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About Bonaire

Bon Bini na Bonaire!

Welcome to Bonaire! For all your island facts and travel information we have this all at your fingertips.

  • Nature Awareness

    Nature conservation is high on Bonaire’s agenda. More than 20% of the total land area of Bonaire and 100% of the waters surrounding Bonaire and Klein Bonaire are National Parks and are protected. Therefore, once on island, please remember that you must pay a Nature Fee before entering the Bonaire National Marine Park...

    Nature Awareness

    Nature conservation is high on Bonaire’s agenda. More than 20% of the total land area of Bonaire and 100% of the waters surrounding Bonaire and Klein Bonaire are National Parks and are protected. Therefore, once on island, please remember that you must pay a Nature Fee before entering the Bonaire National Marine Park.

    Keep in mind:
    - Spearfishing is prohibited.
    - It is forbidden to remove anything from the National Park.
    - Do not travel or take with you any sand, shells and/or corals, as they will be confiscated upon departure.

    For more information on regulations contact STINAPA at www.stinapa.org or you can also view this video
    Enjoy Bonaire’s Nature and be part of its conservation.

  • Animal Shelter

    Bonaire Animal Shelter is a refuge for dogs and cats that can no longer be cared for by their owners, have been abandoned, or were born in the wild and brought to us by concerned citizens and tourists...

    Animal Shelter

    Bonaire Animal Shelter is a refuge for dogs and cats that can no longer be cared for by their owners, have been abandoned, or were born in the wild and brought to us by concerned citizens and tourists.

    The shelter also offers a boarding place for cats and dogs and we’ve started a gift shop on the premises to help raise money to sustain the shelter. www.animalshelterbonaire.com

  • Banks & Local Financial Institutions

    Banking hours are Monday through Friday from 8.00 or 8.30am to 3.30 or 4.00pm....

    Banks & Local Financial Institutions

    Banking hours are Monday through Friday from 8.00 or 8.30am to 3.30 or 4.00pm.

    Bank Name Address Tel
    Banco Di Caribe Kaya Grandi 22 +599 717 7595
    Maduro & Curiel's Bank (MCB) Blvd Gobernador N. Debrot 70 +599 715 5520
    RBC Royal Bank Kaya Korona 15 +599 717 4500
    Giro Bank Kaya L.D. Gerharts 13 +599 717 8115
    Orco Bank Kaya Grandi 48 +599 717 2000
    Island Finance Kaya Almirante P.L. Brion 7 +599 717 5991

  • Buying & Building

    Interested in buying or building a home on Bonaire? Bonaire has a selection of realtors and...

    Buying & Building

    Interested in buying or building a home on Bonaire? Bonaire has a selection of realtors and development companies to assist in the home buying and building process.

    Company Website
    Bonaire Comfort Rentals bonairecomfortrentals.com
    Caribbean Homes Bonaire caribbeanhomesbonaire.com
    Cuanto.nl cuanto.nl
    Harbourtown Real Estate harbourtownbonaire.com
    RE/MAX bonairehomes.com
    Sunbelt Realty sunbeltbonaire.com
    SunRentals Bonaire sunrentalsbonaire.com
    Sunwise Bonaire sunwisebonaire.com
    Sunwise Nieuwbouwbonaire.nl nieuwbouwbonaire.nl
    Stuyvesant Rentals Bonaire stuyvesantbonaire.com

  • Drinking Water

    Bonaire's seawater is distilled and purified to become one of the purest drinking waters in the world. Bottled water is available.


  • Education & Schools

    Bonaire offers education for children ages 4 – 18.  Grade schools vary from Public, Catholic and a private tuition based Dutch school.  Bonaire has public and private high schools.  In addition, various local daycares are found throughout Bonaire.

    The language of instruction in school is Dutch and Papiamentu.  Further details are available by contacting the schools directly...

    Education & Schools

    Bonaire offers education for children ages 4 – 18.  Grade schools vary from Public, Catholic and a private tuition based Dutch school.  Bonaire has public and private high schools.  In addition, various local daycares are found throughout Bonaire.

    The language of instruction in school is Dutch and Papiamentu.  Further details are available by contacting the schools directly.

    Contact Information:

    School Name Address Tel
    Basisschool Aquamarin Kaminda Jato Baco 36 +599 788 2885
    Basisschool De Pelikaan Kaya Amsterdam 3 +599 717 4301
    Kolegio Kristu Bon Wardador Kaya Avelino J. Cecilia 56 +599 717 8628
    Kolegio Reina Beatrix Kaya Aguila 2 +599 717 8607
    Kolegio San Bernardo Kaya Maria C. Hellmund-Boom 1 +599 717 3955
    Kolegio San Luis Bertran Kaya Sabana 1A +599 717 6203
    Kolegio Papa Cornes Kaya Barakuda 33 +599 717 4277
    Scholengemeenschap Bonaire (SGB) Kaya Frater Odulfinus z/n +599 717 8120
    Watapanaschool Kaya Lourdes 18 +599 717 6380

    Continuing education for adults is also offered in Bonaire through FORMA.  In addition, FORMA offers language, computer skills and a variety of other courses.

  • Electricity

    127/120V, adapters are available in the hotels. Many dive shops have adapters for charging lights...

    Electricity

    127/120V, adapters are available in the hotels. Many dive shops have adapters for charging lights, strobes or delicate equipment. 220V is also available at most properties.

  • Emergency Numbers

    Police 911
    Hospital & Ambulance 911
    Fire Department 911

  • Wi-Fi

    There are several spots where free Wi-Fi is available. In Kralendijk there are various restaurants that offer Wi-Fi....

    Wi-Fi

    There are several spots where free Wi-Fi is available. In Kralendijk there are various restaurants that offer Wi-Fi. You can find “SURF-IT” hotspots located at different areas in Kralendijk. “SURF IT” pre-paid cards are also available at TELBO.

  • Investing

    Investing in a foreign country can be a bit daunting, however, Bonaire’s climate for both private and businesses sectors has always...

    Investing

    Investing in a foreign country can be a bit daunting, however, Bonaire’s climate for both private and businesses sectors has always been secure.  If you are thinking of purchasing a vacation or permanent home, there is no better time.  The property values continue to hold steady.

    As for investing in or starting a business, it is a bit more involved.  Permits must be obtained and residency granted for the principals.  It’s possible to buy an existing corporation or small business.  For larger projects, the government will be happy to give guidance and advice.  

  • Island Life

    Bonaire is a great place to live.  Yet, island life does take some getting accustomed to.  Bonaire has a...

    Island Life

    Bonaire is a great place to live.  Yet, island life does take some getting accustomed to.  Bonaire has a unique flavor.  This unique way of life is what attracts return visitors with the desire to live on Bonaire.  Finding creative alternatives to traditional methods is part of the fun of Bonaire’s island living.

    For example, goods are shipped in via containers.  Selections, while plentiful, may not offer the same traditional comforts found in home countries.  At times, visitors and locals alike find adapting to Bonaire’s island life much easier than trying to adapt other country’s methods.

  • Languages & Population

    There are four languages spoken on Bonaire today.  While Dutch is the official one used in government...

    Languages & Population

    There are four languages spoken on Bonaire today. While Dutch is the official one used in government and legal transactions, Papiamentu is used in daily exchanges and commonly spoken under the locals.  English and Spanish are also common.

    Papiamentu, a Creole language indigenous to the Dutch Antilles, particularly Bonaire, Curacao, and Aruba, has its roots in West Africa as early as the mid-1400s. The Portuguese colonization prompted the evolution of a new language, one containing elements of African language structures and Portuguese vocabulary that allowed the people to communicate with each other.  With the slave trade, the language grew and spread among the general population.

    Visitors to Bonaire generally try to master a few Papiamentu words.  A new phrase book as well as a dictionary, has been published and can be quite helpful for anyone interested in the basics.

    The population of Bonaire is +/- 18.000.

  • Living

    One of the charms of Bonaire living is the island’s size.  Being small, everything is accessible making...

    Living

    One of the charms of Bonaire living is the island’s size.  Being small, everything is accessible making it easy to enjoy the island’s treasures.  Yet, the island is still pretty big that it’s next to impossible to see it all in just one visit.  That explains why more than 40% of Bonaire’s visitors have been on Bonaire before. The population is a mixture of more than 80 nationalities and ethnic backgrounds.  Most of the neighborhoods have centers where residents go for social and cultural gatherings.  There are various churches scattered around the island, as well as grammar schools and day care centers for working families.

    The island has a laid back, quiet atmosphere that visitors feel immediately. On Bonaire, nothing is hurried and residents are genuinely interested in helping guests get to know the people, places and island.

  • Location

    The island lies 30 miles from Curacao, 50 miles north of Venezuela, 86 miles east of Aruba...

    Location

    The island lies 30 miles from Curacao, 50 miles north of Venezuela, 86 miles east of Aruba, outside of the Caribbean hurricane belt. Bonaire is 38,6 km long by 4,8 – 8 km wide.

  • Medical Facilities & Pharmacies

    San Francisco Hospital is fully equipped to respond to any emergency. There are a number of medical doctors on the island and air ambulance service is available...

    Medical Facilities & Pharmacies

    San Francisco Hospital is fully equipped to respond to any emergency. There are a number of medical doctors on the island and air ambulance service is available. During the day between 8am to 6pm, tourists can go to the general practitioners with health complaints on Bonaire. From 6pm to 12am during the week and from 8 am to 12am on weekends and public holidays one can go to the urgent care clinic located at Kaya Soeur Bartola 7 with health complaints that cannot wait until the next day or call +599 717 0111.

    Pharmacy Address Phone
    Botica Korona Kaya Korona 180 +599 717 7552
    Botica Sabana Kaya Nikiboko Zuid 26 +599 717 5638

  • Nature Fee

    Users of the Bonaire Marine Park are required to buy the Marine Park Tag: US$ 25.00 for divers and US$10.00 for all other users...

    Nature Fee

    Users of the Bonaire Marine Park are required to buy the Marine Park Tag: US$ 25.00 for divers and US$10.00 for all other users.

    Revenue from the Nature Fee provides the funds to manage the parks and guarantees lasting success in nature protection and conservation on Bonaire.

  • Personal Safety

    Bonaire has a reputation for being one of the safest islands in the Caribbean, however visitors should take normal precautions...

    Personal Safety

    Bonaire has a reputation for being one of the safest islands in the Caribbean, however visitors should take normal precautions and keep personal properties secure.  Hotels have safes to store passports, tickets and other valuables.

  • Friends of Nature Foundation

    The Friends of Nature Foundation (FNF), a non-profit organization has been publishing a beautiful “Agenda”. The first Bonaire Nature Agenda was printed in 2000 and has been published non-stop every year since...

    Friends of Nature Foundation

    The Friends of Nature Foundation (FNF), a non-profit organization has been publishing a beautiful “Agenda”. The first Bonaire Nature Agenda was printed in 2000 and has been published non-stop every year since.

    Through photographic and artistic images the agenda presents the Nature Foundation’s concern for the conservation of the environment, biodiversity, ecosystems, environmental awareness, harmony between humans and nature. As well, the images in the agenda promote the conservation and awareness of Bonaire’s local culture, art and architecture, combined with the amazing and vibrant history of the local population since prehistoric times.

  • Religion & Churches

    Religion plays an important part in the lives of the Bonaire residents.  We are a mixture of many cultures and persuasions...

    Religion & Churches

    Churches, Mosques and Synagogues
    Religion plays an important part in the lives of the Bonaire residents. We are a mixture of many cultures and persuasions. Christians of all denominations, Muslims, Hindus, Jews and folks who just move within the religious community worshipping with friends and family at one of many locations. 

    There are services in Papiamentu, Dutch, English and Spanish. Check with the list below for more information or just give them a call.

     
    Church Contact
    Bonaire Christian Fellowship +599 717 4835
    Bonaire Islamic Center bonaireislamiccenter@gmail.com
    International Bible Church of Bonaire +599 717 8332
    Jehova's Witnesses +599 717 5253
    Our Lady of Coromoto +599 717 4211
    San Bernardo Church (Roman Catholic) +599 717 8304
    San Ludovico Church (Roman Catholic) +599 717 6201
    Seventh Day Adventist Church:  +599 717 4126
    The Church of Jesus of Latter-Day Saints +599 717 8751
    United Protestant Church: +599 717 8086

  • Shopping Hours

    Monday through Saturday 9.00am to noon and 2.00pm-6.00pm. Some shops stay open through lunch hours, Sundays and Holidays. Most supermarkets are open until 8 pm, and usually open on Sundays and holidays.


  • Telecommunications

    Company Address
    Digicel Kaya Grandi 26

    Read More >>

    Telecommunications

    Company Address
    Digicel Kaya Grandi 26
    Telbo Kaya L. Simon Bolivar 8
    UTS Kaya Caracas 2
    • Phone cards can be bought at TELBO (national telecommunications company).
    • You can purchase a SIM card for unlocked phones at Digicel for $25.00 and you can also purchase pre-paid cards during your stay.
    • Prepaid phone cards are widely available as are cell phone rentals.  Many US and European phones are compatible with the local providers. 

  • Television

    Cable TV is available. They offer an assortment of popular stations.


  • Temperature

    Visitors enjoy a temperate climate. Average yearly temperature is 82°F...

    Temperature

    Visitors enjoy a temperate climate. Average yearly temperature is 82°F (27.8°C), water 80°F (26.7°C), rainfall 22 inches, humidity 76%, sunny all year round. Just north of the equator, Bonaire always enjoys the advantage of daylight for 12 hours.

  • Time Zone

    Atlantic Standard Time (AST), one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time and the same as Eastern Daylight Time.

  • Volunteer

    Since Bonaire has a long history of reef conservation, it is an ideal place for marine biologists to conduct research programs. Not only is the research confined to the sea, there are other projects in...

    Volunteer

    Since Bonaire has a long history of reef conservation, it is an ideal place for marine biologists to conduct research programs. Not only is the research confined to the sea, there are other projects in flora and fauna, as well as archaeology and the culture of the island that are being done.  

    STINAPA is the best place to find out about volunteering and taking part in a study or project about nature. They have a number of ongoing research protocols in progress.

    The Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire and the Save the Lora foundation can always use extra hands to help in counts or tagging efforts. There is also the opportunity to volunteer at the youth center, Jong Bonaire. There are also a number of after school programs in the various barrios that need volunteers. The animal shelter also appreciates visitors. 

    Dive Friends Bonaire organizes quarterly Bonaire Underwater Clean Up Dives. They also have a program called: Debris Free Bonaire. For more information visit their website: www.divefriendsbonaire.com

    Bonaire's Chamber of Commerce has a comprehensive list of foundations available.

    The NGO Platform Bonaire is a support centre for foundations, associations and volunteers on Bonaire and offers free information, advice and technical and practical support. The organization was founded over ten years ago and more than 135 foundations and associations are affiliated. The NGO Platform is also a Volunteer Centre for Bonaire and known for organizing the annual BON DOET, Bonaires biggest volunteer event.

  • Working on Bonaire

    The island of Bonaire has a small but vibrant economy. The majority of employment is associated with tourism while a small segment relies on the salt or oil trans-shipment industry.  Work permits must be obtained for foreigners.  Licenses, for those who wish to engage in businesses, are also required...

    Working on Bonaire

    The island of Bonaire has a small but vibrant economy. The majority of employment is associated with tourism while a small segment relies on the salt or oil trans-shipment industry.  Work permits must be obtained for foreigners.  Licenses, for those who wish to engage in businesses, are also required.

    Dive operations, accommodations and restaurants are among Bonaire’s largest employers.

    Bonaire also has a limited opportunity for professional and technical careers.  However, most employers require multilingual staff with Dutch and English as the primary languages. Papiamentu and Spanish are helpful for jobs in the tourism sector.

    Helpful agencies

    Agency Website
    Ban Boneiru Bek www.banboneirubek.com
    Bonaire Business & Employers Association www.bonairebe.com
    Chamber of Commerce www.bonairechamber.com

  • Biodegradable/Reef Friendly Sunscreen

    You can now buy Biodegradable/Reef Friendly Sunscreen & Body Care on Bonaire. These products are sold at VIP Diving, Goood Diving and Nature Discount. For more information click here.

  • Airlines

    Airport +599 717 5600
    TUI +599 717 7474

    Read More >>

    Airlines

    Company Phone
    Airport +599 717 5600
    TUI +599 717 7474
    Delta Airlines +599 717 7474
    Divi Divi Air +599 717 2121
    Inselair +599 717 2004
    KLM +599 717 4758
    United Airlines +599 717 7474
    Aruba Airlines +599 717 6825

  • Airport Parking Rates

    The Flamingo Airport stipulated the following parking rates...


    Airport Parking Rates

    The Flamingo Airport stipulated the following parking rates:

    • US$ 1.00 per hour is charged.
    • For short parking stays a maximum of US$ 12.00 is charged for a total of 24 hours.
    • For longer period stays a total of US$ 6.00 is charged for a period of 24 hours.
    • Note: first 5 minutes of parking/drop off/pick up are FREE.

    Payments

    All parking tickets can be paid from the two machines located in the airport. These machines only accept quarters, 1, 5, 10, 20 US$. Additionally these machines only accept US$ 10.00 only when the total to be paid exceeds US$ 5.00. US$ 20.00 bills are accepted when the minimum to be paid is US$ 10.00.

  • Currency & Credit Cards

    US dollar is the official currency. Only dollars are dispensed at bank ATMs and counters.

    Major credit cards are accepted.

  • Diving Emergencies & Safety

    For diving emergencies, Bonaire has a Hyperbaric Chamber located behind the Centro Medico Office...

    Diving Emergencies & Safety

    For diving emergencies, Bonaire has a Hyperbaric Chamber located behind the Centro Medico Office which is across the street from the San Francisco Hospital.

    Do not forget to bring a copy of your birth certificate and a copy of your passport as part of your dive safety kit.

  • Passports, Immigration & Visas

    Citizens from most countries do not need a visa to enter Bonaire.  U.S. and Canadian citizens need a passport. Colombian citizens that do not have a valid American visa would need to apply for a tourist...

    Passports & Immigration

    Citizens from most countries do not need a visa to enter Bonaire.  U.S. and Canadian citizens need a passport. Colombian citizens that do not have a valid American visa would need to apply for a tourist visa at the Dutch Embassy in their respective country.

    All others also require a valid passport. A return or continuing ticket is also required along with sufficient means to support yourself during your stay. Maximum stay: 30 days with the possibility of extending the visit to 90 days. All others refer to the Embassy. For more information contact the Bonaire Immigration, dial: +599 717 6880.

    United States Consulate General Curacao

    American Citizen Services:
    Mon: 2:00pm - 4:00pm and Wed & Fri 09:00am - 11:00am. Appointment is necessary.
    Address: Consular Section/American Citizen Services
    J.B. Gorsiraweg 1 / Curacao
    Tel: +599-461-3066 Fax: +599-461-6489
    Email: ACSCuracao@state.gov
    Website: http://Curacao.USConsulate.gov
    After hours emergencies: +599-510-6870

    Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/curacao.usconsulate
    Smart Travel Enrollment Program: https://step.state.gov

    Visas

    Click here for the list of countries that are required to have a visa to enter.

  • Taxes: Departure & on island

    International US$ 35.00 and local destinations (Aruba and Curacao)...

    Taxes: Departure & on island

    International US$ 35.00 and local destinations (Aruba and Curacao) US$ 10.00. Most Airlines have this included in the ticket.

    • A hotel tax of US$6.50 per person per night.
    • Car rentals tax is US$4.00 per day. Scooter, Quads and Bike rentals at US$2.00 per day.
    • There is also an ABB 6% tax on general purchases.
    • Nature Fee’s.

  • Tipping/Gratuities

    Most restaurants include a service charge. Tipping is up to the customer.


  • Basic Papiamentu

    Planning a trip to Bonaire? Why not learn the basics in Papiamentu?.
    Communication with locals can open up new opportunities or experiences, or simply help you figure out where you are. Click here.