. Cocada is a local candy made from coconut. You'll have a choice of the tasty local fare as well as cuisine from around the world, including Indonesian, Tex-Mex, French, and Italian. Common ingredients include plantain, okra, conch, and cactus. If you're feeling adventurous… really adventurous… try the iguana.
Gourmet
Rendez-Vous Restaurant and Espresso Bar: This restaurant's chef is a 3-time member of the Bonaire National Culinary Team. The entrees have a decidedly French flair, with a touch of Creole for some real spice. Fresh seafood is the star of the show, and beautiful Caribbean-style caramel custard is a sweet ending to your day. Kralendijk
Capriccio: Watch the sun set over the ocean from the outdoor patio or dine in the more formal air-conditioned sala of this island favorite, a haven of traditional Northern and Southern Italian cuisine with the flair of Bonaire. There is a pizza and pasta menu for a simple, inexpensive meal, or you can order gourmet dishes a la carte or from the all-inclusive "grand tour" 5-course menu. Gnocchi and Osso Buco are among the specialties, as is anything from the climate-controlled wine cellar, which garnered a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for "one of the most outstanding restaurant wine lists in the world." Kaya Isla Riba 1
Highly Recommended
De Tuin eetcafe/Cybercafe: This funky, techy, modern hot spot is in the middle of all that serene nature. Its bright orange and blue colors are cheerful and fun and go right along with experimental cuisine that incorporates Asian influence, Mediterranean style, and local ingredients. In addition to the tasty fare, if habit has you longing for a flash of stock quotes and a bit of e-mail, you can go online here in the island's only cybercafe. Kralendijk
Mona Lisa: Set inside one of the original island buildings, this is one of the oldest bar/restaurants in Kralendijk. The scene is friendly and casual -- like a pub -- and diners sit at tables in front of open windows to catch the breezes and watch the sights. Seafood is the main draw, and there is usually fresh lobster, red snapper, and grouper on the menu. The style is classic French, but there are some traditional Dutch dishes as well. The food and service are consistently excellent. Reservations essential. Kaya Grandi 15
Local Flair
The Beefeater: This garden café features paintings and handicrafts by local artists and pure Bonaire fare. Dine al fresco in a secluded courtyard, and try the specialties like plantain soup, Kabrito Stoba (goat stew), and the many curried dishes. There is also an extensive bar and wine list. Kralendijk
Zeezicht Restaurant: One of Kralendijk's oldest eateries sits in the center of town and provides an incomparable ocean view and down-home cooking. Relax on the front porch and watch the passing parade, or sit inside in air-conditioned comfort. Go for the excellent seafood, like Karel's Seafood Fried Rice (squid, scallops, conch, fish, and shrimp) and Land & Sea (grilled tenderloin beef in mushroom sauce and shrimp in wine sauce). There's also a Shrimp & Conch Cocktail appetizer (broiled seafood over lettuce with a sherry cocktail sauce) that's worth the trip, as well as some vegetarian dishes. Kaya Cachi-Craane 12
Romantic
Dock of the Bay: This eatery serves a sumptuous breakfast buffet of local fruits, breads, egg dishes, and other breakfast goodies, accompanied by champagne. Return at the end of the day for international fare and a perfect sunset view over the sea. Fresh, homemade fruit icecreams are a house specialty. Kralendijk
Blue Moon: Located on the waterfront just south of Kralendijk, this cozy room is set inside one of the island's oldest houses and provides an intimate atmosphere with candlelit tables, ocean views, and a guitarist to serenade you and yours. There is also dining on the terrace overlooking the harbor. The fare is international, with fresh local seafood as well as lamb, tenderloin, steaks, duck, chicken, ostrich, and vegetarian and pasta dishes. One of the standouts is the catch of the day in grapefruit hollandaise and, for dessert, key lime pie. Kaya C.E.B. Hellmund 5
If Bonaire's delights leave you wanting more then the sun sets, more is what you'll find! Take a moonlight sail, go night snorkeling/diving to see countless more creatures that hide by day, or put on your party hat and take your pick from beachfront bars, high-rolling casinos, discos, and more. Most of the action is centered in Kralendijk, which makes it easy to hop around and try it all.
Divi Flamingo Beach Resort: A casual atmosphere for playing games of luck and skill in the world's first barefoot casino. Other attractions include an oceanside bar and al fresco restaurant, open for an all-night party except on Sundays.
Karel's Beach Bar: The staff serves up cappuccino, more potent drinks, and barhap, and hosts excellent local bands on the weekend. This spot is recommended by repeat visitors as a great weekend party.
Plaza Resort: This casino doesn't expect you to wear suits and dresses, but "smart casuals" are the minimal dress code. Betting starts at US$1, so everyone can jump in and try their luck until 4:00am, 7 days a week. There's always a good party going at the Coconut Crash bar, and exotic refreshments are served at sunset on the white-sand, palmed beach.
Captain Don's Habitat: There's plenty of fun for everyone at this night spot with 2 bars, the Deco Stop Bar and Rum Runners. At the Deco, enjoy refreshments in a private swimming pool and secluded lagoon. Rum Runners features a weekly rum punch party.
Paradiso Discotheque: This is the best place to get in the groove while DJs spin hot dance music into the early morning hours. Dress is semi-formal.
The Dome's: A satellite dish and big-screen TV shows all major international sporting events live! Inexpensive meals and an impressive bar accompany soccer, Grand Prix auto racing, Major League baseball, NBA games, golf, tennis, boxing, and NFL games.
The Underwater Cleanup Dive: Explore Bonaire's legendary reefs and contribute to their survival. Free air is provided, so come help save the marine environment! Monthly
Maskarada: Fanfare embodies Bonaire's festive spirit with traditional dance, music, and instruments, as well as rarely exhibited folk dress. Catch a local legend, the Grupo Folklorio. January
Simadan Festival: Celebrate the island's African heritage with traditional instruments like the marimba, bari (small drum), karko guitar (conch shell), and quarta (four-stringed guitar). Feast your eyes on the stunning costumes, and your taste buds on traditional delicacies. April
Bonaire's Dive Festival: Nightly cocktail parties, seminars on underwater photography, slideshows, and, of course, plenty of scuba diving! June
Regatta Week: The entire island participates in one of the best events ofthe year. Part of the fun is the Regatta Boulevard Streetshow, including mariachi bands, jazz, reggae, dance, and parades. As you might imagine, the streets throb with revelry! October
International Triathlon: Events include a 1km swim in the ocean, a 40km flat territory road course or 25 km rugged off-road course for cyclists, and a 10km run through Kralendijk. November
Dress on Bonaire is extremely casual, and beachwear is acceptable almost everywhere. The casinos -- except the "barefoot casino" -- and upscale restaurants do require "smart casual" clothing.
We strongly advise that you confirm the following information and regard this only as a basic guide.
Sunburn & Heatstroke: The sun can be harsh, especially in summer, so sunblock and a hat are essential. Drink lots of water to avoid dehydration.
Drinking Age: The legal age for drinking in Bonaire is 18.
Gambling Age: The legal age for gambling in a casino is 21.
Drugs: The Netherlands Antilles has its own drug laws, which are not the same as Holland; penalties for possession, use, and trafficking in illegal drugs are severe.
Currency: The official currency of Bonaire is the Netherlands Antillean Florin (NAFl). Coins come in 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 cent, and 1 and 5 guilder values; paper money is in 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, and 250 guilder values. You don't need to exchange US dollars upon entering Bonaire; all shops and stores accept US dollars, although your change will be returned in NAFls in most cases.
The official language is Dutch, but the commom language is Papiamentu, a musical blend of African, Dutch, French, Indian, Portuguese, and Spanish. Most residents also are fluent in English and Portuguese.
The current runs on 127 volts/50 cycles AC, so while most US appliances will work, they may run hotter or slower, so it's a good idea to use an adapter.
Entry: A valid passport is highly recommended, but you may substitute a birth certificate and photo identification. You must also present either a return ticket or an ongoing ticket.
Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative: Effective January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including US citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or US Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable.
The passport requirement does NOT apply to US citizens traveling to or returning directly from a US territory. US citizens returning directly from a US territory are not considered to have left the United States and do not need to present a passport. US territories include the following: Guam, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Bonaire Customs: Besides personal items, visitors over 15 years of age are allowed 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 250 grams of tobacco, 2 liters of distillated beverages, and 2 liters of wine. All other articles in excess of this allowance are subject to duty and tax.
Departure Tax: US$10 is charged for international departures and US$5.75 for other Antilles islands, except Aruba.
US Customs: US residents are allowed $400 duty free, 100 cigars, and 200 cigarettes. Articles in excess of this allowance are subject to relevant duty and tax, while purchases exceeding $1000 must be itemized in writing, so be sure to save sales receipts or other evidence of purchase.
US Consulate General (Curacao): J.B. Gorsiraweg #1, Willemstad, Curacao, phone (599-9) 461-3066, fax (599-9) 461-6489, email cgcuracao@attglobal.net
Tourism Corporation Bonaire: Kaya Grande #2, Kralendijk, Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles, phone 599-7-8322/8649, fax 599-7-8408, email info@tourismbonaire.com
New York: Adams Unlimited, 10 Rockefeller Plaza, Suite 900, New York, NY 10020, phone 212-956-5912 or toll-free 1-800-BONAIRE (1-800-266-2473), fax 212-956-5913, email usa@tourismbonaire.com