Bonaire travel guide
A diver's paradise with legendary shore diving, flamingos and wide-open desert landscapes.
Bonaire is one of the ABC islands off the coast of Venezuela and, like Saba and Statia, a special municipality of the Netherlands. Almost its entire coastline is a protected marine park, and many dive sites can be reached straight from the shore: you park by a yellow-painted stone, gear up and walk in. Away from the water you will find flamingos, cactus-covered hills and a relaxed capital.
Open Bonaire on the map- Capital
- Kralendijk
- Status
- Special municipality of the Netherlands (Caribbean Netherlands)
- Currency
- US dollar
- Languages
- Papiamentu, Dutch, English, Spanish
- Airport
- Flamingo International (BON)
Diving and snorkelling
The Bonaire National Marine Park protects the reefs around the island and the small uninhabited island of Klein Bonaire. All visitors who swim, snorkel or dive in the park need to pay the nature fee, which funds its management. Shore dives such as 1000 Steps are famous, and Klein Bonaire is reached by water taxi or dive boat.
Calm, clear water on the western coast makes Bonaire popular with beginners as well as experienced divers.
On land
- Washington Slagbaai National Park in the north has rough roads, rugged coastline, lookouts and good chances of seeing flamingos and parrots. A 4x4 or sturdy vehicle is recommended.
- In the south, the salt pans and the historic slave huts tell the story of the island's salt industry.
- Lac Bay on the east coast is known for windsurfing and kitesurfing, with shallow water ideal for learning.
- Kralendijk's waterfront has restaurants, bars and small shops.
Getting there and around
Bonaire has direct flights from North America and Europe as well as regional connections to Aruba and Curaçao. A rental car or pickup truck is the easiest way to reach shore dive sites, and many divers rent one with a rack for tanks.
Good to know
- The ABC islands sit south of the main hurricane belt, but weather can still change; check forecasts.
- Do not leave valuables in your car at dive sites.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen and never touch or stand on coral.
Schedules, prices and opening hours change often. Always confirm details with operators before you travel.