Bonaire is a Caribbean island east of Central America and north of Venezuela. The island is part of the Netherlands Antilles together with Curacao and the distant trio of Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Sint Maarten. It is a flat, riverless island renowned for its dive spots. Its tropical climate is moderated by constant trade winds from the Atlantic Ocean. The temperature is almost constant at about 27 degrees Celsius (81 degrees Fahrenheit).
Cities
Understand
Climate
Tropical marine; little seasonal temperature variation
Terrain
The island is flat with a few hills, scant vegetation and neglible natural resources other than white sandy beaches and salt. The northern part of the island is a arid protected park. The southern tip of the island is a great field for sea salt production.
Get in
By plane
KLM offers daily non-stop service from Amsterdam to Bonaire on the way to Lima or Quito. American Eagle also offers daily non-stop flights from San Juan to and from Bonaire and other major U.S cities. Air Jamaica flies from Montego Bay, which offers many connections to the US. In December 2005, Continental Airlines launched weekly non-stop flights from Newark and offer connections in Houston. Several smaller airlines connect Bonaire with the neighbouring islands including Dutch Airlines Express and Arkefly.
Charter Airlines include Tiara Air.
There is a departure tax of US$25 which are usually not included in your ticket.
By boat
There are not currently any passenger ferries operating to or from Curacao or Venezuela. Cruise ships do occasionally dock in Bonaire. Bonaire is not a major cruise ship destination.
The most frequently seen cruise ship in port is the M/V Freewinds operated by the Church of Scientology.
You can also go use different Bonaire Water Taxis including Kantika di Amor and the Seacow Watertaxi.
Private boat moorage is available. Dive operators operate boats to many dive sites including those located off the small uninhabited island of Klein Boanire. Some boat operators also specialize in snorkel tours and their are regularly scheduled passenger boats to Klein Boanire. Some include the Woodwind, Bonaire Pirate Cruising, Oscarina, Bowalie and more.
Get around
By car
Automobiles can be shipped to Bonaire and Rental cars are available at the airport and at selected hotels. Reservations are strongly suggested as, especially during peak times, all vehicles may be rented. You can drive around the entire island in a couple of hours!
By bus
There is an informal bus system on the island that utilizes vans. There are a small number of medium sized tour buses on the island as well.
See
Do
Buy
There are a few shops on Bonaire:
Eat
Bonaire has many...
