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Bonaire

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the questions visitors ask most

Here a few important things you should know before you visit us.

Download the brochure to learn about traveling to Bonaire and get information about your visit while you’re on the island.

Planning Your Trip

Bonaire is one of three Dutch Caribbean islands, along with the better known Aruba and Curacao, lying approximately 80km off the coast of Venezuela in the Leeward Antilles. The island is comprised of a wide range of complex natural habitats, from reefs and beaches to deserts and rainforests, all available to explore. Aside from Papiamentu, the island’s native language, English, Spanish and Dutch are also spoken on Bonaire.

Lying outside of “Hurricane Alley” to the south, Bonaire offers a consistently warm and sunny climate, averaging around 30ºC year round. During the rainy season from December through March, you can expect a daily downpour, but they usually don’t last long and the sun almost always reappears afterward.

Our website contains everything you need to know about Bonaire, including finding a place to stay. car rentals, activities, events, and more. Start here: https://bonaireisland.com/about/

As a Caribbean island, Bonaire offers a wide range of choices of things to do, including outdoor activities such as swimming, diving, hiking, kayaking, biking, and more as well as shopping and dining.

You’ll find a wide range of accommodations on Bonaire. For a complete list of your choices, visit our “Where to stay” page: https://bonaireisland.com/where-to-stay/

There are a number of agencies across the island that rent cars, motorcycles, golf carts, bicycles, and other vehicles. Find a complete list on our “Getting Around” page here: https://bonaireisland.com/plan-trip/getting-around/

Bonaire’s currency is the US Dollar.

A valid driving license is needed to drive on the island. People drive on the right-hand side, and on crossings and roundabouts, traffic coming from the right always has the right-of-way, unless road signs state otherwise. Bonaire has no traffic lights, so road signs must be followed.

Bonaire is on Atlantic Standard Time (AST), one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time, and four hours behind Greenwich Mean Time.

You need a valid passport from your home country, and it must remain valid throughout your stay. Visitors of most countries do not need a visa to enter Bonaire, but some do. See a list of countries that do require a visa, here.

Tipping is at your own discretion.

Banks in Bonaire open as early as 8:00am and close by 4:00pm. Banks available on island include Banco Di Caribe, Maduro & Curiel’s Bank (MCB), RBC Royal Bank and Orco Bank.

You can download our brochure here.

Health & Safety

Yes. On Bonaire, we distill and purify our drinking water from seawater. Our water meets the highest quality standards established by the World Health Organization.

Yes, but we ask that you help us protect our reefs by using biodegradable, reef-friendly sunscreen that’s available for sale on the island.

While Bonaire is one of the safest islands in the Caribbean, we advise taking normal precautions and keeping personal valuables secure. Most hotels offer safes to store passports, currency, and other valuables.

In an emergency, you can reach the police or fire department or call an ambulance by dialing 911.

San Francisco Hospital is fully equipped and staffed to handle any health issue. If necessary, air ambulance service is available in an emergency. If you’re feeling ill during the day, you can visit any general practitioner on the island. Evenings and weekends, visit the urgent care clinic at Kaya Soeur Bartola 7. Or call +599 717 0111. There are also multiple pharmacies on the island.

Nature & Diving

The island offers diving for divers from every skill level, from beginner to advanced.

All users of Bonairean waters are required to pay a nature fee. They cost $45 for divers and $25 for all other visitors.

Aerial view of lighthouse on island coast

Welcome to paradise

Whether you’re looking to explore our vibrant reefs that teem with tropical fish, find a quiet beach to call your own, or indulge in our unforgettable cuisine, it all starts right here.