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.

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.

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.