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Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Bonaire Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.
Suited for
Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
120 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type A
Type A:
 Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
US Dollar (USD) £1 ≈ US$1.33 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 4/5
Cashless payments are becoming more common in Bonaire, especially in tourist areas, though cash is still widely accepted.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is customary, with 10-15% being the standard in restaurants. Small tips are also appreciated for hotel and taxi services. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is allowed in designated areas, especially on beaches and during events. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in indoor public spaces such as restaurants and shops. |
| Dia di Rincon (April) |
Expect lively celebrations and parades in the town of Rincon. |
|---|---|
| New Year’s Day (January) |
Expect public celebrations and some business closures. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 911 |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Bonaire Taxi |
| Other: | Bonaire is known for its excellent diving and water activities, as well as its beautiful beaches and wildlife. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Bonaire, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba
Wettest months October to January, but rain usually comes as short showers and diving continues
Outside the main hurricane belt, but distant storms can bring rough seas August to October
Don't miss
- 🤿 Snorkel with vibrant marine life in Bonaire National Marine Park
- 🦙 Visit the Donkey Sanctuary and meet rescued donkeys
- 🌿 Explore Washington Slagbaai National Park’s diverse landscapes
- 🦩 Spot wild flamingos at the Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary
- 🌬️ Try windsurfing or kiteboarding at Lac Bay
- 🍸 Tour the Cadushy Distillery and taste cactus liqueur
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Bonaire?
Bonaire offers such diverse experiences despite their small size. Bonaire is a diver's dream with its pioneering marine conservation efforts creating some of the Caribbean's healthiest coral reefs. The island's protected status means you can snorkel right off the shore and see incredible marine life without needing a boat trip. Meanwhile, Saba's dramatic Mount Scenery (the highest point in the Netherlands at 887 meters) offers challenging hikes through cloud forests with breathtaking views as your reward. St. Eustatius (or 'Statia') gives you a chance to explore both natural wonders like The Quill volcano and fascinating historical sites from its days as a bustling 17th-century port. What makes these islands special is their commitment to eco-tourism and preservation rather than overdevelopment. You won't find massive resort complexes or crowded beaches here, but rather authentic experiences and a chance to connect with nature in ways that feel increasingly rare in today's world.
🏯Places worth seeing
🎡Places for activities
🏞️Natural landmarks
🛍️Shopping
-
1
Sunshine Market
🎈Events
-
Bonaire Dive Festival
-
Saba Day Celebration
-
Statia Day
-
Carnival
-
Sea Turtle Conservation Events
-
Saba Summer Festival
-
Bonaire International Sailing Regatta
-
St. Eustatius Cultural Festival
-
Saba Triathlon
-
Bonaire Eco Week
Knowledge before you go
- Rent a car. Public transport nonexistent beyond Kralendijk.
- Buy STINAPA nature tag online before arrival for marine park access and national park entry.
- Follow shore diving rules at 86 yellow stone sites; Klein Bonaire water taxi offers pristine reefs.
- Drive Washington Slagbaai National Park's long route for secluded beaches, hikes and sea turtle spotting.
How to travel to Bonaire
The islands are accessible primarily by air. Bonaire has an international airport with connections to Amsterdam, the US and other Caribbean islands. Saba features the world's shortest commercial runway at Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport, with flights mainly from St. Maarten. St. Eustatius is also served by small aircraft connections. Ferry services are limited, though water taxis operate between some islands.
Access summary
- From Flamingo International Airport (BON): Taxi or hotel transfer to Kralendijk, 5–15 minutes.
- From Amsterdam: Seasonal nonstop long‑haul flights to Bonaire, roughly 10–11 hours.
- From Curaçao/Aruba: Short island‑hopper flights, usually around 20–30 minutes each way.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Bonaire
Accommodation options range from boutique hotels and eco-lodges to vacation rentals. Bonaire offers the widest selection, including dive resorts catering to underwater enthusiasts. Saba features charming cottages in villages like Windwardside, while St. Eustatius has a smaller selection of guesthouses and small hotels. Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak diving seasons.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino
Captain Don's Habitat
Delfins Beach Resort Bonaire, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
The Bellafonte - Luxury Oceanfront Hotel
Eden Beach Resort - Bonaire
Goood Resort
Grand Windsock Bonaire
Chogogo Dive & Beach Resort Bonaire
Sand Dollar Bonaire
Treasure By The Sea Bonaire
How to get around Bonaire
Transportation varies by island. On Bonaire, renting a car is recommended for exploring, while Saba and St. Eustatius are small enough that taxis are sufficient for most needs. Roads can be narrow and winding, especially on Saba with its famously steep terrain. Walking is feasible in the main villages like Windwardside on Saba and Kralendijk on Bonaire.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in the region are around 27% higher than the average across United States. That means you'll spend considerably more on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to USD) is 4% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
The islands are generally safe with low crime rates. Petty theft can occur in tourist areas, so secure your valuables. Natural hazards include hurricane risk from June to November, so monitor weather advisories during this period.
Health & Medical
Medical facilities are limited, particularly on Saba and St. Eustatius. Bonaire has basic hospital services, but serious conditions require evacuation. Travel insurance with emergency evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.
Accessibility
The islands present challenges for those with mobility issues. Saba and St. Eustatius have steep terrain, while Bonaire is flatter but has limited accessible infrastructure. Many natural attractions require good mobility to fully experience.
Tap water
Water quality varies by island. Bonaire produces desalinated water that's generally safe to drink. On Saba and St. Eustatius, bottled water is recommended for visitors to avoid potential stomach issues.
Packing recommendations for Bonaire
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
🥾
Walking boots
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🚰
Reusable water bottle
👕
Light, breathable clothing
🧥
Waterproof jacket
🎒
Small rucksack
🪰
Insect repellent
👛
Cash in small denominations
few cash machines on smaller islands
📕
Guidebook with offline map
🤿
Snorkelling gear
🔋
Power bank
🌞
Reef-safe sun cream
📷
Waterproof camera
🪪
Copies of passport and important documents
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
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