Why visit Bonaire
A small island with protected reefs, flamingos, trade winds and no mass tourism. This is what makes Bonaire different from its busier neighbors.
Bonaire is a small island in the southern Caribbean and part of the Caribbean Netherlands. It is quieter than many of its neighbors. You will not find crowded beaches, huge resorts or a big nightlife scene. What you do find is space, nature and a relaxed pace.
The sea is the main reason people come. The water around the island forms the Bonaire National Marine Park, with more than 80 dive sites and many reefs you can reach from the shore. Beginners find dive schools and guides, and experienced divers find steep walls and advanced courses.
On land there is Washington Slagbaai National Park, with hiking trails, cliffs and secluded beaches. The island has more than 200 bird species, including flamingos on the salt flats in the south, plus wild donkeys, goats and iguanas. Bonaire works hard to protect both its reefs and its land.
The food mixes Caribbean, Dutch and Latin American influences, from fresh fish to keshi yena. The trade wind makes the island less humid than many other Caribbean islands, with temperatures between 25 and 31 °C all year. And the people of Bonaire are known for their warmth and hospitality.