Travel Information

Bonaire is served by several airlines, primarily through its main airport, Flamingo International Airport (BON).

Diving For Life 2025 • Sept. 13-20, 2025 • Capt. Don's Habitat, Bonaire

Overview

Bonaire is part of the Caribbean Netherlands, located north of Venezuela and near the Leeward Antilles.

Bonaire

  • Location: Bonaire is part of the Caribbean Netherlands
  • Capital: Kralendijk

Language

  • Official Language: Dutch
  • Commonly Spoken: English and Papiamento (a local Creole language)

Currency

  • Currency: US Dollar (USD)

Best Time to Visit

  • Dry Season: Mid-December to April is generally the best time for pleasant weather and lower humidity.
  • Wet Season: May to November can bring occasional rain and storms but is also less crowded.

Getting There

  • Airport: Flamingo International Airport (BON) is the main gateway.
  • Transportation: Car rentals are popular, as public transport is limited. Taxis are available but can be expensive.

Activities

  • Outdoor Activities: Snorkeling, windsurfing, hiking, and bird watching are popular.
  • Cultural Attractions: Visit local museums, historic sites, and the colorful capital, Kralendijk.

Food and Drink

  • Cuisine: Influenced by Dutch and Caribbean flavors; try local dishes like kabritu (goat) and seafood.
  • Restaurants: Vary from casual beach bars to fine dining establishments.

Safety

  • General Safety: Bonaire is considered safe for tourists, but basic precautions are advised, such as securing valuables and being aware of your surroundings.

Health

  • Vaccinations: No specific vaccinations are required, but routine vaccinations are recommended.
  • Health Care: Limited; ensure you have travel insurance.

Time Zone

  • Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time (AST), UTC -4; does not observe daylight saving time.

This information should help you plan a great trip to Bonaire!

Getting to Bonaire

There are several international carriers serving our island, making it relatively easy to get here. There is non-stop service (via Miami, Houston, Newark, Atlanta, Curaçao, or Aruba) as well as one-stop service from numerous points in the United States or from Europe (Amsterdam).

Bonaire is served by several airlines, primarily through its main airport, Flamingo International Airport (BON). Here are some of the key airlines that fly to Bonaire:

  1. KLM: Offers flights from Amsterdam with connections.
  2. American Airlines: Provides flights from various U.S. cities, often through Miami.
  3. Delta Air Lines: Connects through Atlanta and other hubs.
  4. United Airlines: Operates flights from major U.S. cities with connections.
  5. JetBlue Airways: Offers service from New York (JFK) with connections.
  6. Divi Divi Air: Provides inter-island flights from nearby locations.
  7. TUI Airlines: Offers seasonal flights from Europe.

It's a good idea to check directly with the airlines or a travel website for the most current schedules and routes, as they can vary seasonally.

Email jamboree@divingforlife.org with questions.