Useful Information When You Travel to Bonaire

HopiBonaire strives to ensure you have an unforgettable vacation. That’s why we provide you with some useful information and tips for your travel to Bonaire, so you can be well-prepared. We wish you lots of excitement and a wonderful time on beautiful Bonaire and like to welcome you on one of our tours. Ayo!

Holiday booked? Download this blog as a PDF!

The Best Time to Go to Bonaire

• The best time to go to Bonaire is during the winter months (December to February). In December, the rainy season comes to an end. The weather is very pleasant, the island is beautifully green, and there are many colorful butterflies to admire. However, even outside this prime period, Bonaire remains a great destination.
• From March to August, temperatures slowly rise above 30 degrees Celsius (86°F), but the constant east wind keeps the weather on Bonaire exceptionally enjoyable. Rainfall is scarce, which is evident in nature. Trees shed their leaves, cacti become somewhat duller, and many ponds dry up.
• By September, the wind subsides, and it becomes hot on Bonaire. You should be prepared for the heat!
• From October, the wind returns, and the rainy season begins. The rain brings relief, and the maximum temperature drops below 30 degrees Celsius again (86°F). Generally, the rainy season on Bonaire is mild, with one or two short tropical showers per day. After such a downpour, the sun quickly shines again!

From Curaçao to Bonaire

• If you’re traveling from Curaçao to Bonaire, you’ll have to rely on a plane as there is no boat connection to Bonaire.
• Divi Divi Air operates multiple flights per day, including from Aruba. The flight from Curaçao takes about fifteen minutes, and from Aruba, it’s approximately half an hour. Bonaire should definitely be included in your Caribbean tour!
• Are you only on Bonaire for a short time? Make the most of your visit with The Perfect Day Trip on Bonaire.
• Are you curious about what Aruba and Curaçao have to offer? Find out in our blog about the ABC islands!
• Would you like to make a quick trip from Bonaire to, for example, Aruba or Curaçao? You can! Moreover, up to 30 days after your initial arrival in Bonaire, you don’t have to pay the Visitor Entry Tax again.

Arrival

• Your holiday on Bonaire starts at Flamingo Airport.
• Upon arrival, your passport will be checked for validity of at least six months and whether you have paid your Visitor Entry Tax. If your tour operator hasn’t taken care of this tourist tax, it’s best to pay it before your departure on this website. The funds are used for investments in education, infrastructure, tourism, and sustainability. Attention! There are fraudulent sites in circulation!
• Pay your Stinapa Nature fee in advance to access the sea (Bonaire Marine Park). After payment, you can also visit Bonaire’s other national park, Washington-Slagbaai. You can pay the fee on this website. The proceeds are used for the management, maintenance, and protection of nature on Bonaire by Stinapa, a non-profit organization.

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Currency on Bonaire

• The currency used in Bonaire is the US Dollar. While you can usually use ATMs and credit cards for payments, it’s always handy to have some cash with you. There are plenty of ATMs available.
• Don’t forget to enable international transactions on your bank cards!

Car Rental

• Arrange your car rental in advance. Especially during peak season, there can be a shortage of available rental cars. Scooters, e-bikes, and golf carts are also available for rent. Or explore the island on an island tour!
• Check whether your rental car is allowed in Washington-Slagbaai National Park. Many rental companies do not permit it. You can always join our tour to Washington-Slagbaai!
• Avoid leaving valuables in your car while on Bonaire. We never lock our cars to prevent break-ins.
• Check out our two fun routes that you can drive yourself as a free introduction to HopiBonaire. Download our special PDFs to your phone and hit the road! You will also find a city walk through Kralendijk and lots of useful information about other parts of Bonaire.

Traffic

• The maximum speed limit on the island is 60 km/h (40 mph). With a large number of free-roaming animals, it’s wise to adhere to this speed limit. Additionally, the road conditions are not optimal everywhere.
• On Bonaire, traffic on the main road has the right of way. The definition of “main road” might not be clear everywhere, but it’s not a problem. The atmosphere in traffic is very relaxed, and drivers often yield to each other by waving or flashing their high beams.
• Bonaire has many unpaved roads, which means you can’t reach all the beautiful spots with a regular rental car. You can rent a pickup truck to tackle these dirt roads or book a tour to explore these areas. For example, we would be happy to take you to the unspoiled East!

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Refueling on Bonaire

• In Kralendijk, you can refuel at Gas Express, Curoil and Bonaco (near the airport). You can also refuel in Rincon. On Bonaire, there are only self-service gas stations.
• Refueling on Bonaire is different from what you may be used to. Here are the steps:
  1. Pay at the counter or leave your bank card or credit card there.
  2. Take the fuel nozzle from the pump. Yellow is for gasoline, black is for diesel.
  3. Pull up the lever that appears behind the fuel nozzle (see photo below).
  4. Start refueling.
  5. Return to the counter to pay, collect your change, or get your receipt.

Footwear

• In this tropical destination, you’d naturally prefer to walk around all day in flip-flops or barefoot. However, when venturing into nature, it’s better to wear closed shoes. Bonaire has many cacti and prickly bushes, and it’s easy to step on a thorn. It’s also recommended to bring tweezers.
• When entering the sea, it’s best to wear water shoes. Bonaire has few sandy beaches, and the dead coral can be sharp, not to mention the spines of sea urchins living there.

Entering the Sea

• Each dive site has yellow entry/exit stones that mark the easiest access points to the sea. Remember these spots when entering the water and use the same path when exiting.
• Protect yourself well from the sun, especially when going into the sea. Use reef-friendly sunscreen that doesn’t contain oxybenzone to avoid harming the delicate coral and its inhabitants. Many people also wear UV shirts while snorkeling.
• When snorkeling or diving, it’s handy to have a waterproof container for your car key. You can also keep some dollars, a copy of your driver’s license, and your nature fee in it.
• The reefs in Bonaire’s waters are protected. It’s prohibited to touch the coral and the animals living there. Taking pieces of coral or seashells that have washed ashore is also not allowed.

Electricity

• In Bonaire, you’ll mainly find American-style outlets with 127 volts. Additionally, in places frequently visited by tourists, European-style outlets with 220 volts are often available. To be safe, you can pack a plug adapter.
• Bonaire occasionally experiences power outages. Hotels, resorts, and shops usually have backup generators, but if you’re renting a cottage or villa, it’s a good idea to pack some candles or a lamp. Typically, power is restored within a few hours.

Mosquitoes and Lembe Lembe

• Especially during the winter months, there are many mosquitoes in Bonaire. Some species are active during the day, but most mosquitoes emerge around dusk. Prevent getting bitten frequently, not only to avoid walking around with itchy bumps but also because mosquitoes can transmit the Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya viruses. You can read more about these diseases and mosquito bite prevention below.
• When there is little wind or in sheltered areas, you may encounter lembe lembe. These fruit flies tend to get in your eyes, ears, or nose. They are harmless but irritating. Finding a spot in the wind can provide relief.

Dengue, Zika and Chikungunya on Bonaire

• Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya are viruses that sometimes emerge in Bonaire. These diseases are spread by the dengue mosquito (Aedes aegypti). There are no vaccines or medications available for these tropical diseases in Bonaire.
• The only way for visitors to Bonaire to reduce the risk of infection is by preventing mosquito bites.
• If you experience symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, and joint pain during or after your visit to Bonaire, please contact a doctor.

Prevent mosquito bites!

– Bring DEET on vacation. Applying this spray to your clothing or skin reduces the likelihood of getting bitten.
– Keep your accommodation mosquito-free by closing windows and doors as much as possible.
– Sleep under a mosquito net, even during the day.
– Especially early in the morning and late in the afternoon, it’s wise to wear (lightweight) protective clothing. Mosquitoes don’t like to land on light-colored clothing because they’re easily visible. Dark clothing, on the other hand, attracts mosquitoes.

The Weather on Bonaire

• The sun is strong year-round, so make sure to apply sunscreen to avoid getting burned. Even on cloudy days, you can burn quickly! Use reef-friendly sunscreen to help protect the coral.
• The weather on Bonaire is hard to predict, and forecasts are often inaccurate. The weather radar is a good tool to determine if there is a chance of rain. However, looking ahead on the radar is usually not helpful, as rain showers can appear and disappear suddenly.
• What kind of weather can you expect during your vacation? You can find it above.

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Food and Drink

• Tap water in Bonaire is of excellent quality and can be consumed without any issues. It is desalinated seawater.
• There are various supermarkets on the island that resemble Dutch supermarkets in terms of selection. As most goods are imported to Bonaire, the availability and quality of fresh fruits and vegetables can sometimes be limited, and prices can be higher. Van den Tweel (Google Maps) and The Warehouse (Google Maps) are most populair.
• Bonaire has many excellent restaurants, often located in beautiful settings. Especially during peak season, it’s wise to make a reservation a few days in advance. In most cases, you can easily do it online.

Book in Advance

• If you travel to Bonaire during the peak season, it’s recommended to book your excursions and activities in advance to avoid them being fully booked.
• We specialize in off-road tours through the pristine parts of Bonaire. Off the beaten path, we find unique spots, breathtaking landscapes, and above all, plenty of tranquility!

Useful Phone Numbers

• Our phone number is +599 786 1734.
• In case of car troubles, contact your rental company or HB Road Service Bonaire at +599 785 2604.
• In case of emergencies, dial 911.

Animal in distress on Bonaire?

Bird in distress: Call +599 786 9292 (Wild Bird Rehab)

Turtle in distress: Call +599 780 0433 (Sea Turtle Conservation)

Donkey in distress: Call +599 95 607 607 (Donkey Sanctuary)

Pet in distress: Call +599 780 8020 (FKK Animal Rescue)

Veterinarian: Call +599 717 3338 (Flamingo Island Veterinary Center)
or
Veterinarian: Call +599 717 4255 (Klinika Veterinario Bonaire)

More Information About Bonaire

• Read our other blogs about Bonaire.
• Get in touch with us. We’re here to assist you!

With this information, you can start your travel to Bonaire well-prepared. We love this island, and we are confident that you will have an unforgettable vacation!

About Us: A Tour with HopiBonaire

During a tour with HopiBonaire, you embark on an exploration of Bonaire’s most remote and stunning locations. Moreover, you’ll be accompanied only by your own group, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience at your own pace. We don’t rush things, and we’re not constrained by time!

All tours can be tailored to your preferences, and there’s the option to book a fully customized tour. Has your excitement grown, and would you like to join the adventure?

Read more