Bonaire, a member of the Netherlands Antilles in the Caribbean, lies just north of Venezuela, right outside of the hurricane belt.
As the environmentalists of the Caribbean, Bonaireans were the first to make great strides in environmental protection. Laid back, casual, and calm, this small island has a tendency to make return visitors out of tourists who happen upon the natural beauty and relaxed lifestyle Bonaireans have worked to preserve. For official information, visit the Official Bonaire Web site or the CIA World Factbook for Bonaire.
| Currency | The official currency of Bonaire is the Netherlands Antillean Florin (Naf), sometimes called a guilder. U.S. dollars are widely accepted. The Naf is fixed to the dollar, with 1.78 Naf = $1(USD). |
Electricity
Oddly enough, Bonaire uses the same electrical current (110 volts) as North America, but with a different cycle (50 instead of 60), so adapters are necessary. Even with adapters, be careful of devices that may overheat.GDP Per CapitaThe average household income in Bonaire is about $11,400(USD), making it one of the more well-off countries in the Caribbean.Island SizeThe island is about 111.2 square miles in area.LanguageThe official language is Dutch, but islanders also speak Papiamento, English, and Spanish.PopulationThe population of Bonaire is about 18,000. The island also sees 50,400 tourists annually, with 52 percent hailing from the U.S.
Getting There
Travelers usually arrive via air, through Bonaire's Flamingo International Airport. Direct flights from North American are usually not available, so many travelers from the U.S. and Canada connect through Hato International Airport in Curaçao. Connecting flights are also available from Caribbean regional air carriers through the airports at San Juan, Santo Domingo, and Montego Bay, among others. Air Jamaica, American Eagle, Dutch Caribbean, and KLM often offer such connecting flights.
Taxis will take you to your final destination on Bonaire. Service to most hotels is generally less than $16(USD), but fares increase after dark and are doubled after midnight, so consider this when making arrival plans.
Entry Requirements
For U.S., U.K., and Canadian citizens, a valid, up-to-date Passport is required to enter the country. Citizens from all other countries, including those of the Caribbean, are required to have a valid passport, as well as other possible documentation. For more information, contact your local travel authority.
Climate
Bonaire is one of the driest islands in the Caribbean, experiencing minimal rainfall of about 22 inches per year. Temperatures are also relatively stable, ranging from 76 to 84 in January, and from 79 to 89 in July (all in degrees Fahrenheit). Additionally, Bonaire is located outside of the hurricane belt, which significantly reduces the risk of any major storms making landfall, and further reduces the threat of any side-effects that major storms may bring with them. For a month-to-month breakdown, visit our Caribbean Weather guide.
Geography
Bonaire is an isolated island, the kind of Caribbean country where birds outnumber people. Fiercely passionate about preserving the natural way of life, Bonaire's best tourism is its eco-tourism. In addition to its gorgeous beaches, the island, which sits atop a coral reef, offers some of the best snorkeling and bird watching. Only fifty miles north of Venezuela, the island is accessible to the mainland while still maintaining an attitude of isolation. The island itself is shaped something like a boomerang, with a hilly and bumpy north, and a flat, serene south.
Health and Safety
Bonaire is among the safest destinations in the Caribbean, but adhering to common safety precautions is still advised. Keep an eye on your valuables, and lock your hotel room. These are good guidelines anywhere, regardless of the prevalence - or lack - of crime. The water on the island is distilled seawater, and thus is pure and safe to drink. The island's main hospital is in the capital of Kralendijk, and should it be necessary, a plane is on standby to carry passengers to Curaçao.
People
Bonaireans are extremely protective of the environment. As a people, they are not interested in development or building a booming tourist industry. Rather than catering to the mainstream demands of huge resorts and souvenir shops, Bonaire emphasizes natural tourism. Bonaireans themselves are active people who enjoy sailing, swimming, fishing, and other Caribbean water sports.
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