Bonaire Uncovered: Where to Stay, Eat, and Have Fun in Paradise
Bonaire (pronounced “bo-nair”) is an island in the Caribbean, 50 miles off the coast of Venezuela, with a population of only about 20,000 people . Part of the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao), Bonaire boasts sunny weather year-round. It’s best known for being one of the most amazing diving destinations in the world, thanks to its reef-lined coast being protected by the Bonaire National Marine Park (and responsible tourism).
Up until a couple of years ago, I hadn’t heard of Bonaire, but when I finally did, I was intrigued to see its crystal clear waters, expansive salt pans and unique wildlife.
I recommend Bonaire for anyone primarily looking to dive and a quiet, warm getaway. You go to Bonaire to explore everything off-land and the gems you encounter in between make your trip. My favorite part was the people I met and the stories I listened to, which is always priceless on my travels.
WHERE TO STAY
I researched all kinds of accommodations available on the island before I arrived and after being there I can say these are my top 3 recommendations. QVillas, a luxury villa rental and real estate company in Bonaire, offering gorgeous properties around the island that you can rent depending on your needs. The Courtyard by Marriott Bonaire Dive Resort, located in Kralendijk (pronounced “crawl-in-dake”, the capital), has beautiful grounds with colorful “casitas” and all the generous amenities a hotel can offer. Bonaire Boutique Resort, a new resort with cottages decorated by a Dutch designer, provide a more “in-nature” experience with a taste of luxury.
THINGS TO DO
I highly recommend renting a car in Bonaire. It’s the easiest way to get around since there isn’t public transportation on the island. Bonaire is 112 square miles, making it easy to drive around the entire island in about an hour or so.
The main attraction in Bonaire is the incredible diving, but there are other things you can do both on and off the island. The Bonaire Tourism page offers a comprehensive list of activities and local operators to help you plan.
Photo above: tourismbonaire.com
klein bonaire:
Day trip to the small uninhabited island
just a half mile off the coast of Bonaire.
WHERE TO EAT
Bonaire offers a wide array of international cuisines and many of its restaurants are award-winning. From Dutch and Colombian to Indonesian and Italian, you can find just about any cuisine you’re in the mood for on the island.
Owner Patrice Rennou and his friendly staff made this our go-to place for happy hour and dinner almost every night on the island. The bar and waterfront terrace were relaxing and fun - exactly what you need on vacation. It’s open every day except Sundays.
Because it’s always ok to have dessert when you’re away, stop in for some homemade gelato at Gio’s in downtown Kralendijk. You can sit outside and enjoy your after dinner coffee or gelato or come by in the morning for breakfast.
thank you