Island, Caribbean Netherlands
Bonaire
Quiet shore-diving island with protected reefs, flamingos and kitesurfing. Dive-focused and car-dependent, with little nightlife and few budget beds; prices are in US dollars.
At a glance
- Safety5/5Very safeDetails
- Monthly budget$3,800–5,500Comfortable, one person · US$3,800–5,500Details
- Best time to goApr–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Sep, 29°CDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is desalinated and safe to drink.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$70–120Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundRental pickup truckWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards are accepted at dive shops, hotels, restaurants and supermarkets; keep a little USD cash for tips, small snackbars and beach stalls.Details
Where to stay in Bonaire
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Kralendijk | Walkable capital: dive shops, restaurants, supermarkets |
| Hato–Belnem | Quiet residential area near the airport side |
| Sorobon | Windsurf and kitesurf beach, quieter east-coast stays |
Apps that work in Bonaire
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: No ride apps. Taxis are few; book through your hotel. Most visitors rent a truck or bicycle instead.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Caribbean Netherlands.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards are accepted at dive shops, hotels, restaurants and supermarkets; keep a little USD cash for tips, small snackbars and beach stalls.
- ATMs: ATMs in Kralendijk; withdrawals in US dollars. Fees depend on your bank.
- Tipping: A service charge is often included; otherwise tip 10–15%.
- Paying by phone: Contactless cards work at most places; Apple Pay is accepted in some.
Before you go
Visa and 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.
Emergency numbers
Police 911 · Ambulance 912 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B, C · 127 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Digicel or Flow prepaid SIMs in Kralendijk with passport; EU SIMs may roam at extra cost. eSIMs work for visitors.
Going to Bonaire solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Bonaire meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety 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.