Bonaire Bits - Need to Know Travel Tips

What to Bring:

Bonaire is an arid, yet tropical climate.  With an average rainfall of 22" per year, the average air temperature is 82º F with 75% relative humidity.  There is a constant trade wind that generally makes the evenings cool and comfortable.  Bring light clothing such as shorts, t-shirts, swimwear and sandals.  Casual is the standard dress code, but cover up (no beach wear) when visiting downtown.  Evening clothes are casual to casual nice.  You may want to bring a light jacket or sweater for evening (especially something to keep you warm after a night dive).  Pack a pair of sturdy shoes if you want to do some hiking.  And don't forget sunglasses, hat and sunscreen for protection.  Also, you will want to pack insect repellent for "no-see-ums" and mosquitoes.

For diving, generally all you need is a 1.5mm to 3mm wetsuit.  Average water temperature is 80ºF.  Have a sturdy pair of booties for walking on rocks and coral fragments as you enter and exit your shore dives.  DO NOT bring a spear gun - they are illegal!  Gloves also face tough restrictions, so leave them home unless you have a medical reason.  Nitrox is offered most everywhere, so DON'T FORGET YOUR C-card and dive log.

Passports & Immigration:

U.S. citizens need a passport to enter Bonaire.  A return or continuing ticket is also required along with sufficient means to support yourself during your stay. (Maximum stay: 14 days with the possibility of extending the visit to 90 days.)  U.S. citizens do not need a visa to enter Bonaire.

Currency/Money:

As of 1 January 2011, the US dollar is known as the official currency on the BES Islands. Only dollars will be dispensed at bank ATMs and counters and all credit and debit balances will automatically be converted into dollars.

Personal Safety:

Bonaire has a reputation for being one of the safest islands in the Caribbean, however visitors should take normal precautions and keep personal property secure.  Hotels have safes, etc. to store passports, tickets, etc.

Although it has been said to have improved, one of the downsides to shore diving in Bonaire is the rampant break-ins and theft from unguarded vehicles parked at dive sites (especially at night).  Heed the locals advice and leave nothing of value in your vehicle.  Leave the vehicle open and do not lock it.  Also, do not try to hide something nearby or in the bushes as all the usual places are generally scouted out first.

Medical Facilities:

San Francisco Hospital has 60 beds and is fully equipped to respond to any emergency. Bonaire has its own recompression chamber, with trained medical personnel, on call 24 hours a day. There are a number of medical doctors on the island and air ambulance service is available.

Hyperbaric/Recompression Chamber:

For diving emergencies, Bonaire has a Hyperbaric Chamber located behind the Centro Medico Office which is across the street from the San Francisco Hospital.

Electricity:

All electricity in Bonaire is 127/120 volts, 50AC.  A two-pronged wall socket similar to plugs in the U.S. is used. However, Bonaire does experience occasional surges and brown-outs, so you may want to bring a surge protector for your more sensitive items such as battery chargers and computers.  Devices used directly in the plugs may run warm, and can burn out if left plugged in for a long time.  Many dive shops have adapters for charging lights, strobes or delicate equipment.

Drinking Water:

Bonaire's seawater is distilled and purified to become one of the purest drinking waters in the world.  Bottled water is readily available also.

Shopping Hours:

Supermarkets in town that sell fresh Dutch and American goods are generally well-stocked with groceries, wine, liquor and snacks, however, you may want to stock up early in the week as most goods are imported by weekly shipments.  Most markets and shops are open Monday through Saturday 8am-12noon and 2pm-6pm.  Some shops stay open through lunch hour.  Bonaire pretty much shuts down on Sunday, but there may be some places open for a few hours from 11am to 2pm.

Taxes:

There is a 5% tax on car rentals, meals, services and general purchases.

Telephones:

Calling the U.S. is easy from Bonaire.  Most hotels offer USA Direct calling service.  Prepaid phone cards are widely available as are cell phone rentals.  Many US phones are compatible with the local providers.

Television:

Most accommodations have access to Cable TV.  They offer an assortment of popular stations.  Bonaire has the NTSC system.

Time Zone:

Atlantic Standard Time (AST), one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time and the same as Eastern Daylight Time.

Tipping/Gratuities:

Same as in the US -- 10-15% depending on the service.  Some restaurants will automatically add the gratuity.  Give porters and bellhops 50 cents per bag.  For Taxi drivers 10% of the fare is the general rule.

Legal Age:

The legal drinking age on Bonaire is 18 for both beer and other alcohol.  The legal age for gambling in a casino is 21.

Shell and Coral Products:

The taking of shells and natural artifacts is strictly prohibited in Bonaire.  Still, items using shells and marine creatures can be found.  These are normally shipped in from places like Indonesia and The Philippines.  These can often be seen in the form of products like bracelets and earrings.  Divers are encouraged to discourage the creation of these products by not purchasing such items and telling store owners that they disapprove of seeing these items on the shelves.

If you are offered a wildlife product or natural item for sale, ask questions about the product's origin.  If the vendor seems poorly informed, think twice about your actions.  Otherwise, your purchase could encourage continued illegal trade in wildlife, and be confiscated either before you leave Bonaire or on your return home.

When in doubt, don't buy and don't take.  Leave it.  Officials are quick to point out that anyone violating Bonaire's marine environment ordinance is subject to prosecution and heavy fines.  The local motto:  IF IN DOUBT - LEAVE IT OUT

There is a real local grapevine that keeps an eye on environmental indiscretions and reports anything objectionable.  Visitors are also encouraged to join this citizen watch.  Report any infringements to the Marine Park office by telephoning 8444.  [1]

[1] Lonely Planet, "Diving & Snorkeling Bonaire", 2006, p. 146.