About Bonaire

Location

Bonaire is one of the ABC-islands of the Dutch Caribbean (the others being Aruba and Curaçao) and is a municipality of the Netherlands. It is located nearly 50 km east of Curaçao and 80 km north of Venezuela and is about 288 km² (170 sq miles).

 

The weather

Bonaire is blessed with one of the gentlest climates in the Caribbean, with very little rainfall and a consistent nice breeze. The daily average temperature is about 84 F (29°C), the nights are just a few degrees cooler. The average sea temperature is about 82 F (28°C).

It is sunny all year round. Due to its location it has the advantage of daylight for 12 hours! The island lies outside of the hurricane belt.

 

Language

Four languages are spoken on the island. The official language is Dutch. The daily spoken language is Papiamentu. Aside from this, many people speak also English and Spanish.

Try a few of the following words or phrases.

World map Bonaire

Drinking water

You can drink it right from the tap!

The seawater is distilled and purified to become one of the purest drinking waters in the world.

 

Currency & Credit Cards

US dollar is the official currency. Only dollars are dispensed at bank ATM's and counters. Major credit cards are accepted.

Bon bini     Welcome
Kon ta bai How are you
Bon dia Good morning
Bon tardi Good afternoon
Bon nochi Good evening
Danki Thanks
Masha danki Many thanks
Di nada Your welcome
Ayo Bye
Dushi Sweetheart
Si Yes
No No

Electricity

Seascape Villa is equipped with 110V and 220V.

 

Klein Bonaire

Klein Bonaire (little Bonaire) is an uninhabited coral island of only 6 km² (2.3 sq miles) large. It is 800 meter offshore from “Kralendijk”. It is a great destination for a day at the beach or diving and snorkeling. This uninhabited island is an important breeding ground for sea turtles. It is easily accessible by water taxi’s.

Island of Klein Bonaire

Nature awareness

Bonaire is the first Blue Destination in the world. The world’s leader in nature preservation by synergizing people and nature. To protect Bonaire and its natural resources, a better connection between man and nature is of great importance. More than 20% of the total land area and 100% of the waters surrounding Bonaire and Klein Bonaire are National Parks and are protected. Therefore you have to pay a Nature Fee before entering the Bonaire National Marine Park.

Visitor Entry Tax

Visitors to Bonaire are required to pay a tourist entry tax of $75 per person, per visit. The funds from the tourist tax are invested to support education, infrastructure, tourism development and sustainability initiatives on the island.