Bonaire- Come diving in Paradise!

I’ve been diving in Bonaire twice in 2 months, if that doesn’t say enough about how much I love this place! Bonaire is quite literally Divers Paradise (see highlight #1). In addition, the Dutch people are super friendly, everyone speaks enough English that it’s easy to get by, the island is on the US Dollar. Bonaire gets less than 10% of the tourism of Aruba, and we Love that about this place.

ISLAND HIGHLIGHTS:

1. Scuba Diving- The independent shore diving experience is unlike anywhere else. Throw your tanks in the back of a pick up truck and go diving anywhere you want, whenever you feel like it. It’s the ultimate freedom in scuba diving, with a well-protected marine-park reef system, wreck sites, drift dives, night diving, and 60 well-marked dive sites in total!
2. East Coast- A trip to Bonaire isn’t complete without a trip to the beautiful kite surfing beaches in the south and east. Check out Jibe City for a fun beach bar atmosphere (with a live DJ every Sunday) and lots of kite surfing/ people watching to be had.
3. The adorable and endearing donkey sanctuary is a unique experience, perfect for your pre-flight no-dive day  . Buy a bag of carrots and feed the rescued donkeys!
4. Nightlife is low key and there’s typically one place “happening” each night. Wednesdays check out Little Havana, Thursdays go to Cuba, Fridays are at Coco Beach, Sunday Funday at Jibe City.
5. Best restaurants IMHO- It Rains Fishes & La Terrazza both in downtown Kralendijk

NUTS & BOLTS:

Language: Dutch is the official language as Bonaire is part of the ABCs of the Netherland Antilles. However, many people speak English and it’s easy enough to get by with English.

Currency: US Dollar $

Electric: Same as Europe, US travelers will need plug adapters and voltage converters. SOME hotels will offer standard US outlets in addition to the Euro outlets.

Driving: Driving is on the right side of the road. Most rentals are manual transmission so if you need an automatic request in advance. No special licensure is required.

Airports: 1 airport in Flamingo International BON, serves the island with some direct flights from the US. United and Delta are the major carriers to/from the US, as well as many smaller Caribbean airlines that offer island hopping Divi Divi, Insel Air, Aruba Airlines.

If you’re thinking about going to Bonaire especially for diving, please contact us ([email protected])! We’re happy to provide free consultations.