🌴 A First-Time Guide to Bonaire: What to Know Before You Go
Planning your very first trip to Bonaire?
Get ready for turquoise waters, vibrant reefs, friendly locals, and stress-free island vibes.
Bonaire is a small Dutch Caribbean island that offers big rewards for curious travelers — especially if you like nature, adventure, and escaping the usual tourist crowds.
In this first-time guide to Bonaire, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make the most of your visit: how to get around, where to go, what to do, and how to book unforgettable experiences with Fiesta Tours Bonaire.
📍 Where Is Bonaire?
Bonaire is part of the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao), located just north of Venezuela.
It’s outside the hurricane belt, which means great weather year-round.
- 🇳🇱 Language: Dutch & Papiamentu (but most people speak English)
- 💵 Currency: US Dollar
- 🕒 Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4)
- ✈️ Flights from: Miami, Atlanta, Houston, Amsterdam, and more
- 🛳️ Frequent stop for Caribbean cruise ships
🏨 Where to Stay in Bonaire
Bonaire is known for its cozy, low-rise resorts and apartments — no high-rise hotels here.
Popular areas:
- Kralendijk (main town, walkable, good food)
- Playa (near shops, restaurants, and oceanfront)
- Belnem (quiet and residential)
- Hato (convenient for diving/snorkeling)
👉 Need transportation? We offer private airport transfers and hotel pickups.
Book transportation here
🚗 Do You Need a Car?
Yes — if you want to explore the island on your own, especially outside of town.
But if you’re staying in town or visiting by cruise, guided tours are your best option to see the island easily and comfortably.
👉 Fiesta Tours Bonaire offers:
- Island tours
- Private transport
- Airport shuttles
- Shore excursions
See all services
🧭 What to Do in Bonaire (Must-Do Activities)
First time in Bonaire? Start with these unforgettable experiences:
🐠 1. Snorkel at Klein Bonaire
Take a boat to this uninhabited island and swim in crystal-clear reefs full of tropical fish and turtles.
👉 Snorkel Trip to Klein Bonaire
🚐 2. Island Tour with a Local Guide
See the best of Bonaire in a few hours: flamingos, salt flats, blowholes, and stunning viewpoints.
👉 Bonaire Eiland Tour
🌅 3. Sunset Catamaran Chill & Grill
Sail, snorkel, and enjoy a grilled dinner on the water.
👉 Book the Chill & Grill Catamaran Tour
🥾 4. Climb the Brandaris
Hike to the highest point on the island for panoramic views.
👉 Hiking Excursion – Brandaris
🛶 5. Kayak the Mangroves
Paddle through calm, eco-protected channels with fish nurseries and baby turtles.
👉 Mangrove Kayak Tour
🌡️ Best Time to Visit Bonaire
Bonaire is a year-round destination, but:
- December–April: Sunny, breezy, popular
- May–August: Fewer crowds, great for deals
- September–November: Calm weather, good for diving
There’s no real “bad time” to visit thanks to its location outside the hurricane belt.
💡 Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen (regular sunscreen harms coral)
- Don’t touch or stand on coral
- Tap water is safe to drink
- No Uber — use local taxis or pre-booked transfers
- Learn a few words in Papiamentu:
- Bon dia = Good morning
- Danki = Thank you
- Ayo = Goodbye
🛳️ Coming by Cruise Ship?
Perfect! Fiesta Tours Bonaire specializes in cruise shore excursions that are:
- Short (2–4 hours)
- Flexible
- Return-to-ship guaranteed
- Ideal for snorkeling, sightseeing, or relaxing
👉 Explore cruise shore excursions
🎒 What to Pack for Bonaire
- Swimsuits and beachwear
- Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
- Hat and sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle
- Light, breathable clothing
- Waterproof phone pouch or dry bag
📚 Related Blog Articles
- 📖 Travel to Bonaire – What You Need to Know
- 📖 Top 6 Excursions in Bonaire
- 📖 Populairste activiteiten op Bonaire
🚀 Ready for Your First Bonaire Adventure?
Whether you’re staying for a week or just stopping by on a cruise, Fiesta Tours Bonaire is here to make your first visit smooth, exciting, and unforgettable.
We’ve helped thousands of first-time visitors discover Bonaire the easy, fun, and safe way.
