About Bonaire - Paradise Island in the Dutch Caribbean
Bonaire is a small but diverse island off the coast of Venezuela, known for its crystal clear water, colourful coral reefs and relaxed Caribbean atmosphere. Discover everything you need to know for your holiday here.
Why Bonaire Is the Perfect Holiday Destination
Bonaire is one of the three islands of the former Netherlands Antilles and has been a special municipality of the Netherlands since 2010. The island has around 24,000 inhabitants and lies about 80 kilometres north of Venezuela in the Caribbean Sea. At just 288 square kilometres, Bonaire is compact, yet full of remarkable nature and activities.
What makes Bonaire unique is the combination of a relaxed island atmosphere without mass tourism, an exceptional underwater paradise and the convenience of a destination where Dutch is the official language. There are no traffic lights on the island, the traffic is calm and the population is exceptionally welcoming.
From Casa Trankilo in Kralendijk, you can discover the island at your own pace. Just 150 metres from the sea and within walking distance of restaurants, shops and dive sites, it’s the ideal base for an unforgettable Bonaire holiday.
Bonaire at a glance
The key facts about the island at a glance
Language
Dutch, Papiamento, English and Spanish
Climate
Tropical, 27-33°C year-round
Currency
US dollar (USD)
Travel time
~9 hours direct from Amsterdam
Climate and Nature on Bonaire
Bonaire has a tropical climate tempered by the constant trade wind from the northeast. The average temperature ranges between 27°C and 33°C throughout the year, making the island a pleasant destination at any time. The dry season runs from February to September, while the rainy season from October to January brings short tropical showers that turn the landscape green.
A major advantage of Bonaire is that the island lies outside the hurricane belt. As a result, the risk of tropical storms is very low, making Bonaire one of the safest Caribbean destinations, even during hurricane season.
The nature on Bonaire is impressively diverse. The Washington Slagbaai National Park covers almost a fifth of the island and is home to flamingos, iguanas, parrots and more than 200 bird species. Underwater, you’ll find one of the best protected coral reefs in the world, with more than 80 named dive sites along the coast.
What can you do on Bonaire?
From snorkelling and diving to windsurfing and exploring nature, Bonaire offers activities for every traveller
Diving
Kitesurfing
Nature & more
About Bonaire
Restaurants and bars
Windsurfing
Culture and Daily Life on Bonaire
A mix of Caribbean warmth, Dutch influences and a welcoming population
Language and Population
Bonaire’s roughly 24,000 inhabitants form a multicultural community. The main language is Papiamento, though almost everyone also speaks Dutch, English and Spanish. As a Dutch tourist, you’ll feel right at home.
Kralendijk - the Colourful Centre
Kralendijk is the capital and the only real town on Bonaire. The seafront boulevard, colourful houses and cosy terraces give it a charming atmosphere. Every Friday there’s a lively market on Wilhelminaplein.
Food and Drink
Bonaire’s cuisine is a melting pot of Caribbean, South American and Dutch influences. Kralendijk offers dozens of restaurants and bars with fresh fish, local specialities and international dishes, all within walking distance of Casa Trankilo.
Getting Around the Island
Renting a car is the best way to explore Bonaire. There are no traffic lights and the traffic is calm. At Casa Trankilo you can easily arrange a rental car. The centre of Kralendijk is also easy to reach on foot, it’s just a 10 minute walk.
Safety
Bonaire is considered one of the safest islands in the Caribbean. Crime is low, the roads are quiet and the community is close-knit. You can walk around safely in the evening and most doors are left open during the day.
Sustainable Tourism
Bonaire is strongly committed to sustainable tourism. The entire reef around the island is protected as the Bonaire National Marine Park. Visitors pay a nature fee that goes directly towards protecting the underwater world.
Frequently asked questions about Bonaire
What language do they speak on Bonaire?
The official languages on Bonaire are Dutch and Papiamento. Most residents also speak English and Spanish. As a Dutch speaking tourist, you’ll get by perfectly well on the island, in shops, restaurants and during activities you’ll always be helped in Dutch.
What is the climate like on Bonaire?
Bonaire has a tropical climate with temperatures between 27°C and 33°C all year round. The island lies outside the hurricane belt and enjoys a constant trade wind that provides pleasant cooling. The dry season runs from February to September, the most popular months to visit.
Do you need a visa for Bonaire?
Dutch citizens don’t need a visa for Bonaire. The island is a special municipality of the Netherlands and part of the Caribbean Netherlands. You only need a valid passport or ID card. On arrival, you do pay a mandatory tourist tax of $75 per person.
How do you get to Bonaire?
Bonaire is directly accessible with daily flights from Amsterdam Schiphol. The flight takes around 9 hours. Flamingo Airport (BON) is just 2 kilometres from the centre of Kralendijk. From the airport, you’re at Casa Trankilo within 5 minutes.
What currency do they use on Bonaire?
The official currency on Bonaire is the US dollar (USD). Card payments are accepted at most ATMs, and many restaurants and shops also accept credit cards. Euros are sometimes accepted, but the exchange rate is often unfavourable, it’s cheaper to withdraw dollars.