Simply 50 miles off the coast of Venezuela, shielded from the Caribbean’s hurricane belt, lies the all the time sunny, rugged, and exquisite Bonaire. A part of the trio of Dutch islands within the Caribbean, Bonaire is the B within the ABCs, which additionally consists of Aruba and Curacao. 

The island is all about journey, because of its wild, desert panorama and spectacular coral reef that sits simply offshore. In reality, the reef has been designated a nationwide park and is understood for heaping handfuls of dive websites, making Bonaire top-of-the-line diving locations within the Caribbean.

“Bonaire is a dream vacation spot for many unusual vacationers,” says Stephen Bennett, a Caribbean journey professional and co-owner of Unusual Caribbean. “I am speaking concerning the type of people that purposely keep away from crowds and…favor adventures that feed an insatiable cultural curiosity.”

Overlook massive brand-name lodges and vacationer lure sights — overtourism has but to sink its enamel into the sandy streets of Bonaire.

“The desert island is dwelling to the Caribbean’s first and oldest marine park, in addition to one of many area’s high coral reef sustainability packages, the Reef Renewal Basis,” provides Bennett. “As such, undersea treasures and adventures listed here are merely off the charts. The island’s deep dedication to the surroundings and sustainability makes Bonaire notably perfect for communing with nature, each above and under the waves.”

Finest Resorts and Resorts

Windhoek Resort

“This cozy boutique property was designed by celebrated Dutch architect Piet Boon,” says Bennett. “The Piet Boon model is one which embodies the ‘if you must ask’ aesthetic. On the identical time, although, the property is something however hoity-toity.”

Pure Villa Karibuni

“Bonaire’s quite a few luxurious villas are additionally certain to please most vacationers,” says Bennett. “Pure Villa Karibuni, one other Piet Boon creation, is especially fashionable, comfortable, and well-appointed.”

The Bellafonte

A luxurious oceanfront lodge with simply 22 rooms, The Bellafonte has among the finest views of the glowing turquoise sea. An on-site restaurant serves all-day eating, whereas the resort affords complimentary yoga twice per week, an oceanfront plunge pool, and diving amenities on website.

Harbour Village Seaside Membership

This stunning resort has 4 acres of powder-soft sand and direct beachfront entry. The posh rooms right here include views of the marina or gardens, and visitors can take pleasure in actions like PADI-certified scuba instruction, kayaking, or a spa therapy.

Van der Valk Plaza Seaside & Dive Resort

An all-inclusive resort with a ravishing oceanfront pool and a personal marina, this is likely one of the finest lodges on Bonaire. Friends can take pleasure in diving and snorkeling, an on-site spa, yoga, and beachfront eating.

Sailboat Keep

“For a very unforgettable, decidedly unusual, and extra inexpensive possibility, why not go for a sailboat keep?” suggests Bennett. “Airbnb lists just a few sailboat stays on Bonaire beginning at simply $64 per evening.”

Finest Issues to Do

Water Sports activities

Bonaire is all about motion and journey, most of which is centered round water actions. From kayaking and windsurfing to kiteboarding, snorkeling, diving, fishing, and past, there’s not a lot you may’t do on the water right here.

Kralendijk

Kralendijk is the capital of Bonaire, identified for its colourful structure and charming eating places. From Kralendijk, you may hop on a water taxi to Klein Bonaire, a abandoned islet that is a part of the beautiful Bonaire Nationwide Marine Park.

Washington Slagbaai Nationwide Park

Protecting practically 20 % of the island, this spectacular desert nationwide park is likely one of the finest locations on Bonaire for outside journey. It has two driving routes and two mountain climbing trails, in addition to gorgeous distant seashores, flamingo-peppered salt pans, and loads of spots for snorkeling alongside the best way.

Bonaire Landsailing

In accordance with Bennett, whereas Bonaire is all concerning the sea, the land-based choices shouldn’t be discounted. He recommends Bonaire Landsailing Adventures, “notably for these with a necessity for pace.” Climb aboard a sail-powered go-kart for an adrenaline-filled race throughout the desert island.

The Cadushy Distillery

“For those who’re a spirits connoisseur, a cease at The Cadushy Distillery is a should,” says Bennett. “That is the place you may discover the world’s solely liqueur comprised of cactus. Bonaire is, in spite of everything, a desert island.” 

Finest Eating places

Dangle Out Seaside Bar Jibe Metropolis

Nothing says you are within the Caribbean just like the vibe at Dangle Out Seaside Bar. Brilliant colours, toes within the sand, robust cocktails, and freshly caught fish — what extra may you need? The venue typically hosts stay music and places on a desk barbecue each Thursday night.

At Sea

Perched on the promenade in Kralendijk, At Sea is a neighborhood favourite and top-of-the-line fine-dining eating places on the island. The à la carte menu is filled with contemporary goodies, from caviar to seafood risotto, however it’s the four-, five-, and six-course “shock menu” that basically shoots this to the highest of foodies’ must-try lists.

Sebastian’s

The views dial up the class at this in any other case informal waterfront restaurant. Whereas the menu swings Mediterranean most days of the week, the restaurant is understood for its Italian Evening each Sunday, that includes selfmade pizzas and pasta. Remember to make a reservation for sundown.

Cooks Bonaire

Dutch cooks Han ten Winkel and Mark Tromop take diners on a five-course culinary journey. The intimate expertise takes place throughout the Bamboo Bonaire Boutique Resort, the place the cooks not solely do the cooking, however serve every visitor as effectively.

Ocean Oasis

Barefoot and breezy is the vibe at Ocean Oasis. This seaside membership’s aesthetic is all about swaying palms, billowing white drapes, and thatched palapas. Feast on stuffed crab rolls or contemporary native fish by the ocean for lunch, or splurge on the decadent surf and turf when the solar goes down. 

Finest Time to Go to  

Bonaire is a type of locations the place anytime is an efficient time to go to. That is particularly uncommon for the Caribbean, however Bonaire is lucky sufficient to sit down outdoors the hurricane belt.

“For those who like heat, sunny days with little probability of rain, then anytime is the perfect time to go to Bonaire,” says Bennett. Nonetheless, he says his private favourite time to go to is contingent on what’s scheduled on the native occasions calendar.

“I would extremely advocate the pre-Lenten interval, often in February (a.okay.a. Carnival time on Bonaire),” he says. “The road celebration right here is not as loud, raucous, or large because the extra well-known West Indian Carnival celebrations in Trinidad and Tobago, Martinique, or Guadeloupe. On the identical time, although, few celebrations provide a extra enjoyable and exhilarating solution to vibe with the tradition.”

Get There

Bonaire has one worldwide airport, known as Flamingo Worldwide Airport. It receives direct flights from Miami, Atlanta, Houston, and Newark. Bonaire can also be a port of name for cruise traces, together with Carnival, Superstar, Holland America, Norwegian, Princess, and Royal Caribbean, amongst others.

Guests to Bonaire are required to pay a vacationer entry tax of $75 per particular person, per go to. 

Get Round

Bonaire is a small island, overlaying roughly 111 sq. miles. It is three to seven miles large and 24 miles lengthy. Twenty % of the island can also be coated by the Washington Slagbaai Nationwide Park, an expansive desert panorama that is prime for adventures.

“You may need to lease a automobile right here, however not simply any automobile,” says Bennett. “A Jeep, truck, or SUV with excessive floor clearance is really helpful and required for trekking across the unimaginable Washington Slagbaai Nationwide Park.”

He additionally notes that if you happen to do not drive stick, you may need to reserve your rental automobile effectively prematurely as a result of computerized automobiles are scarce on Bonaire. 

For those who plan on lounging on the lodge and solely shuttling round for dinners, then taxi is the quickest solution to journey. Bonaire doesn’t have public transportation, nor does it have Uber or Lyft. Taxis, nevertheless, are protected and do have mounted charges.