While it might not be as famous as the other two Dutch ABC islands (Aruba and Curaçao), Bonaire is unanimously hailed as an island paradise—especially by scuba divers, who flock to this Caribbean destination to explore protected reefs filled with marine life. Bright, cheery architecture greets you in the capital city of Kralendijk, a popular stop for cruise ship passengers. But even though the flamingo-filled island maintains a relaxed atmosphere, there are still plenty of things to do on Bonaire, with kayaking, snorkeling, and windsurfing at the top of the activity list.
November through April is Bonaire’s peak season, so expect the biggest crowds then. Though you can scuba dive at any time of year, wind conditions in September and October bring calmer waters that make diving spots on the east side of the island more accessible. For fewer other travelers and cheaper hotel rates, consider visiting from May through October. Bonaire is outside the hurricane belt, so tropical storms aren’t likely to scupper your travel plans.
While you can explore the capital city of Kralendijk and historical sites such as Fort Orange on foot, you’ll need to rent a car or scooter, grab a taxi, or book a tour to get around the rest of the island. Keep in mind that public transportation is relatively nonexistent on Bonaire, besides informal vans. Some Caribbean cruise itineraries stop for a day in Kralendijk, but Bonaire is not accessible by passenger ferries.
You can access most Bonaire dive sites from shore, but a few can only be reached by boat. There are tours and packages designed for both novice and experienced divers. The islet of Klein Bonaire (Little Bonaire) is located just off the western shore of Bonaire and boasts pristine shallow reefs home to stingrays, turtles, tarpon, and sometimes sharks. Also, thanks to the constant trade winds, Bonaire also attracts lots of windsurfers—you can sometimes see hundreds on the water at the same time.
