Bonaire, a gem of the Dutch Caribbean, is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and laid-back vibe. It’s a diver’s paradise, with some of the world’s best-preserved marine ecosystems protected by the Bonaire National Marine Park. Beyond its underwater wonders, the island boasts rugged landscapes, salt flats, and graceful flamingos. Its colorful capital, Kralendijk, is clean, charming, and free of the overly commercialized feel you might expect from a cruise ship destination. Instead, it offers unique restaurants, bars, and even a brewery—all with a Dutch-Caribbean flair. To see why Bonaire quickly became one of our favorite islands we have sailed to check out these two videos: Bonaire part 1 & Bonaire part 2.
Why Sailors Love Bonaire
Bonaire is a sailor-friendly destination with safe moorings, easy customs procedures, and its location in the hurricane-safe “ABC Islands” (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao). Unlike many islands, anchoring is prohibited to protect the reefs, and sailors must use one of the 42 public moorings managed by the marine park. These moorings cost $35 per day, payable at Marina Village, and can accommodate boats up to 55 feet. If moorings are full, temporary use of dive moorings (no overnight stays) is allowed while you wait for an opening. For larger vessels or extended stays, Harbor Village Marina may have slips available.
Dock & Dinghy Tips
Town dinghy dock: $10/week with a refundable $20 key deposit. The gate locks at night for security.
Marina Village: Offers trash bins and temporary dinghy tie-ups until 5 PM.
Check-In & Customs : Checking in is straightforward and located a short walk from the town dinghy dock. You’ll pay the $75/person tourist fee, which supports conservation efforts, and clear customs and immigration in the same spot. Pet owners, take note: Bonaire requires a health certificate and proof of vaccination for dogs. More information about sailing with a dog in the Caribbean can be found here.
Provisions & Supplies
Bonaire offers several options for provisioning and supplies, with many stores conveniently located near the marina or dinghy dock:
Budget Marine and NAPA are great for marine and boat-related needs and are within walking distance of the marina and dinghy dock.
Van der Tweel Supermarket: The most well-stocked and clean grocery store we found. It’s about a 30-minute walk from the dinghy dock, so we recommend stocking up if you have a rental car.
Top Supermarket: An easy walk from the dinghy dock and had most of the essentials we needed.
Zhang Kong Supermarket: Located about a 23-minute walk from the marina, offering a good selection of staples and small selection of fruits and veggies.
There are other stores scattered around the island, but we didn’t visit them all, so we can’t vouch for their offerings. Depending on your needs and transportation options, you’ll have no trouble finding what you need in Bonaire!
Exploring Bonaire
To fully experience the island, rent a vehicle for a few days. The national park is a must-visit, with hiking, flamingo spotting, and snorkeling opportunities. Be sure your rental is approved for the park’s terrain (SUVs or trucks are best). While our rental experience wasn’t great the adventure was worth it.
** We cannot recommend Voyager Bonaire Car Rental. They did not offer us insurance, the car was very beat up, and it wouldn’t start multiple times (we ended up having to buy tools to fix it ourself) .The car was hit in the middle of the night while parked and we went through the effort of getting security footage as proof, filing a police report, and they charged us a exuberant about for the damage and missing rental opportunity (which by the look of the car they were never going to fix anyway) —- everything seemed a little fishy. Do your own research and make sure you use a CC that covers your rental insurance if the rental company doesn’t offer it to you.
Our Favorite Activities
Cave Tour with Go Caving Bonaire: Adventurous, educational, and far from touristy. Groups are limited to six, and our guide, Tama, made the experience unforgettable.
Mt. Brandaris Hike: A 45-minute trek to Bonaire’s highest point. Arrive before noon to start the hike. You will need to pay the $40/person National park pass but this is also needed for all diving around the island and any other national park hikes you want to do.
Snorkeling/Free Diving Spots:
Karpata to La Dania’s Leap: Clear visibility and vibrant coral.
1000 Steps: Beautiful spot with friendly turtles.
Salt Pier: Unique dive site with abundant marine life, including tarpon.
Bonaire is one of the top scuba diving destinations IN THE WORLD. If you are able, willing, and have time make sure to go for at least one scuba dive!
Fishing and Windsports
Offshore fishing near Bonaire is excellent; we caught mahi, spotted wahoo, and even hooked a marlin! Lac Bay is a hub for windsurfing and wing foiling, with a friendly community and calm waters. If you want to learn, check out lessons or retreats with our friend Charles Dasher—a top-notch instructor who lives on Bonaire. Kite Beach, also known as Atlantis Beach, is a premier kiteboarding destination on Bonaire’s southwest coast. With kite schools, rentals, and a vibrant community, it’s a lively spot to enjoy or watch the colorful kites against the stunning turquoise sea. ** Make sure to do your research and follow all the fishing regulations (no fishing zone map) **
Best Eats
Pizza Mare Bonaire: Exceptional pizza that rivals New York standards (approved by a New Yorker!).
Bubbles: Delicious burgers and fries, though service can be slow.
Gio’s Gelato: Affordable and irresistible at $2 per scoop. Cash only
Island Highlights
Bonaire is a joy to explore by car. The south loop takes you past salt flats, historic slave huts, and flamingos, while the north loop offers caves, windmills, and access to the national park.
Fun fact: Bonaire has no traffic lights!
Although small—just 24 miles long and 7.5 miles wide—Bonaire is packed with activities and charm. We loved every moment of our two weeks here and hope this guide helps you make the most of your visit. Let us know if you discover more must-dos!
