Caribbean
Caribbean Netherlands
Bonaire is a diving and snorkelling island with a shore-diving reef protected by a marine park, and the Caribbean Netherlands also include St Eustatius and Saba. Quiet, small, and not for nightlife.
- US travel advisoryLevel 1Exercise normal precautionsDetails
- CurrencyUSDDollarDetails
- English4/5Widely spoken
- PlugsType A, B, C127 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency911Police 911 · Ambulance 912 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is desalinated and safe to drink.Details
- LGBTQ+Marriage equalityThe Caribbean Netherlands follow Dutch law, with same-sex marriage and anti-discrimination protections; local attitudes are relaxed but conservative in smaller communities.Details
- DrivingOn the rightForeign licences are accepted for short visits; rental companies may ask for an IDP. Pickup trucks are the usual dive rental.
Where to go in Caribbean Netherlands
1 place with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BonaireIsland | 5/5 | $3,800–5,500 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | — |
When to visit Caribbean Netherlands
Dry all year; January–April is peak and slightly cooler. Bonaire lies outside the main hurricane belt. Diving is excellent year-round.
Good to know
Entry
- A non-resident entry tax of about US$75 is collected on arrival and often included in airfare.
- Marine park users, including divers and snorkellers, pay a Nature Fee tag.
- Check immigration requirements for Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba separately; a Schengen visa is not valid.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Marine park rules apply: no touching coral and no anchoring on the reef.
- Drug possession is illegal, including cannabis.
Etiquette
- Greet people with 'bon dia'
- Respect marine park rules and do not touch reef life
- Many places close on Sundays
Tipping
A service charge is often included; otherwise tip 10–15%.
Sources
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.