Bonaire
Country: Bonaire · Region: Southern Caribbean · Currency: US Dollar
Bonaire is a quiet Dutch Caribbean island renowned for world-class shore diving and snorkeling with protected coral reefs. Cruise ships visit increasingly, especially in winter, with easy access to dive sites and water activities.
Top sights
Washington Slagbaai National Park, Klein Bonaire island, Slave Huts, Flamingo sanctuary, Soroban beach
Things to do
- Washington Slagbaai National Park
- Large nature park covering most of the north island with dramatic scenery, rough roads, hiking trails, swimming, snorkeling, and shore diving.
- Klein Bonaire
- Small uninhabited island accessible by water taxi or regularly scheduled passenger boats offering dive and snorkel sites.
- Slave Huts
- Historic shelters from Bonaire's colonial past.
- Fort Orange
- Historic fort built in 1639.
Beaches
- Soroban beach
- Popular beach known for windsurfing.
- Eden Beach Resort beach
- One of the few sand beaches on Bonaire, located at the resort with on-site dive operator.
Where to eat
- Swiss Chalet
- Local favorite serving fondue.
- Between 2 Buns
- Freshly made breakfast, pastries, burgers and sandwiches with vegetarian and vegan options.
Bars and nightlife
- Blennies Restaurant
- Casual dining and bar at Buddy Dive Resort.
Forecast for Bonaire
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Weather in Bonaire by month
Averages from 2015 to 2024, not a forecast. Within about two weeks of a date, the live forecast above is the one to trust.
| Month | Average high | Average low | Rainfall | Wet days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 58°F | 40°F | 4.8 in | 10 |
| February | 64°F | 45°F | 4.0 in | 10 |
| March | 71°F | 50°F | 3.9 in | 10 |
| April | 77°F | 55°F | 4.4 in | 9 |
| May | 85°F | 64°F | 2.9 in | 9 |
| June | 90°F | 71°F | 3.7 in | 13 |
| July | 92°F | 74°F | 3.7 in | 16 |
| August | 91°F | 73°F | 3.6 in | 14 |
| September | 87°F | 69°F | 3.7 in | 9 |
| October | 79°F | 59°F | 2.3 in | 6 |
| November | 68°F | 49°F | 2.6 in | 7 |
| December | 61°F | 45°F | 5.0 in | 10 |
Getting around
Rental cars, taxis (negotiate rates beforehand), informal van bus system, bicycles, and scooters are available from the cruise pier or town.
What to eat
Local Krioyo cuisine features conch, wahoo, rock lobster, and fish; Swiss Chalet serves fondue and Bobbejan's is a popular weekend barbecue joint.
Tips
Pay the $40 marine park fee in advance online or at any dive shop to access diving and snorkeling; bring picture ID if claiming free park admission with a diving fee receipt.
Best for
Shore diving, snorkeling, windsurfing
More ports in Southern Caribbean
Amber Cove · Aruba · Barbados · Curacao · Dominica · Grenada · Guadeloupe · La Romana · Labadee · Martinique · St. Lucia · St. Vincent