Bonaire an island of the Caribbean is a paradise for the tourists, who are in search of an adventure, stunning nature, and colorful culture. Well-known for its clear sea and wonderful underwater world, this is an ideal place for divers and enthusiasts of snorkeling. Remarkably, there is much more to Bonaire than unique underwater world; the island is home to many national parks and beautiful deserted beaches. Whether you want to organize a luxurious trip or a low-budget one, this guide will be useful to you because it will contain important information to follow during the trip. Use this complete travel guide to find the best Bonaire has to offer in terms of things to see, where to eat, and where to stay for your perfect vacation.
Planning Your Trip to Bonaire
Best Time to Visit and Weather Overview
It is recommended that one visit Bonaire during the dry season from December to April although the island has a dry climate most of the year. These are the best months to visit the island since the climate is warm and there is a lot of sunshine and little or no rain to hinder one from engaging in water sporting activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving among others. Average temperature are around 82F or 28C which is ideal for swimming or engaging in related activities such as water sports on the beach. Bonaire has no real rainy and dry seasons, but travelling between May and November may mean that you will get some rain and high humidity. But it comes with the disadvantage of less crowds and lodging and flight at cheaper rates.
Visa Requirements and Travel Documents
The Bonaire visa requirements state that no visa is required for most countries citizens, including those of USA, Canada and EU to stay up to 90 days. However, the travelers need to have a passport which is at least valid for six months more of the intended stay in the country. In addition, a return ticket is also required, and enough money for the length of stay, in the country that you are a transit passenger. Travel insurance is not required, however, it is always advised that you purchase one especially for medical emergencies or any form of hitches on your travel plans. One should, however, verify this with the specific entry requirements according to his or her nationality.
Top Attractions and Activities in Bonaire
Snorkeling and Diving Hotspots
Bonaire is famous for the excellent snorkelling and scuba diving locations as the island boasts some of the most diverse marine life in the Caribbean. The beaches of the island are surrounded by the coral reefs and to preserve their natural condition they are included in the Bonaire National Marine Park. The two primary snorkeling areas in Bonaire are the Klein Bonaire, which is a small island just offshore and the Lac Bay recognised for its variety of marine life and seagrass meadow. For divers there are a lot of exciting places such as 1000 Steps, Hilma Hooker, Salt Pier where divers can come across beautiful corals, schools of fish.
Exploring Washington Slagbaai National Park
The tourist attraction that stands out in Sint Maarten is Washington Slagbaai National Park that will be a perfect destination for people interested in nature and adventures. At 13,800 acres, it provides habitat for an incredible range of Bonaires landscapes, from dry desert to coastal mangroves and rocky shores. It has many walking tracks to different viewpoints and some of the most isolated beaches one can easily imagine. The park also hosts a number of wild animals such as flamingos, iguanas, parrots among others, this makes the park an ideal place for bird viewing and photography.
Where to Stay in Bonaire
Luxury Resorts and Boutique Hotels
For the travelers who are in the lookout for the best accommodations, Bonaire has some of the finest resorts and boutiques that offer only the best for their guests. Some of the most popular sites include Harbour Village Beach Club and Delfins Beach Resort offering beautiful scenery, white sand beach, and mouth-watering restaurants. Such lodging may provide guests with a special opportunity to dive in some of the unique locations, use the services of a spa and rent equipment for water activities, which guarantees guests comfort and an unforgettable rest. When it comes to accommodation, Bonaire is ready to spoil you with choices; from a luxurious villa for a family of six to a romantic, directly on the beach, suite everything will be tailored to meet your expectations.
Budget Accommodations and Guesthouses
The island of Bonaire also has many cheap accommodations such as guest house, hostels and rental accommodations. There are more basic hotels like The Lodge, and Bonaire Fun Apartments, which give you a comfortable place to sleep and shower and that is all you really need when you are going to spend most of your time out of doors. Many of these cheap hotels provide simple facilities such as cooking facilities or kitchens, complimentary WIFi, and good proximity to famous tourist destinations.
Dining and Local Cuisine: Where to Eat
Top Restaurants for Fresh Caribbean Flavors
There are cafes, bars and restaurants to enjoy Bonaires fresh Caribbean cuisine and you can eat throughout the day. Eateries such as; It Rains Fishes and Sebastians restaurant offer the best seafood meals that have been prepared using ingredients sourced locally thus enabling guests to have a feel of what they should expect in the island.
Local Eateries for Authentic Island Dishes
For better experience, go to some of the local foods such as Cactus Blue and Posada Para Mira. At these places, you can also try the local Bonairean cuisine, which is goat stew, fresh fish and other specialties.
Conclusion
With luxury accommodation, exquisite dining, incredible sightseeing and cultural attractions, Bonaire is a perfect for everyone and a true divers paradise. Whether you are wealthy or a thrifty traveler, this article gives all the vital information that anyone needs to make a vacation remarkable. Combined with the islands beautiful sceneries, lively fish life and appetizing dishes, you will soon find out why Bonaire is one of the Caribbeans best kept secrets. So get ready for the adventure and create some of the best moments of your life in this stunning island.