Bonaire Travel Basics: Know Before You Go

Bonaire is an easy island to travel, but a few practical details are worth knowing before you fly out. Because it is a special municipality of the Netherlands set in the southern Caribbean, it blends Dutch organization with a laid-back island feel, and it uses American money. Here is what to sort out and what to expect on the ground.

What money do you use?

The currency on Bonaire is the US dollar. It is the official currency and the only one accepted, which makes budgeting simple for American visitors and easy for everyone else. Cards, including Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, dive shops, and supermarkets. Even so, it is smart to carry some cash for small purchases, food trucks, tips, and the occasional place that prefers not to take cards.

What language is spoken?

You will have no trouble getting by in English, which is widely spoken across the island, especially anywhere connected to tourism and diving. The everyday local language is Papiamentu, a rich creole spoken across the Dutch Caribbean. Dutch is the official language of government and schooling, and Spanish is common too given the closeness of the South American coast. Many people on Bonaire move easily between several of these, and a friendly “bon dia” (good day) in Papiamentu always goes down well.

What do you need to enter?

Two things matter here. First, you need a valid passport, and many airlines expect it to be valid for at least six months beyond your trip, so check yours early. Second, Bonaire charges a visitor entry tax that you must pay online before you arrive, with your confirmation checked on entry. The rate and the exact process can change over time, so pay it through the official government website in the days before departure and keep the confirmation on your phone. Depending on your nationality you may also need to meet standard visa rules, though many visitors travel visa-free for tourism.

Can you drink the tap water?

Yes, and it is genuinely good. Bonaire makes its drinking water from seawater using reverse osmosis, and it meets international quality standards. The tap water is safe, clean, and pleasant to drink, so there is no need to buy bottled water. Bring a refillable bottle instead, which saves money and spares the island the plastic.

What about electricity and plugs?

Power on Bonaire can differ from what you are used to, and both the voltage and the socket type may not match your devices. Most modern chargers for phones, cameras, and laptops handle a range of voltages, but check your specific devices and bring a suitable travel adapter to be safe. If you rely on anything sensitive, a small universal adapter with surge protection is a sensible thing to pack.

Is Bonaire safe?

Bonaire is generally considered a safe, relaxed island with low levels of serious crime, and visitors typically feel very comfortable. As anywhere, use normal common sense: do not leave valuables visible in a parked truck at dive sites, lock your accommodation, and keep an eye on your gear. The bigger risks on Bonaire are natural rather than human, mainly the strong sun and the sea.

What should you pack?

Think sun and wind, not rain. The island is dry and breezy, so the essentials are strong reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and light, breathable clothing. Water shoes help on the rocky beach entries, and a rash guard protects you while snorkeling. Divers often bring their own mask and computer. A light layer for the evening breeze is usually all the “warm” clothing you will need.

With the basics sorted, the fun part is planning your days. See the full list of things to do and find a base among the vacation rentals on Bonaire.