Bonaire Vacation Packages

Bonaire is a fairly large island surrounded by a coral reef that shields the island from the strong currents of the sea. On the northern tip of Bonaire, you’ll find the Washington Slagbaai National Park, which has the highest point on the island. With an eagle-eyed view, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding coast and plot your next adventure. When you've had your fill of sight-seeing, Lac Bay is located on the eastern-side of the island and is known as a windsurfer’s paradise. Atlantis Beach, on the western part, is a hotspot for swimming, kite-surfing and general beachside fun. 

Located on the northwest portion of Bonaire, Washington-Slagbaai National Park and Bonaire National Marine Park cover almost a quarter of the entire island. If you’re looking for a fun place to go out and explore, the park’s rugged roads are definitely worth the bumpy journey. Once you get there, you'll find yourself in the center of an oasis of pink flamingos, parrots, iguanas and many other types of exotic wildlife. If you enjoy snorkeling, Bonaire National Marine Park is known as the Caribbean’s diving capital, and if you enjoy hiking, be sure to trek on Washington-Slagbaai National Park’s 90-minute Lagadishi loop, which takes you past ancient stone walls and challenging climbing trails. No matter what you find here, you're sure to enjoy the oasis of adventure at Washington-Slagbaai National Park.

Before it became a top tourist destination, Bonaire was home to the Arawaks. For thousands of years, these indigenous people lived peacefully on the island until Spain laid its claim to Bonaire in 1499. While Bonaire’s Spanish influence is quite visible, you can still see traces of the Arawaks when you explore a number of remote caves. There, you'll find ancient cave drawings, artifacts and remnants of these ancient people.

When the Dutch took control of the island in 1634, they took advantage of the island’s flats for their salt producing industry that still operates today. From the varied diversity of the Spanish, Dutch and Arawak people, Bonaire has become a thrilling and educational destination for visitors who return time and time again looking for an exotic Caribbean experience.

In Dutch, Kralendijk simply means "coral reef." That’s exactly why the area around this capital city has become a mecca for divers, adventurers and photographers. While many usually find themselves breathless when faced with the underwater beauty of the region, the beauty on land can be just as majestic.

A walk along the rocky path toward the coast can be a thrill-ride in itself, but the breathtaking views of the vistas and sparkling shoreline are well worth the effort. Watch the skies, though. The roads can become impassable after heavy rain. In the end, you’ll be pleased to enjoy the "views" of your labor.

As the unofficial sport of Bonaire, windsurfing has created quite a stir. Thrillseekers come from far and wide to take advantage of Bonaire’s clear waters, shallow sea and hotbed of talent. In fact, 3 of the world’s top windsurfers call Bonaire home—with much of the island embracing the sport, residents even consider these champions as national heroes. Whether you want to catch some waves yourself or just watch the pros, there are plenty of people and shops willing to help you get your feet wet.

The people of Bonaire have combined their varied ethnic backgrounds to produce a truly unique culture and dance tradition– the Simadan. Comprised of a colorful concoction of African drum beats and modern influences, the Simadan is one of the most widely known dances on the island.

Traditionally celebrated to mark the end of a successful maize harvest, everyone on the island plays a part in the harvest festival by providing an exhilarating rendition of the Simadan to the tune of the island's finest food and drinks. If you really want to dance with the stars, Bonaire has all the steps you'll need!

Language: The official language of Bonaire is Dutch, but many speak English.

Currency: The official currency is the US dollar.

Electricity: 127 volts with a standard US two-prong outlet.

Passport/Immigration: All U.S. citizens must have a valid passport when traveling to and from Bonaire.   

Drinking Water: The water is safe to drink in Bonaire.

Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (UTC/GMT -4 hours)

Peak Season: The peak travel season in Bonaire extends from mid-December through mid-April.

If you happen to find yourself in the sleepy town of Rincon, stop by this comfortable café run by Rose herself. The staff is friendly and the no-frills atmosphere let's you get right down to business -- trying Rose's delicious food!

For hungry and curious patrons, we recommend you try the goat stew so you can taste the traditional flavors of a home-spun Bonaire favorite! The restaurant also serves up healthy portions of traditional Bonaire favorites like salt-fish, fried chicken, black-eyed pea cake, red beans and rice and more.

The Magazina di Rei is the second oldest stone building on the island. While the humble structure started life as a military post, you'll find no better place to discover Bonaire's history than to walk through one of its oldest landmarks. Once there, you can tour a number of exhibits that document the Magazina's use throughout Bonaire's history. Some of the artifacts you'll see there are rocks, fossils, shells and period correct models of historic Bonaire structures. After you wrap up the tour, sit down and enjoy a refreshing glass of sorghum juice.

Looking to get your pink on? The Flamingo Sanctuary offers close-up views of our favorite pink-feathered friends in their natural habitat. Throughout the year, you can watch the flamingos hang out or nest by the "Pink Lake." Although this sanctuary is technically off-limits to tourists, if you happen to have a pair of binoculars or a healthy appetite for adventure, you can enjoy a number of flamingo vantage points to watch and take pictures of these rare birds.

If you've come to Bonaire for a bonafied beach-bum experience, the moment you walk into the surf-board strewn hut, you'll know you've come to the right place.

The Wind and Surf Beach Bar and Grill is the perfect place for surfers and sun-worshippers to hang out after working up an appetite. Located next to the Windsurf Palace, the Wind and Surf Beach Bar serves fresh salads, seafood, burgers and cold beer throughout the day. Can't fit a lot of cash in your swim-suit? No worries, the prices are cheap for such great food and service!

You've come to Bonaire for the sun, sand and the beach. You've spent your day splashing in the waves or diving the deep. After all that activity, you are bound to be hungry. Luckily Bonaire is host to a number of scrumptious restaurants that are sure to satisfy any palate.

But what about ice-cream? If you're stricken with a sudden sweet tooth, head over to the Sand Dollar Shopping Plaza and enjoy the best and only ice-cream shop on the island. Once there, you can choose from 16 homemade favorites that keep sweet-cravings at bay. If you're adventurous, check out caramel pecan, mint and espresso ice cream.

Flamingo International Airport (BON) is the second largest airport in the Netherland Antilles, behind St. Maarten. This colorful airport has one terminal but is large enough to support most airlines, including 747 and 777s. Although it appears small, looks can be deceiving! Flamingo International Airport sees over half a million travelers each year.

Before arriving at the airport, you’re issued a Passenger Arrival Form to be filled out (one per family) to indicate if you have any plants, fruits, vegetables, meats, live animals, firearms, or that you’re carrying more than $10,000 USD. Fill it out completely. Once you land and leave your gate, proceed to the Immigration desk, which is a “Red Line/Green Line” system. If you have no declared goods or money, then you’re welcome to proceed to the green line system to pass through customs. If you do have declarations, then you’ll follow the red line to speak with an immigrations officer in order to identify your declared items in order to receive a receipt. At customs, you’ll collect your baggage. There, you’ll be asked a few questions and may be searched. Most aren’t though. After that, you’re on your way.

Tourists may choose to rent a car at the airport to make traveling around the island as easy as possible, however, taxis are also available.

The only options for getting around Bonaire are public and private transportation. Since the island doesn't have a public bus system, many travelers look towards taxis to get around. Taxis are widely available and are a good way to explore the island, and since the fares are fixed by the government, they are generally pretty affordable. If you prefer to get around privately, you can rent a car, moped or motorbike at the airport or from a hotel.