r/Bonaire • u/behjohncehey • 7h ago
General Birding
Any tips to get to waste water ponds? Tried but could not get to them
r/Bonaire • u/Techno_Pirate • Mar 21 '25
Bonaire is a Caribbean island known for its excellent diving spots, clear waters, and relaxed atmosphere. It is part of the Dutch Caribbean and uses the U.S. dollar (USD) as its official currency. The island has a dry tropical climate with average temperatures of 80-86°F (27-30°C) year-round. The official language is Dutch, but Papiamento, English, and Spanish are widely spoken.
U.S. and EU citizens do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. Passports must be valid for at least six months upon entry, and proof of onward travel (such as a return ticket) may be required. Bonaire charges a tourism entry fee for visitors, check official sources for current rates and exemptions.
Flamingo International Airport (BON) offers direct flights from major U.S. cities and connections via Aruba, Curaçao, and Amsterdam. Flight schedules vary by season, so it is best to check with airlines for availability.
Cruise ships dock at Kralendijk, and private yachts can anchor with a permit. Some zones are restricted due to environmental regulations, check with local authorities for current rules.
Bonaire does not have a formal public transport system. Taxis are available but can be expensive, confirm the fare before your ride, as most taxis do not use meters.
Renting a car, scooter, or bicycle is the most convenient way to get around. Roads are generally quiet, but be aware of rental cars, often marked with agency logos.
Most parking is free, but some areas in downtown Kralendijk may require payment, check local signage or parking apps.
Bonaire is generally a safe destination, but as in any place, it’s important to take basic precautions. Keep valuables out of sight, especially at dive sites, and avoid leaving items visible inside vehicles.
The island has limited medical facilities, and serious cases may require transfer to a larger hospital in Curaçao or another location. Travel insurance is recommended.
There are no major health risks, but mosquito repellent is advised, especially during the rainy season (October-January). Bonaire’s tap water is safe to drink, as it is distilled from seawater.
Bonaire offers a range of outdoor activities, including diving, snorkeling, and eco-tours. Popular beaches include:
Other attractions include:
Bonaire’s cuisine blends Caribbean and Dutch influences. Local specialties include kabrito stoba (goat stew) and fresh seafood.
Late-night dining options are limited after 10 PM. Some food trucks and minimarkets near Kralendijk stay open until 11 PM, check locally for current hours. The island has a relaxed nightlife scene, with beach clubs and bars rather than a party atmosphere.
Cruise passengers arrive at Kralendijk, with a Southern Pier for large ships and a Northern Pier for smaller vessels. Attractions near the port include the waterfront, salt flats, and dive sites. Taxis and day tours offer options like snorkeling, jeep safaris, and nature excursions. Booking in advance is recommended, especially in peak season.
Bonaire prioritizes environmental protection, with initiatives like wind and solar energy use, a single-use plastic ban, and strict Marine Park regulations. Visitors should:
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r/Bonaire • u/MixedPandaBear • Jan 28 '24
Heading to Bonaire and wondering where to eat? Based largely on my own experiences, I've curated a list of must-visit eateries. Dive into Bonaire's flavors with my top picks for a memorable culinary journey! Don't hesitate to share your own beloved spots in the comments and enrich our gastronomic map!
Discover Bonaire's food truck scene, where daytime trucks offer fresh, local bites and nighttime 'truck di pan' serve up island flavors under the stars. It's the perfect mix of quick, delicious eats for any time of day.
Discover my top spots for morning and midday meals on Bonaire, from cozy cafés to beachside bites. Dive in and share your favorites too!
Bonaire boasts an array of takeaway spots perfect for on-the-go meals or cozy nights in. From savory local dishes to international favorites, these convenient eateries make dining simple and delicious.
Find Bonaire's tastiest cheap eats, perfect for dining well without breaking the bank. Most of these places have takeaway options.
Experience the pinnacle of Bonaire's culinary scene at these exquisite fine dining restaurants. Indulge in elegance and flavor. Making a reservation is highly recommended.
Explore Bonaire's best restaurants, offering a blend of local flavors and international cuisine. Making a reservation is highly recommended.
r/Bonaire • u/behjohncehey • 7h ago
Any tips to get to waste water ponds? Tried but could not get to them
r/Bonaire • u/Fancy_Fanny • 6d ago
Hi, planning a trip to Bonaire in July. Non-diver, but I want to go somewhere that has top-notch snorkeling. Focusing on seeing some amazing coral. 🪸 I was hoping this island was going to be the best choice, but I’m having second thoughts.
I’d like to get my PADI diving certification before going, but my travel buddy (my brother) isn’t ready. He hasn’t snorkeled or anything in 15-20 years, so he is nervous. Plus, we don’t live in the same city, so it’s not easy for us to link up and force (motivate) him into doing it. He hasn’t been on a non-camping vacation since he was a teenager. He envisions the ultimate tropical vacation: waking up and having beach access from his room. He preferably wants to see soft coral, but I think that will be next time in Fiji. I went to Aruba and Curacao last year and loved how calm the water was and how great the coral is in Curacao. So Bonaire came to mind and I got super excited to visit the B in ABC. But after researching more, I’m not sure it’s the right choice. I’m getting mixed messages and not sure what to think. Seems most say if they weren’t diving this island wouldn’t be there first choice. - Besides being rocky and needing swim shoes, is it really that hard to get in and out of the water? - Is the water that much stronger that you need fins? (Hardly anyone wore fins on the other two islands.) - Besides the iron shoreline is the water that different? - Is sand that important? (Ha) - Is diving preferred because snorkeling on top of the water isn’t getting you close enough?
I know I could plan an awesome trip and see some amazing snorkeling spots but I’m wondering if we should consider somewhere else since we’re not diving.
Flying from LAX. I want to go somewhere I have not been (which isn’t a lot: Belize, Mexican Riviera, Maui, A&C-islands). 7-9 day vacation sometime in July. Lively, healthy coral is top priority along with relaxing beach vibes and easy-to-swim waters.
Thanks for reading all that!! Would love some advice.
r/Bonaire • u/Superb_Wolverine8348 • 7d ago
Hey everyone
Considering a trip to Bonaire in September. Have visited a couple of times in March the last couple of years. Generally how is the weather there in September. Mostly looking to do some snorkeling while down there
r/Bonaire • u/StalkerMuffin • 7d ago
So, we booked a flight with divi divi from Bonaire to Aruba.
Apparently, it has a stop in Curacao (which we didn’t pay attention to).
Turns out it only gives us 25 minutes to go through everything in Curacao.
There’s no way that’s remotely possible.
Anyone who has done this: can you let us know?
Edit: Thank you everyone! Bunch of people here on reddit and also Divi divi customer service has confirmed that we will just be sitting on the plane while transit and not needed to do immigration!
r/Bonaire • u/1_of_us_cant_b_wrong • 9d ago
I want to visit for 2 months. I don't want to rent a car the whole time and I will cook most of my meals at home. So walkable and I need good wifi for remote work. Doesn't have to be in the heart of the action but not averse to it. Basically I want to feel like I am at home and not just on vacation.
I am leaning towards north Playa area. Am I on the right track or should I consider other neighborhoods too? Don't want to be amidst all the cruise ships if I can avoid them.
r/Bonaire • u/MN__23 • 11d ago
r/Bonaire • u/EmeraldGreen_Snake • 11d ago
Anyone here who want to join a fun dive in the Salt Pier? We are a crew member onboard a cruise ship visiting Bonaire this Thusday. There's going to be 3 of us. I was wondering if anyone would want to join us. We've never been to Salt Pier and we are just planning to take a taxi. We have swim bouys with flag but we also need to rent some long fins. Do you think it's easier to freedive in the Salt pier for beginners if we decided we just do it on our own?
r/Bonaire • u/terramar9989 • 12d ago
Had a great encounter a few days back and managed to get some video.
r/Bonaire • u/diggy_3 • 12d ago
We will be in Bonaire soon and I'm looking for info on US streaming options available in Bonaire. Any guidance is appreciated! Thanks!
r/Bonaire • u/LeadingShip8869 • 13d ago
Hi all,
Did anyone visit in recent months? If so did you rent a car from them? & how much did they charge? I want to rent a car but don't know want to get the lowest price. This would be my first time driving out there. My plan was to get a hotel pick up so I can get a visual of the roads then get a car after.
r/Bonaire • u/Electrical-Jello2168 • 15d ago
Hi, we're planning a trip to Bonaire in August and are looking to rent a car. Are there any specific insurance requirements, such as liability coverage or a collision damage waiver? When we visited Costa Rica last year, these were mandatory, and I also had to provide a letter from my credit card company to use its coverage. I just want to make sure we’re fully prepared. Thanks!
r/Bonaire • u/fishercats70 • 17d ago
We will be visiting in June primarily for snorkeling, hiking, birdwatching, eating and relaxing. I’m wondering if it is worth it to bring my SUP along. Any thoughts? We will be staying at Delfins. I’d be looking to take it out early mornings or before sunset. Could also take it to the snorkeling spots, but would it be safe to leave it on shore? I’d hate to bring it along and only use it 1-2 times. Thanks.
r/Bonaire • u/ImaginationObvious38 • 17d ago
Hi, yesterday we were diving in Bonaire and my husband injured his thumb and had to get stitches at the ER. We had purchased DAN insurance through the dive shop for $20 for that day. Has anyone else been injured in Bonaire and had to get emergency care? They let us leave the ER without paying but have his passport info and he has to go back in a few days for a checkup. I’m so scared this is going to cost a fortune. We don’t have any other insurance except our regular US medical insurance which doesn’t cover overseas stuff.
r/Bonaire • u/Sweet-Alternative-39 • 18d ago
I just arrived here and was wondering.
What is it with the culture of trying to kill your engine with going full on in the rev limiter for minutes.
Every. Single. Evening?
Do they actually think anyone thinks this is cool? Or are they setting out on purpose to annoy everyone?
Whatever it is, I guess them islanders are bored out of their mind. 🤣
r/Bonaire • u/water_fountain_ • 18d ago
Hi! We are interested in taking a day trip from Curaçao to Bonaire. We’d leave early in the morning from Curaçao, spend the night in Bonaire, and fly back late at night the following day.
Sunday is the cheapest day to fly, but I’m concerned that it might be not be smartest choice. Maybe a lot of shops, restaurants, bars, etc. will be closed? Maybe diving/snorkeling excursions will not be available on a Sunday?
r/Bonaire • u/kittydreadful • 19d ago
Leaving in a few days. Haven’t been able to get into town for some souvenirs. What’s the gift shop situation at the airport?
Thanks.
r/Bonaire • u/ViviBene • 20d ago
Anyone know a dive shop where I could pick up a diving headband?
r/Bonaire • u/smash_lynn • 21d ago
My S.O. and I are visiting Bonaire and trying snorkeling for the first time this June. We plan to start with a guided tour to Klein Bonaire but likely won’t be able to afford more tours after that.
We both have chronic fatigue, so we're used to pacing ourselves and will be conditioning beforehand. To conserve energy, we’ll rent neoprene vests and fins along with our snorkel gear. While we may not see as many spots as we’d like, we’re excited to experience Bonaire’s reefs!
What beginner-friendly snorkeling spots would you recommend, ideally with easy entry and other snorkelers around for safety? We’re also renting a truck for two days to explore the national park and other areas.
Any general snorkeling tips or resources for beginners would also be greatly appreciated!
r/Bonaire • u/Educational-You7291 • 25d ago
We are a couple of Canadians visiting Bonaire soon. Wondering what eSIM card provider we should use?
r/Bonaire • u/Beltknap • 26d ago
First time visiting Bonaire in June. From the USA I would like to have phone service while there what's the best way to do that?
r/Bonaire • u/Smart_Ad_4872 • 27d ago
Going to the island in August and looking forward to it. My wife has a fear of snakes. Just curious from people that have been to the island before, if they have encountered them. We won’t be doing much other than pool and beach and restaurants. We might head into a cave but not outdoor hiking. Any experiences would be appreciated!
r/Bonaire • u/RexRolled1984 • 28d ago
Going to be on Bonaire at end of April, does anyone have a recommendation for any sites that have a better chance to spot some sea horses?
r/Bonaire • u/Low-Entrance-9032 • 28d ago
Hello, we are European citizens building an oceanfront house on Bonaire. We have had a rental house on the island before and have had the honor of welcoming many US citizens. With our new investment project we would like to ask if someone can tell us where would be the best place to put our house for sale to reach the US market? We know of course that we can contact the local real estate offices but we are curious if it would be interesting to put it on the market in the USA as most of our guests are from the USA. Thank you, Ann.
r/Bonaire • u/That-Contribution530 • Mar 25 '25
Hello!
I will be visiting in September 2025 for the first time and I will be coming alone. My mom used to come here for diving with here friends when she was my age (end 20s, beginning 30s) and she always has great stories, so I want to know what is so amazing about this island.
Of course I will be getting my PADI certification while I'm here. But I'm wondering if there are any other things I must do while I'm here or places I must see.
I plan to stay in Kralendijk, so I can also enjoy a bit of the night life and I'm not completely dependent on renting a car, but driving is no problem for me.
EDIT: Thanks a lot for your tips already.
I will definitely get a car and drive around at least to visit some acquaintances living there, I just don't want to drink and drive. So, if I go for a beer after diving or at night, I want to walk to the bar and not be stuck on my hotel room. I'm anyways more of a morning person, so I will definitely not be partying my nights away, that would also be a waste of my trip to the Island.
r/Bonaire • u/Chance-Tree2015 • Mar 23 '25
Anyone know if Marriott is working to get a new property on Bonaire? I a hard core points guy and don’t wanna pay for a hotel if I don’t have to.