Bonaire is a small island located in the southern Caribbean known for its preservation of marine environment, water sports, and cycling. It is a paradise for birdwatchers and water sports enthusiasts. The island is slow paced and tranquil giving home to exciting nightlife and top notch restaurants. The island is 24 miles long and varies 3 to 7 miles wide.
Most Popular Beaches
Nude beaches, or clothing free resorts, are allowed in Bonaire. Sorobon Beach Resort is the only nudist beach on the island and is completely private. Boca Bartol is in the northernmost site. There are strong currents even for the advanced divers. There are many large fish species and if you are lucky you may see rays and garden eels in the sandy bottom. Playa Funchi is on the western tipoff the island. It is a recommended snorkeling sight where iguanas and lizards roam freely! Pink Beach is ideal as it is reachable by car taxi or bike. The bus stops every day and there are schedules posted all around town. This is a great beach to snorkel picnic and scuba dive.
Traveler Facts
Travel & Transportation
All flights arrive at Flamingo International Airport a 5 minute drive from Kralendijk, and it is approximately 5 hours from New York, and 2 ½ hours from Miami.
All travelers require a passport and photo ID. A return ticket is also required, and the maximum stay is 14 days. Extensions may be granted to 90 days via the embassy. Some countries do require a visa for entry. Please refer to www.infobonaire.com/entryrequirements.html for a current list.
Languages Spoken / official language – The official languages on Bonaire are Dutch, Papiamentu, and English. English is not used for official purposes on Bonaire, but is widely used along with Spanish on the island.
Currency – Currency used on Bonaire is called the Netherlands Antillean Florin (NAFL or FL), also known as “guilder” or “Gulden”. It is tied in value to the US dollar and has a conversion rate of approximately 1.78to $1USD. It is not necessary to exchange dollars for NAfL’s (any other currency needs to be exchanged). However, your change will most likely be in NAFL’s. Most places won’t take currency larger than a $20 bill.
Tipping & Taxes - Gratuity is sometimes added to your bill so be sure or if unsure ask. 10-15% is typical for services. Porters and bellhops should be 50 cents a bag, and taxi drivers receive 10% of their fare.
Taxes are individual in Bonaire. There is a $20 airport international departure tax, and a hotel tax of $5.50 to$6.50 per person a night. Car rentals are taxed at $3.25 per day. There is also a 5% tax on car rentals, meals, services, and general purchases.
Electricity – Electricity is 127/120 volts, 50AC. Most hotels have converters, and most U.S. appliances will work, but check with your hotel to be sure.
Immunizations Health Issues - No vaccinations are required for entry.
Bonaire Marriage Licenses & Wedding Requirements Information
You need to allow four to six weeks for all the paper work. One of the couple needs to procure a temporary residency permit from immigration.
To apply for a temporary residency permit the following are required:
-2 Passport photos of the Bride & Groom (and any witnesses being
-Photo copy of first page of passport (Signature & Photo page)
For the official marriage petition the following documents are required for both the bride and groom:
-Photo copy of first page of passport (Signature & Photo page)
-If divorced or widowed, divorce decree or document of proof is required.
If you choose to bring witnesses from home, they should also apply for temporary residency. Your island coordinator can also arrange for local witnesses.
After arrival on Bonaire, it takes four working days to arrange for all the forms to be processed. If you are arriving on a Saturday or Sunday and the following Monday happens to be a holiday, you will have to wait the four working days until you are able to marry and there may be a problem getting the permission arranged on time. It is advisable to check with the agency that handled your papers as to the holiday schedules. The best suggestion is to allow a full week for the papers to go through.
Tourism Office Information
Tourism Corporation Bonaire
Kaya Grandi #2
Kralendijk, Bonaire
Netherlands Antilles
Tel: +(599) 717-8322
Fax: +(599) 717-8408
Email: info@tourismbonaire.com
Other Bonaire Websites
Climate Information (When is the Best Time to Travel)
Average daily highs in Bonaire are 82 degrees F. Bonaire is out of the hurricane belt and has only suffered mildly from the tropical storms. The Best travel times are the low season from May to mid December. Cruise ships run from October to April and outside of that the ports are quiet. October and November are the rainy months but compared to the other islands are quite dry.
Local Attractions & Must Do’s
If you enjoy bird watching, Washing-Slagbaai National Park is not to be missed. If you make it there for the sunset you will see the flamingos gather to feed and then take flight together. You will also find an old light house, an old cave where you can bathe if you go in far enough, and the bird watching is fabulous For the new windsurfer, LacBay is the best place to start. The shallow waters provide easy recover and the bay’s barrier reef grants smooth sailing. There is still the challenge for the more experienced windsurfer as well on the outer edges. There are mast high swells that make for unequaled consistency and excitement. Bonaire Marine Park is a diver’s paradise. The waters care clear and calm and perfect for under water photo taking. Visibility averages over 100 ft and sometimes up to 150 feet.
Plaza Resort Bonaire – Four Star Hotel on 12 acres. A private marina and a pearl white beach stretch the entire length of the property. This resort has a 5 star dive center that takes care of everything you need to explore Bonaire’s marine Park.
Buddy Captain Don’s Habitat – is home of diving freedom meaning 24 hours a day 365 days a year, offering over 20 diving specialty courses. All equipment is available for rent or sale. Photographers will love the scenic opportunities and there is photographic instruction available as well with equipment rental and processing services. There are suites, one and two bedroom cottages, and private foliage-screened villas available. All rooms either look out over the sea or the gardens.
Divi Flamingo Resort and Casino – is the perfect base for those desiring the laid back life of Bonaire and world class scuba diving. Guestrooms overlook the sea and offer a relaxing end to a fun filled day. For those taking a break from diving, Divi offers gaming tables and slot machines. Daily boat dives are ran to Bonaire’s best reefs with training and certification available.
Eden Beach Resort - Eden is a family owned resort and caters to couples and families. They are the second closest resort to Kralendijk. Available rooms are studios with fully equipped kitchens, apartments (2bd) with fully equipped kitchen, and standard hotel rooms. There are 400 ft of white sandy beach surrounded by coconut trees and shady palms.
Harbor Village Beach Club – A 5 star hotel offering everything you could want or imagine. They offer complimentary airport transfers, a welcome beverage upon arrival, kayaks and sunfish, and free internet service. You may even request a candlelit dinner on the beach! This is a prime location for couples and families where daily meals are served seaside. They have sunset cruises, yacht charters, and babysitting upon request.
