Bonaire Things To Do

Diving, diving, diving! Bonaire, a natural beauty, is excellent for scuba diving and is consistently rated among the top diving locations in the world. Thanks to its reef-lined coast Bonaire is also recognized as one of the best destinations for snorkeling.

Great for: diving & snorkeling, windsurfing, coral reefs, seahorses and flamingos
Location: ABC Islands, Leeward Antilles
Population: 15,000
Size: 113 sq miles
Capital city: Kralendijk
Airport: Flamingo International Airport, Kralendijk, BON       
Language: Dutch, Papamiento
Currency: NL Antillean guilder (Naf or ANG) - check exchange rate
Time Zone: UTC-4
Area code: 599

Did you know?
The five islands of Bonaire, Curaçao, St. Eustatius, Saba and St. Maarten (Dutch side) comprise the Netherlands Antilles, an autonomous part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Bonaire is known primarily for its spectacular dive sites, ringed by a series of offshore reefs located on the west. Stones marked with the names of dive sites can be seen from the coastal roads and a two minutes’ swim (literally) will reveal a reef teeming with marine life. Even though the waters surrounding Bonaire are protected by the Bonaire National Marine Park many activities may be enjoyed, such as swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving (shore diving and advanced diving), kayaking, kite surfing, windsurfing, fishing and boating.

The coral reef around Klein Bonaire is a must-see on any serious diver's wish list. Many top-notch dive operations offer a variety of services, instruction, and equipment. The particularly well-conserved reef draws divers, snorkelers and boaters.

Bonaire is also famed for its flamingo population. Visit Pink Beach at sunset and you can see them lighting up the sky as they wing their way on their nightly trip to Venezuela.

Nature & Wildlife

Diving & Snorkeling

If you like diving and snorkeling, then Bonaire is the perfect place. Bonaire is also a windsurfer's heaven. The constant onshore winds make Bonaire a fantastic windsurfing destination. The island is known for having one of the world's best teams in freestyle.

Nature & Wildlife in Bonaire:

Washington Slagbaai National Park - Located at the north side of the island, Bonaire's National Park is an ecological preserve and it's a great place to explore. The highest point of Bonaire, Brandaris, located within this preserve has a complete view of the island.

Lac Bay - Also known as Lac Cai or Lac Cay, located on the eastern side of the island, is a windsurfer's paradise.

Diving and Snorkeling in Bonaire:

Klein Bonaire - Surrounded by reefs, Klein Bonaire is a popular jumping off point for dives.

Bonaire Marine Park - A popular area that boasts countless dive sites, many reachable from shore, and more than 70 sites with boat moorings.

Bari Reef - Another great place to spot exotic sea life.

Front Porch - Front Porch is an excellent dive area with abundant, easily approachable marine life.

18 Palms - A popular dive area featuring a steep drop-off with a terrace covered of Fire Coral and regularly visited by several large Tarpon.

• All Americans are required to present a passport to enter and re-enter the United States.
• Non-U.S. citizens, please contact the nearest consulate or embassy of the country to which you are traveling to determine your entry/visa requirements.
• Passport, visa and travel advisory information may be found at the U.S. Department of State's Netherlands Antilles pages. Although most travel to international destinations is completed without incident, Caribbean-TravelDeals.com urges passengers to review travel prohibitions, warnings, announcements and advisories prior to booking.