Where to stay
Divi Flamingo Beach Resort
Kaya Gobernador Debrot 71, Kralendijk
Diver-centric, house reef at the pier, walk-to-town. Free nitrox for certified divers.
⭐ 8.4 Booking.com
Delfins Beach Resort
Punt Vierkant
Newest large-scale option, infinity pool, on-site beach club & spa. Suites with full kitchens.
⭐ 9.0
Chogogo Dive & Beach Resort
Coastline, 8 min cruise terminal / 5 min town
4-star studios → 3-bed villas, lazy river, three bars/restaurants, house reef & on-site Scuba Do dive center. Day-pass welcome.
⭐ 8.6 Official site
Windhoek Resort Bonaire
Belnem area, 5 min airport / 10 min town
Small-scale condo resort (32 units) around a pool & palm garden; fully equipped kitchens, free shore-dive locker, sunset-view pier.
⭐ 9.0 Official site
Harbour Village Beach Club
Kaya Gobernador Debrot 71
Bonaire’s only 5-star, private white-sand cove, full-service spa, marina.
⭐ 9.2
Plaza Beach Resort
J.A. Abraham Boulevard 80
All-inclusive optional, man-made beach, huge pool area, kids-club.
⭐ 8.2
Bellafonte Luxury Oceanfront
Kaya Gobernador Debrot 77
14-suite boutique, every room faces the sea, private pier, free laundry.
⭐ 9.4
Buddy Dive Resort
Kaya Gobernador Debrot 85
“Drive-thru” compressor, 24-h truck rental on site, underwater photo centre.
⭐ 8.8
Vacation rentals & map
Hot zones:
Belnem – quiet, sunset condos.
Hato – lush villas, starry skies.
Santa Barbara – cliff houses, private sea stairs.
Book car + lodging together – fleet is tiny during peak weeks.
What to do in Bonaire
Bonaire is a “Nature Island”: national marine park rings the entire coast, so every shoreline dip is basically snorkeling in an aquarium. Add flamingos, cactus forests and genuinely friendly people → instant holiday mood.
Snorkel & dive
- Salt Pier: pillars encrusted in coral, turtles guaranteed.
- 1000 Steps: postcard-blue water, easy entry.
- Angel City & Red Beryl: double reef, lots of parrotfish.
- Klein Bonaire: water-taxi from Karel’s Beach Bar (20 min) – pristine, no facilities, bring water & shade.
Shore access is free; pick up a “Nature Tag” (USD 40) at any dive shop – required for snorkelers & divers.
Land excursions
- Washington-Slagbaai National Park: flamingo lakes, blow-holes, off-road routes. Enter with truck/SUV.
- Donkey Sanctuary: feed 800 rescued donkeys, great for laughs & kids.
- Cave tour with Bonaire Caves: dry cave + underground lake snorkel.
- Rincon village: oldest settlement, cultural museum, local food.
Wind-, kite- & regular surf
- Lac Bay (Sorobon): waist-deep, steady wind, world-class learner spot. Rent gear or take 2-h lesson at Jibe City.
- Kite surfing on Atlantis Beach (advance level).
Boat & kayak
- Glass-bottom kayak through mangrove tunnels (Royal Activities) – includes snorkel stop among the roots.
- Sunset sailing or private charter with catamaran “Samur” or “Echo”.
Eat & Drink
Island rule: fresh fish, cold beer, golden sunset—repeat. Click any photo to book / browse.
It Rains Fishes
Daily catch chalk-board, famous tuna tartare. Book for sunset.
- Open: Daily 17:30-22:00 (bar till 23:30)
- Where: Kaya Gobernador Debrot 80
Sebastian’s
Tables over the water – lobster, lamb, romance.
- Open: Tue-Sun 18:00-22:00 (closed Mon)
- Where: Kaya Gobernador Debrot 74
Cactus Blue Food Truck
Fish tacos & mango smoothies. Cash only.
- Open: Daily 11:00-17:00 (till 18:00 high-season)
- Where: 1000 Steps parking lot
Hang Out Beach Bar
Feet-in-the-sand, live music, lion-fish burger, full-moon parties.
- Open: Daily 10:00-late (kitchen 11-21)
- Where: Kaya Gobernador Debrot 99
Sorobon Beach Resort & Lunch Spot
Bikini-friendly tables on sand – snapper sandwiches after windsurf.
- Open: Daily 08:00-18:00 (bar till 20:00)
- Where: Inside Jibe City, Sorobon Peninsula
Stoked Foodtruck
Smash-burgers, loaded fries, vegan brownies. Surfer crew.
- Open: Mon-Sat 11:00-20:00 (Fri till 21:00)
- Where: Atlantis Beach kite-spot parking
Brass Boer Bonaire
24-tap beer wall, craft burgers, local fish & chips.
- Open: Daily 11:00-23:00 (kitchen till 22)
- Where: Chogogo Resort
Rum Runners
Floating bar – swim-up stools, 50-rum menu, live music nightly.
- Open: Daily 17:00-23:00 (last water-taxi 22:30)
- Where: Moored off Karel’s pier
Ocean Oasis Beach Club
Friday 2-for-1 cocktails, DJ set, fire-pit on sand.
- Open: Daily 10:00-22:00 (Fri bar till 00:30)
- Where: J.A. Abraham Blvd 40
Karel’s Beach Bar
Classic sunset pier, cheap Polar, salsa Sundays.
- Open: Daily 09:00-23:00 (live music Sun 18-21)
- Where: Kaya Gobernador Debrot 70
Practical island cheat-sheet
Basics
- Currency: USD (ATMs on island).
- Language: Dutch official; Papiamentu local; everyone speaks English.
- Plugs: 127 V / 50 Hz, US type A/B.
- Water: Safe from tap (desalinated).
Getting around
- Drive: Right side; speed 40/60 km/h; watch for donkeys & goats. Car is almost essential.
- Sun: Factor 50 – you’re at 12° N, breeze masks burning.
- Dress code: “Island chic” = linen, short sleeves, sandals totally fine.
Mobile & data
- Roaming: EU / US / Caribbean plans usually work – check with your provider.
Local SIM – quick picks
- Digicel – booth at airport
digicelbonaire.com
• 7-day 5 GB ≈ $15 USD
• 30-day 20 GB ≈ $35 USD - Flow – booth next door
flowbonaire.com
• 7-day 4 GB ≈ $12 USD
• 30-day 15 GB ≈ $30 USD
Wi-Fi: Free at most hotels, cafés and beach bars – just ask for the password.
Tourist tax (save time!)
Every visitor (≥ 13 yrs) must pay USD 75 on arrival.
- Pay online before you land → skip the queue.
- Takes 2 minutes: tourismtax.bonairegov.com
- Print or screenshot the QR code they email you.
Nature & STINAPA fee
Bonaire’s national parks are managed by STINAPA – help keep the reefs pristine!
- Nature Fee (≥13 yrs) = USD 40
- Valid 1 calendar year – keep the wristband / digital receipt.
- Buy online in 60 sec: stinapabonaire.org
- Required for every snorkel, dive or park visit (marine & terrestrial).
- Kids ≤12 yrs = free (still register them online).
Pay once → reef for a year!