In the capitalKralendijk Waterfront
Stroll the pastel Dutch-colonial waterfront, Wilhelmina Park and Kaya Grandi's shops, bars and dive-shop-lined streets.
Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands
Beach & dive resorts · Flights from Canada
4.7 · Shore-diving capital of the Caribbean
Beach & Dive · Flights Included
Vacation Packages to Bonaire
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At a glance
Everything you need to know about Bonaire
Bonaire is the diver's island of the Dutch ABC trio — a flat, arid, cactus-covered gem ringed by the Bonaire National Marine Park, one of the world's first protected reef systems. You can walk straight off the shore into clear water at yellow-stoned dive sites, snorkel the uninhabited islet of Klein Bonaire, windsurf world-class Lac Bay, and spot flamingos on the southern salt flats. Below the hurricane belt, it's sunny, dry and breezy nearly year-round, with the laid-back capital of Kralendijk as its hub.
Bonaire, Caribbean NetherlandsClimate
Climate
28–31°C · dry & breezy
JanDec
PeakShoulderAvoid
Dry, sunny, and breezy — outside the hurricane belt, so reliable all year.
Currency
US Dollar
USD is the official currency of Bonaire
Entry
Visa-free
Valid passport only
Top Experiences in Bonaire
In the capital
By water taxiKlein Bonaire & No Name Beach
Hop a water taxi to the uninhabited islet for powder-white No Name Beach and some of the island's best snorkelling.
Shore diveBonaire National Marine Park
Follow the yellow marker stones straight off the beach into legendary sites like 1000 Steps, Salt Pier and the Hilma Hooker wreck.
Essential info for Canadian travellers
Passport: A valid Canadian passport, valid for the length of your stay, is all you need to enter Bonaire (Caribbean Netherlands).
Bonaire Nature Fee (STINAPA): Anyone entering the sea to dive or snorkel must buy the annual STINAPA Nature Fee — purchase it online before you go and carry the tag.
Travel insurance: Provincial health plans do not cover medical care in Bonaire. Comprehensive travel insurance — ideally with dive coverage — is essential.
Power & plugs: Bonaire uses 127V/50Hz with Type A/B plugs — Canadian devices work; check 50Hz-sensitive items.
Time zone: Bonaire runs on Atlantic Standard Time (AST) — one hour ahead of Toronto in winter.
Best time to visit Bonaire
Dec – AprPeak season
Dry, sunny and breezy — prime diving conditions and the busiest, priciest months.
May – AugShoulder season
Hot, calm seas and great value — outside the hurricane belt.
Sep – NovShoulder season
Warmest water and lowest prices, with only occasional passing showers.
Year-roundReliable sun
Constant trade winds and calm leeward reefs keep conditions comfortable all year.
Where to stay
Bonaire zones & neighbourhoods
Bonaire's resorts and guesthouses cluster along the calm leeward west coast around Kralendijk, with a windsurfing hub on the east. Here's how to choose.
Kralendijk
Capital
The waterfront capital, packed with dive shops, restaurants and bars, with the Klein Bonaire water taxi right in town.
Best for
- First-timers
- Couples
- Foodies
Hato
North of capital
The main beach-resort strip just north of Kralendijk, with easy house-reef diving and calm swimming beaches.
Best for
- Divers
- Families
- Beach
Belnem
South, near airport
A relaxed residential strip south of town near the airport, close to the salt flats, flamingos and southern dive sites.
Best for
- Divers
- Privacy
- Value
Sorobon / Lac Bay
East coast
The shallow turquoise lagoon on the windward coast — world-class windsurfing, kitesurfing and mangrove kayaking.
Best for
- Windsurfing
- Kitesurfing
- Nature
Beyond the resort
Day trips & excursions from Bonaire
Bonaire is compact and easy to explore, from an uninhabited islet to a rugged national park. Every excursion below can be booked through ShopTravel or your resort desk.
Marine ParkKlein Bonaire Snorkel & Beach Day
Half day · 4 hrsOff Kralendijk · 15 min by boat
Water-taxi to the uninhabited islet for snorkelling over pristine reef and a lazy afternoon on No Name Beach.
Insider tips
- Bring your own shade — no facilities
- Nature Fee tag required to enter the water
NatureWashington Slagbaai National Park
Full day · 6 hrsFar north · 45 min by 4x4
Drive the rugged park's dirt trails past salt lakes, flamingos, cacti and hidden snorkel coves like Wayaka and Boka Slagbaai.
Insider tips
- A 4x4 is required to enter
- Bring water, fuel up first
On the waterLac Bay Windsurfing Lesson
Half day · 3 hrsEast coast · 20 min by car
Learn to windsurf in the warm, waist-deep, flat water of Sorobon at one of the sport's most famous beginner bays.
Insider tips
- Steady trade winds — go morning for lighter air
- Reef-safe sunscreen only
SightseeingSouthern Salt Flats & Flamingos
Half day · 4 hrsSouth of capital · 25 min by car
Tour the blinding-white Cargill salt pans, the historic slave huts and the flamingo sanctuary at Pekelmeer.
Insider tips
- Keep a respectful distance from flamingos
- Best light is late afternoon
● Limited availability — book now
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Good to know
Bonaire travel FAQ
Everything Canadian travellers ask before booking
Do Canadians need a visa for Bonaire?
No. Bonaire is part of the Caribbean Netherlands and Canadians can visit visa-free with a valid passport for stays of up to 90 days.
How long is the flight from Canada to Bonaire?
There's no regular non-stop service from Canada. Expect around 9–10 hours in total with one connection, typically via a US hub or via Curaçao or Aruba.
When is the best time to visit Bonaire?
Bonaire is a year-round destination outside the hurricane belt — dry, sunny and breezy almost any month, with December to April the peak diving season.
Is Bonaire safe for tourists?
Bonaire is one of the safest and most relaxed islands in the Caribbean. Use normal precautions and don't leave valuables in parked cars at dive sites.
What currency should I bring?
Bonaire uses the US dollar (USD) as its official currency, so there's no need to change money — bring or withdraw USD, and cards are widely accepted.
Do I need to pay a Nature Fee?
Yes. Anyone entering the sea to dive or snorkel must pay the annual STINAPA Nature Fee, which funds the Bonaire National Marine Park. Buy it online before you arrive.
Is Bonaire good for diving and snorkelling?
It's world-renowned — Bonaire is known as the shore-diving capital of the Caribbean, with dozens of easy-access reef sites marked by yellow stones right off the beach.
Can I book excursions through ShopTravel?
Yes, you can add excursions like the Klein Bonaire snorkel trip and Washington Slagbaai National Park tour to your trip at checkout.