WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Bonaire Travel Guide
Dive into my Bonaire Travel Guide—an essential companion for crafting your ideal Caribbean escape, offering insights and tips to make the most of your journey.
Bonaire Bliss
Your Bonaire Travel Guide to Serenity
Bonaire is one-third of the ABC islands, which are part of the Netherlands. Compared to its sisters, Bonaire is definitely the quietest and least visited island. Doesn’t mean it’s any less beautiful of course, but just be aware there won’t be as much to do here.
I would recommend visiting Bonaire if you’re really looking for something quiet and into water activities. Here are my Bonaire travel tips to know before visiting!
VANESSA'S INSIDER TIPS
My Travel Tips for Bonaire
Here are some helpful Bonaire travel tips to know before you go:
U.S. citizens do not need a visa, but there is a $75 Visitor Entry Tax that you can pay online prior to your trip.
Local currency is the U.S. dollar.
As part of the Netherlands, they speak Dutch. They also speak Papiamento (Creole language) and Spanish. Don’t worry Americans, English is widely spoken!
Bonaire uses 3 types of plugs, 2 of which are the same we use in the states. The third plug they use is the round one typical of what you see in Europe. To be safe, bring an adaptor or converter anyways.
An adapter allows you connect two different plugs or sockets that aren’t compatible. If you look at the plug on your iPhone charger for example, you would see it won’t fit in European sockets. So, the adapter allows that connection.
A converter is really only needed if you are going to be using high voltage items from the U.S., like a laptop or hairdryer. If you aren’t going to be using anything with high voltage, then just an adapter is fine!
There are a few things you’ll need for some fun in the sun! Here’s what I recommend for any tropical destinations:
SPF is a must. I’m constantly in the sun, but always make sure to protect my skin. I love using the SuperGoop brand because it’s affordable but there’s also a light tint to their SPF that adds some color to your skin.
In addition to SPF for the skin, I learned the hard way that you also need SPF for your head! There have been times where I’ve had my part get burned because I totally forgot to use a hat. Sun Bum is another great brand I love.
And of course, you’ll need something to protect your phone while you take your Insta pics! I have a Go Pro, but for those who don’t, I highly recommend getting a waterproof case so you can have peace of mind when using it.
November – April are peak season. I went in February but it was still very quiet – so “peak season” here doesn’t mean you’ll have tons of crowds since remember, this is the least visited ABC island! Oct – November is rainy season.
Most of the accommodations will be in the same area, close to the capital, Kralendijk.
I recommend renting a car to get around. It’s a quiet island so don’t worry if you’re nervous! It’s a great way to get around.
Is It Safe?
Bonaire Solo Female Travel
Bonaire wouldn’t be at the top of my list if people asked for a place for solo female travel. Simply being, I don’t feel there’s enough to do to warrant a big trip here.
Instead, I would recommend doing a solo female trip somewhere else in the area and then adding on Bonaire for a few days pre or post trip.
It is safe yes, but you might have trouble meeting people since it’s so quiet!
DISCOVER BONAIRE
My Recommended Itinerary for Bonaire Travel
Bonaire has a million things to do, but here’s what I recommend for Bonaire:
Bonaire Beaches
I know it seems like I’m not a fan of Bonaire, which isn’t true – I think I’m just used to fast-paced trips!
One of the advantages of coming to this less-visited island though is you can go to beaches and be one of the few people there, so it feels like you have it to yourself. My friend and I visited all the beaches on this list by renting a car.
Here are my recommendations for beaches in Bonaire:
Bonaire Attractions
FLAVORS OF THE ISLAND
My Recommended Food in Aruba
As a self-proclaimed picky eater, Aruba had a ton of options for me to choose from. Where’s where I recommend to eat in Aruba:
Image Source: Vanessa O.
Being Latina, I can’t help but want to try Latin food no matter what country I’m in. This spot serves delicious Peruvian food.
Image Source: Vanessa O.
Where to eat breakfast in Aruba? This place! Coming from New York, I am crazy when it comes to a BEC on a bagel and wow – this place delivered! It was really, really good. I was severely hungover when I came here for breakfast and the food hit the spot. Also, their smoothies were fresh and delicious too.
Image Source: Vanessa O.
Image Source: Vanessa O.
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