Meaning
good airin French and nestled in deep in the Caribbean,
Bonaire forms part of the ABC chain of islands in the Lesser
Antilles (the others being Aruba and Curacao). With crystalline
turquoise waters brimming with coral reefs for miles in every
direction, this tiny island boasts the Bonaire National Marine
Park, widely regarded as one of the best offshore diving
destinations in the world. Originally inhabited by the tall
Caquieto Indians, the Spanish first named the ABC islands '
las Islas de los Gigantes', meaning 'the island of the
giants' and Caquetios rock paintings can be seen at Spelonk, Onima,
Ceru Pungi, and Ceru Crita-Cabai. Besides being one of the biggest
scuba diving meccas in the world, Bonaire is also famed for its
Flamingo population, which is drawn here by the abundance of shrimp
found in the brackish waters. Donkeys can also be seen roaming
freely and the Donkey Sanctuary is a major tourist attraction.
Colonised by the English and Dutch, the latter of which is still
prevalent today in the language and architecture, evidence of
Bonaire's oppressive past can still be seen in the saltpans in
Rincon where African slaves were put to work alongside Indians and
convicts in the 1600s. The Caribbean is known a major thoroughfare
for drug smuggling from South America and visitors should be
vigilant with their luggage. There are no major health threats
associated with visiting Bonaire, but travellers should arm
themselves with insect repellent and be cautious of excessive
exposure to the sun. With a perfectly consistent tropical
temperature, which is moderated by Atlantic trade winds, Bonaire is
the ideal playground for lovers of all things aquatic. From scuba
diving, snorkelling and fishing to sea kayaking, wind surfing and
kite boarding, this little slice of tropical paradise will
beautiful memories to be relived for years for all who visit
Bonaire.
Key Facts
Language:
Passport/Visa:
Passports must be valid for a period of six months before
arrival. A valid return ticket is required. EU citizens and
nationals of USA, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand do not require
visas for travel to Bonaire if their stay does not exceed 90
days.
Currency:
The US Dollar (USD) is the official currency. ATMs are available
and major credit cards are widely accepted.
Electricity:
The electrical current is 127 volts, 50Hz. Some
electrical devices may require a transformer.
Travel to Bonaire
Duty Free in Bonaire
Visitors to Bonaire over the age of 15 may bring with them up to
200 cigarettes/100 cigarillos/50 cigars/250g of tobacco, two litres
of wine or spirits, gifts up to a value of USD500, and an unlimited
quantity of perfume.
Communication in Bonaire
The international dialling code for Bonaire is +599. Hotels,
cafes and restaurants offering free wifi are available in tourist
centred areas. As international roaming costs can be high,
purchasing a local prepaid SIM card can be a cheaper option.
Passport/Visa Note
Passports must be valid for a period of six months before
arrival. A valid return ticket is required. EU citizens and
nationals of USA, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand do not require
visas for travel to Bonaire if their stay does not exceed 90
days.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for Americans:
A valid passport is required for US nationals, but no visa is
required.
Entry requirements for Canadians:
A valid passport is required for Canadian nationals, but no visa
is required.
Entry requirements for UK nationals:
A valid passport is required for British nationals, but no visa
is required.
Entry requirements for Australians:
A valid passport is required for Australian nationals, but no
visa is required.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
A valid passport is required for Irish nationals, but no visa is
required.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
A passport and visa is required for New Zealand nationals.
Entry requirements for South Africans:
A valid passport and visa is required for South African
nationals.
Tourist Offices
Tourism Information Centre, Kralendijk, Bonaire: +599 717
8322
Travel Advisories
Health Information for Travelers to Bonaire
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Bonaire, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Bonaire. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
There is no risk of yellow fever in Bonaire. The government of Bonaire requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. This does not include the US. If you are traveling from a country other than the US, check this list to see if you may be required to get the yellow fever vaccine: Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission.
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Bonaire, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Bonaire. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
There is no risk of yellow fever in Bonaire. The government of Bonaire requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. This does not include the US. If you are traveling from a country other than the US, check this list to see if you may be required to get the yellow fever vaccine: Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission.
Note: Zika is a risk in Bonaire. Zika infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects. Therefore, pregnant women should not travel to Bonaire. Partners of pregnant women and couples planning pregnancy should know the possible risks to pregnancy and take preventive steps (more information).
Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Bonaire, so your behaviors are important.
Eat and drink safely
Unclean food and water can cause travelers' diarrhea and other diseases. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits.
Eat
Food that is cooked and served hot
Hard-cooked eggs
Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself
Pasteurized dairy products
Don't Eat
Food served at room temperature
Food from street vendors
Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs
Raw or undercooked (rare) meat or fish
Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables
Unpasteurized dairy products
”Bushmeat” (monkeys, bats, or other wild game)
Drink
Bottled water that is sealed
Water that has been disinfected
Ice made with bottled or disinfected water
Carbonated drinks
Hot coffee or tea
Pasteurized milk
Don’t Drink
Tap or well water
Ice made with tap or well water
Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice)
Unpasteurized milk
Take Medicine
Talk with your doctor about taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs with you on your trip in case you get sick.
Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Bonaire. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.
What can I do to prevent bug bites?
Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
If your travel plans in Bonaire include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.
Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity during high temperatures.
If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
Do not dive into shallow water.
Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.
Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.
Follow these tips to protect yourself:
Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.
All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:
Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
Go to a doctor right away.
Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.
Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Bonaire’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.
Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).
In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.
Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.
In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.
Walking
Be smart when you are traveling on foot.
Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving
Choose a safe vehicle.
Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.
Think about the driver.
Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
Arrange payment before departing.
Follow basic safety tips.
Wear a seatbelt at all times.
Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Bonaire may be poor.
Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
If you choose to drive a vehicle in Bonaire, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Medical Evacuation Insurance
If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.
Helpful Resources
Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.
Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Bonaire for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.
Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?
It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.
Be aware of current health issues in Bonaire. Learn how to protect yourself.
Alert Level 2, Practice Enhanced Precautions
Zika Virus in BonaireAugust 29, 2017Zika virus (or Zika) has been reported. Public health officials have reported that mosquitoes are infected with Zika and spreading it to people.
If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.
Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.
Currency
The US Dollar (USD) is the official currency. ATMs are available
and major credit cards are widely accepted.
Bonaire Airport (BON) Flamingo International Airport http://www.flamingoairport.com
Location: Kralendijk The airport is located in Kralendijk, Bonaire.
Time: Local time is GMT -4.
Getting to the city:
There are no public buses in Bonaire, however most hotels
provide shuttles on request.
Car rental:
Car hire agencies operating from the airport include Avis,
Budget, and Hertz.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available from the airport. There may be extra fees
for additional passengers, public holidays, waiting times or
journeys between midnight and 6am.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include ATMs, restaurants, souvenir and
liquor shops, public telephones, a smoking area and VIP lounge.
Handicapped facilities are also available.
Parking:
Parking is $1 per hour. Daily rates are $12 for short-term
parking, and $6 for long-term.
Overview of the Attractions in Bonaire
Public Holidays in Bonaire
2020
2021
New Year's Day
Mon. January 1
Mon. January 1
Carnival Monday
Sat. February 24
Thu. February 15
Good Friday
Wed. April 10
Tue. April 2
Easter Sunday
Fri. April 12
Thu. April 4
Easter Monday
Sat. April 13
Fri. April 5
King's Day
Sat. April 27
Sat. April 27
Labour Day
Wed. May 1
Wed. May 1
Ascension Day
Tue. May 21
Mon. May 13
Bonaire Day
Fri. September 6
Fri. September 6
Kingdom Day
Sun. December 15
Sun. December 15
Christmas Day
Wed. December 25
Wed. December 25
Boxing Day
Thu. December 26
Thu. December 26
Port of Call - Kralendijk
Bonaire Harbour Photo credit: brechtje.molenaar
The small boomerang-shaped island port of Bonaire, which means
good airin French, forms part of the Lesser Antilles,
together with Curacao and Aruba, and oozes British and Dutch
colonial charm. This small island port is much quieter and more
relaxed than other ports with only one casino and very little glitz
and glamour. The breathtaking Bonaire National Marine Park is
regarded as one of the top destinations for shore diving in the
Caribbean, while Washington-Slagbaai National Park has Brandaris,
the island's highest point. Other popular sights include the salt
pyramids and Willemstoren Lighthouse. Cruise ships dock at the
island's capital and largest town, Kralendijk, which means
Coral reefin Dutch. The dock takes cruise passengers to
Wilhelmina Park and Queen Beatrix Way where a brick-paved path,
lined with a few shops, restaurants and bars leads along the
waterfront. Nearby Fort Oranje was built in 1639 to defend
Bonaire's main harbour.
Shopping in Kralendijk
Bonaire is not known for its shopping, and one could visit every
store in Kralendijk within a few hours. The main shopping area is
on a block on Kaya Grandi.
The Bonaire Gift Shop sells unique jewellery made from black
coral and other marine specimens. Littman's, at the open-air
Harborside Mall, stocks a wide selection of resort wear, T-shirts,
watches and custom-designed gold and silver jewellery.
Dining in Kralendijk
Chibi Chibi at Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino - casual
waterfront eatery with great seafood dishes, perfect for the
family
Zeezicht - Romantic eatery with delicious fresh seafood and
picturesque sea views
The Lion's Den - Good value family restaurant with children's
menu
ith arresting architecture, blindingly white beaches, and chromatic coral reefs, the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao) are synonymous with paradise. As if these sister islands weren’t lovely enough, they also enable travelers to tick their culture, gastronomy, and
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