Bonaire Travel Tips & Tourist Information

COVID-19 Information: Things are continuously changing on Bonaire as the pandemic evolves and cases increase and decrease. For the latest rules for travel to the island and current local rules, please go to: https://www.bonairecrisis.com/en/

The USA and some other countries may have testing requirements prior to returning so be sure to check those requirements as well. For those returning to the USA please check this site: Returning to the USA

If you are arriving on flights that connect in Aruba or Curacao there be sure to check the current rules and documentation requirements for those countries as well.

Airline schedules are continually being adjusted so keep an eye on your airline site for changes!

Location: Bonaire is part of the Caribbean Netherlands and lies in the southern Caribbean 50 miles (80 km) to the north of Venezuela, 30 miles (48 km) off the East Coast of Curacao, 86 miles (138 km) east of Aruba and about
1720 miles (2752 km) from New York.

Size: 24 miles long by 3-5 miles wide covering approximately 112 square miles.

Weather: Bonaire lies just outside the hurricane belt and enjoys a sunny climate all year round. The average
air temperature is 82°F with the water temperature only a few degrees lower. Rainfall is moderate at 22 inches
per annum.

Getting to Bonaire: Currently the number of flights from North America varies depending on the time of
year.
American Airline s has 2-5 flights each week from Miami-Wednesday and Saturday with more.
Delta Airlines offers 1-3 flights weekly from Atlanta and at certain times another flight from JFK.
United Airlines has 1-2 weekly flights to Bonaire from Houston and a Saturday flight from Newark most of the year.
From Europe, KLM offers daily service to Bonaire from Amsterdam - Schiphol (AMS). Definitely check the airline websites before making plans. Several major airlines fly from the U.S. into Aruba and Curacao. Connections can be made through Aruba but will include a stop in Curacao.

Travel arrangements can be complicated so contact us first and upon request we will hold your desired time for up to two days while you make the rest of your plans. Now that most travel websites have automated booking, this is the only way to guarantee that our home will stay available while you sort out the rest of your trip.

Airport Departure Tax: Bonaire has an airport departure tax currently at $35.00 per person. This is now included in the cost of the tickets on most major airlines.

Tourist Taxes: On July 1, 2022, Bonaire replaced the per night tourist tax with an Entry Tax that must be paid in advance or at the airport when you arrive. The amount varies by country of departure and age, with a discount for children under 13. Adults arriving on flights from the USA or Europe pay $75 each. You can pay this on-line at https://tourismtax.bonairegov.com/

Auto/Truck Rentals: Unless you stay in town and only dive from boats, a vehicle is really a necessity for enjoying Bonaire. A pickup truck is the preferred dive vehicle and a necessity for some of the more remote sites up north but a car will be fine for most snorkeling locations and going to Lac Bay or Kite Beach. During the high season, December - April, they can sell out quickly so make your reservations early. Our confirmed guests will receive a 20% discount on rentals at PB Car Rentals.

Language: Dutch and Papiamentu. English and Spanish are widely spoken.

Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time, one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time and the same as Eastern
Daylight Time.

Currency: The US dollar is the official currency. Banking hours are generally Mon - Fri 8.00am - 3.30pm.

Drinking Water: Bonaire's drinking water is purified seawater. It is safe to drink.

Electricity: 127 volt, 50 cycles. Most U.S. appliances will work, but will run hotter. Sensitive items not listed for
50 cycles should be plugged into a transformer or protected circuit. Most computers and their chargers work on 50 Hz.

Hospital: San Francisco Hospital has 60 beds and a recompression chamber. The hospital has an air
ambulance service to Curacao and Aruba.

Pharmacies: There are 2 pharmacies on the island, known as Botika. Botika at the hospital in Kranlekijk and Botika Rincon in the village of Rincon.

Shopping: Shopping hours vary by store but generally are Mon - Fri 8:00am - 6:00pm. Sat 8:00am - 5:00pm.
Sun 8:00am - 1:00pm. Some stores close for lunch for a few hours, often between 12:30 - 3pm.

Food Markets: There are several grocery stores on Bonaire and selection varies. The largest one is Van Den Tweel, open 8am to 8pm daily. Next is Bonaire Warehouse from 8am to 6pm. BonDiGro is open 9am - 7pm but is cash or debit card only, no credit cards. is In addition you will also find numerous smaller markets and convenience stores. Nearest to us is Good and More, just 1 km north and set back from EEG Blvd. Open 8am - 7 pm except Sundays.

Communications: To call Bonaire from the U.S. first dial "011-599" and then the seven digit phone number.
To call the U.S. from Bonaire dial "001" then the area code and number. Cell phone rentals are readily
available and offer the cheapest calling rates to the U.S. Additionally, some U.S. cell phones will work but may
need to be unlocked by your carrier before leaving the US. Calling to and from the US and Canada is free from our home with our US phone. Local calls are free with our Bonaire line. WiFi calling with your cell phone on our private network can keep you connected with home.

Crime: Bonaire remains one of the safest islands in the Caribbean but unfortunately crime is everywhere and
thefts do occur. Use common sense. Don't leave anything in your vehicle (or at least in view) that someone
might want. Don't leave anything in view in your hotel room that someone might want. Lock your doors and windows
when you are away and at night. Check to make sure that sliding glass doors are secure. Some accommodations, like our place at Lighthouse Beach Resort #13, have the added protection of iron security bars and/or security windows.

U.S. Government Department of State: Travel information and passport requirements for Bonaire
available at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/bonaire-st-eustatius-saba.html

For more information on Bonaire visit Bonaire's Official Tourism Website & InfoBonaire