Why Go to Bonaire
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Bonaire's greatest treasures are underwater. This small Dutch Caribbean island, just 112 square miles, is famous among divers and snorkelers for its protected reefs, many of which you can reach simply by wading in from shore. Skipping the water here would be a real miss.
Bonaire is more about adventure than lounging, and there's plenty to do on land too. Hike the rugged landscapes of Washington Slagbaai National Park, explore hidden caves, and visit Rincon, the island's oldest village. Steady trade winds make Bonaire a world-class spot for windsurfing and kiteboarding, and lessons are available for beginners. In the charming capital, Kralendijk, stroll the colorful waterfront, shop, dine and enjoy the nightlife, all within easy walking distance.
The island's dining and resort scene has grown in recent years, with stylish new resorts, chef's tables, fusion restaurants, cooking classes featuring local ingredients and even a chic beach club. With temperatures in the 80s and little rain all year, there's no bad time to visit, and it's a popular cruise stop too. I'll match you with the right resort and set up dive, snorkel or windsurfing time for your skill level.
BEST FOR
Divers, snorkelers, nature enthusiasts and low-key beach travelers
BEST MONTHS
Year-round, with the driest weather from January to May
EXPLORE
Kralendijk is the principal town and cruise arrival area; the western shore has many marked dive access points, while Washington Slagbaai National Park occupies the north.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Bonaire
North America › Southern Caribbean › Netherlands
Shore diving paradise, pink flamingos and a laid-back Dutch Caribbean pace.
Beach & Resort
Diving
Caribbean
Nature
Snorkeling
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Rent a pickup truck and explore the yellow dive-site stones along the coast at your own pace. It's the classic Bonaire way to snorkel and dive.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Every visitor must pay the Bonaire nature fee before entering the water.
Bonaire National Marine Park
Bonaire's entire coastline is a protected marine park, home to healthy coral reefs, sea turtles and colorful fish, with dozens of shore-accessible dive and snorkel sites.
Take the water taxi from Kralendijk and bring water, snacks and shade.
Klein Bonaire
This small, uninhabited island just offshore is surrounded by pristine reefs and No Name Beach, one of the best snorkeling spots on Bonaire.
Arrive early; entry is restricted later in the day, and the loop takes several hours.
Washington Slagbaai National Park
Bonaire's rugged national park covers the northern part of the island, with cacti, flamingos, hidden beaches and dramatic coastal views.
Visit at sunrise or sunset, when the colors are at their most vivid.
Salt Pans
Brilliant pink salt pans on the southern end of the island, with towering white salt piles and historic obelisks.
View them from the road; the sanctuary itself is off-limits to protect the birds.
Flamingo Sanctuary
Bonaire is home to one of the largest flamingo breeding grounds in the Caribbean, protected in the salt flats of the south.
A boutique beachfront resort with a private marina, spa and calm beach, just outside Kralendijk.
Harbour Village Beach Club
Kralendijk / north coast
Boutique · Beach
A modern resort with ocean-view rooms and a pool, close to town and dive sites.
Delfins Beach Resort Bonaire
Punt Vierkant
Beach · Family
A beachfront resort with a full dive center, pools and easy access to Kralendijk.
Van der Valk Plaza Beach & Dive Resort Bonaire
Kralendijk / south coast
Beach · Family
A classic dive resort with drive-through tank pickup, reef access and laid-back vibes.
Buddy Dive Resort
North of Kralendijk
Value · Beach
A relaxed resort with a dive center, pool and easy access to the reef.
Chogogo Dive & Beach Resort Bonaire
Hato / north Kralendijk
Value · Beach
A legendary dive resort with a house reef and easy shore diving, at a good price.
Captain Don's Habitat
North of Kralendijk
Value · Beach
A relaxed beachfront resort with a dive shop and one of the island's few sandy beaches.
Eden Beach Resort
Kralendijk / Hotel Row
Value · Beach
A colorful waterfront resort with an all-inclusive option and great snorkeling right offshore.
Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino
Kralendijk
All-Inclusive · Value · Beach
Chalets on calm Lac Bay, a top spot for windsurfing and a quiet beach day.
Sorobon Beach Resort
Lac Bay
Boutique · Beach
An intimate oceanfront boutique hotel with spacious suites and its own dive pier.
Bellafonte Chateau de la Mer
South of Kralendijk
Boutique
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Bonaire
High 88°F · Low 79°F · Rain 3.7 in
Calm seas continue as the island prepares for the busy winter season.
Bonaire is a year-round destination with warm, dry weather and calm seas. Peak season runs December through April, with the driest days. Summer and fall offer great deals and excellent diving, and because the island sits outside the main hurricane belt, storms are rare.
Best Times to Visit Bonaire
WHEN TO GO
Where to Dine
DINING
Bonaire's dining scene is small but excellent, with fresh seafood, local stews and international flavors. Many restaurants have waterfront views, especially in Kralendijk.
- Waterfront dining: Kralendijk's restaurants offer sunset views and fresh catch.
- Local favorite: Try local stews and fresh fish at small family-run spots around the island.
- Must-try: Fresh wahoo or mahi-mahi, goat stew and cactus soup.
06
Biking & Walking
Kralendijk is compact and walkable, and bikes are great for exploring nearby areas.
05
Water Taxis
Water taxis run regularly from Kralendijk to Klein Bonaire for snorkeling and beach days.
04
Taxis
Taxis are available at the airport and cruise port but are limited elsewhere, so plan ahead.
03
Rental Cars & Trucks
Renting a pickup truck is the best way to explore the island and carry dive gear between shore sites.
02
Cruise Port
Ships dock right in Kralendijk, within walking distance of shops, restaurants and the waterfront.
01
Flying In
Flamingo International Airport (BON) is just south of Kralendijk, with nonstop flights from several U.S. cities and connections through Curaçao and Aruba.
Most visitors fly into Flamingo International Airport, just minutes from Kralendijk. A rental pickup truck is the best way to explore the island and its shore dive sites, while water taxis connect to Klein Bonaire. Kralendijk itself is easy to explore on foot.
Getting Around Bonaire