Bonaire
Surrounded by shores celebrated for world-class scuba diving and endless sunshine, the Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire stands as the world’s first Blue Destination—a serene beach getaway rich in history, culture, and natural wonders as vibrant as its tropical fish and iconic architecture.
Known as a diver’s paradise, Bonaire has become a destination that blends luxury, culture, and adventure while honoring its pristine ocean and lush landscapes. The island’s blossoming culinary scene now features Michelin-star talent, offering exquisite dining options for food enthusiasts. Sophisticated travelers can choose from various upscale accommodations, including luxury villas and boutique beachfront hotels.
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Nature lovers will find plenty to explore, from Bonaire’s animal sanctuaries and National Parks to its diverse terrains, which include striking salt flats and cactus-dotted deserts. For thrill-seekers, activities like kayaking, caving, and kite surfing offer endless excitement. Bonaire’s dedication to protecting its coral reefs, sustainably managing its ocean resources, and fostering eco-conscious social and economic development cements its reputation as one of the Caribbean’s most environmentally friendly islands.
Dining
Experience the vibrant essence of the Caribbean by dining on Bonaire. The island boasts an array of unique restaurants led by award-winning regional and international chefs, each adding their flair to create unforgettable culinary experiences. Bonaire’s rich blend of cultures is reflected in its cuisine, offering a feast for your senses.
Being a tropical island, Bonaire’s menus highlight fresh fish prepared creatively. You’ll also find hearty local stews and soups made with ingredients like goat or iguana, showcasing the island’s culinary traditions. Many dishes incorporate limited but flavorful local fruits, such as soursop, limes, mangoes, shimaruku (a native cherry), and mispel, adding a distinctive tropical touch to your meal.
Quick Facts
Languages spoken: English, Dutch, Spanish, and Papiamentu
Banking and Banking Hours: There are several banks located on Bonaire including Maduro & Curiel, RBC and Banco de Caribe. There are also several ATMs on the island. Banking hours are usually Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 4:00pm.
Currency: Bonaire’s currency is the US Dollar.
Climate: Lying outside of “Hurricane Alley” to the south, Bonaire offers a consistently warm and sunny climate, averaging around 30ºC year-round. During the rainy season from December through March, you can expect a daily downpour, but they usually don’t last long, and the sun almost always reappears afterward.
Dress Code: The dress code in Bonaire is generally casual and relaxed, suitable for its warm Caribbean climate. Lightweight clothing like shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, and sandals are appropriate for daily wear, but swimwear should be reserved for the beach or pool—not for walking around town or dining. In restaurants, casual attire is usually fine, though upscale venues may prefer smart-casual dress. When visiting churches or formal events, conservative attire is expected, with covered shoulders and no beachwear.
Driving: A valid Canadian driver’s license is accepted. Driving is on the right-hand side, and on crossings and roundabouts, traffic coming from the right always has the right-of-way unless road signs state otherwise. Bonaire has no traffic lights, so road signs must be followed.
Electricity: The electric current on Bonaire is 127-220V/50Hz; adaptors are not required.
Time Zone: Bonaire is on Atlantic Standard Time (AST), one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time (GMT-4).
Activities
Bonaire offers something for everyone, no matter your favorite activity. Whether diving into our warm tropical seas or exploring the island’s stunning natural landscapes, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for here.
As a premier destination for scuba diving and snorkeling, Bonaire boasts waters protected since 1979 as part of the Bonaire National Marine Park. The underwater world is teeming with life, featuring nearly 60 species of coral, vibrant reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves.
If water sports are your passion, you can enjoy windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing, fishing, and kayaking.
For those who prefer land-based activities, Bonaire offers plenty of options. There’s something for every interest, from hiking trails to thrilling landsailing adventures. Stay active with fitness facilities, yoga classes, or stand-up paddleboard yoga designed for wind sports enthusiasts. Explore the island by renting a car, scooter, or bike, or take a self-guided walking tour through downtown Kralendijk or the historic town of Rincon.
Travel Essentials
- Flight Info
- Entry Requirements
- Long Stays
- Getting Married
- Local Events
- Medical
- Accessibility
- Brochures
- Sustainability
- Voluntourism
Flight Information
In high season, WestJet offers weekly, direct non-stop flights from Toronto each Tuesday. Flights begin on December 15, 2026 through to April 7, 2027 for the winter season.
For information on how to reach Bonaire from other gateways, please click HERE.
Entry Requirements for Canadians
Canadians do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days in a 180-day period, but must have a valid passport for the duration of their stay. You may be asked to provide a return or onward ticket, as well as proof of valid health insurance.
There is a Visitor Entry Tax that must be prepaid. Learn more
All Visitor Entry Tax QR Codes are valid for 30 days from the first travel date: The validity of the Entry Tax QR code has been extended and is now good for 30 days from the first date of travel when the code is scanned. You may visit other destinations within the first 30 days without needing to pay the tourist tax again upon re-entry to Bonaire, however, officials will request an identity document to verify that a QR code is in the visitor’s name.
For additional information, consult your Travel Advisor or The Government of Canada’s Entry and Exit Requirements: English / French
Long Stays
Please remember to see the Quick Facts section above for information on languages spoken, banking information, currency, weather, driving requirements, and more.
Please see the Entry Requirements tab for longer stay requirements.
Please see the Medical tab for information on hospitals and pharmacies. If you are a diver, information on Bonaire’s hyperbaric chamber is included.
Here is additional information that you may require when planning a longer stay away:
Pet Policy
Please remember to check with both your airline and your long stay residence, to ensure you are familiar with their pet policies and procedures for transportation.
Should you wish to bring your pet when you are wintering away from home, please note that Bonaire requires that your pet be microchipped and have had an up-to-date rabies shot. A health certificate (not older than 10 days before your arrival) must be presented. Please remember to check with both your airline and your long stay residence, to ensure you are familiar with their pet policies and procedures for transportation.
Groceries
There are both small mini-markets and big supermarkets located on the island of Bonaire.
Phone Plans & Internet
There are three companies offering phone service plans: Telbo, Digicel and Flow. Internet/Wi-Fi can be arranged through Telbo and Flamingo TV.
Getting Married
Couples wishing to get married in Bonaire are encouraged to work with a local wedding planner/coordinator to ensure all details are attended.
You need to allow a minimum of eight weeks before the wedding date to have all the paperwork processed in advance. The following documents must be sent by mail or courier:
- A certified copy of both birth certificates
- A certified copy of both passports
- A declaration of the bride’s and groom’s current civil status, not older than six months
- If divorced or widowed, a divorce decree or death certificate is required, not older than six months
- Canada is part of the Apostille Convention and as such Canadians are required to provide an ‘Apostille’ that is not older than six months
If all the documents are correct and approved, the pre-wedding and wedding date will then be confirmed. A pre-wedding appointment will be held two days before the actual wedding date. At that time, all original documents should be presented to be authenticated.
Witnesses are required: 2-4 witnesses for indoor weddings and 6 witnesses for beach weddings. Wedding coordinators can help arrange local witnesses if needed.
Additional paperwork may be required. Contact the Burgerzaken (Office of Civil Registry) well in advance of your intended wedding date for a complete list of requirements and costs associated with a destination wedding in Bonaire.
For more information on the required paperwork, please send an email to Burgerzaken@bonairegov.com or call +599 717-2211
Cultural/Annual Events
Bonaire is the scene of many events of international stature, including Carnival, Simadan, Dia di Rincon, Taste of Bonaire, King’s Day, Regatta International Sailing, among others.
PUBLIC AND/OR GOVERNMENT HOLIDAYS:
The Government of Bonaire observes the following holidays each year:
(Some services may be impacted with reduced hours, or there may be full closures on these days)
2026 Public Holidays
Thursday, January 1, 2026 – New Year’s Day
Friday, April 3, 2026 – Good Friday (Stores closed)
Sunday, April 5, 2026 – Easter Sunday
Monday, April 6, 2026 – Easter Monday
Monday, April 27, 2026 – King’s Day
Thursday, April 30, 2026 – Dia di Rincon
Friday, May 1, 2026 – Labor Day
Thursday, May 29, 2026 – Ascension Day
Monday, June 8, 2026 – Whit Sunday
Sunday, September 6, 2026 – Bonaire Day
Friday, December 25, 2026 – Christmas Day
Saturday, December 26, 2026 – Boxing Day
Medical & Dental Information
The island has several doctors, including specialists. There is an ambulance plane on call for emergencies.
Hospital:
Hospital San Francisco (Fundashon Mariadal)
Kaya Soeur Bartola 2
Phone: +599 715 8900
Pharmacies:
There are several pharmacies located on Bonaire including Service Drogist Bonaire and Botika Fundashon Mariadal.
Emergency Dental Services:
Klinika Dental van Egmond: Phone: +599 717-3009
Caribbean Dental Care: Phone: +599 717-8106(+599) 717 8044
Sentro Dental Bonaire: Phone: +599 717-8044(+5+59999) 717 8044(+599) 717 8044
FOR DIVERS:
Divers should be aware that there is a recompression chamber in Bonaire, at the Hospital San Francisco. Learn More.
Accessiblity
Please ensure that your airline is aware of any special needs travel prior to departure from Canada.
Airport Services
Bonaire / Flamingo Airport (BON):
- Accessible parking
- Accessible restrooms with wheelchair access
- Wheelchair Assistance: available at the airline counters
- Ambulift is available; service requested by your airline
MiVaBo is a foundation working to improve the lives of the disabled in Bonaire. They are a resource for those wishing to visit with physical disabilities.
Phone: +599 786 4967
Transportation & Activities:
Blessing Transport provides transfers (roll-on, roll-off transportation), rental equipment if needed as well as tours around Bonaire that are accessible.
Phone: +599 790-0819
Email: blessingtransportbv@gmail.com
For Accessibility information at hotels located in Bonaire please consult the hotel’s individual websites.
Sustainability
Sustainability Commitment
Sustainable Tourism: Tourism providers are increasingly implementing environmentally responsible practices, including offering electric vehicle rentals, promoting reef-safe products, and supporting coral-friendly diving activities.
Renewable Energy: The island generates wind energy through the Morotin wind farm, which operates 12 turbines, and is moving toward a hybrid system combining wind, solar, and biodiesel with the goal of achieving a fully sustainable energy supply.
Marine & Nature Conservation: Bonaire’s entire coastline is designated as the Bonaire National Marine Park and is supported through visitor fees. Conservation initiatives include coral reef restoration, seagrass protection, and control of the invasive lionfish population.
Voluntourism
Reach out to these organizations to discover ways you can give back and make a difference:
Reef Renewal Foundation: Protecting and restoring reefs in the waters around Bonaire.
STINAPA: Accepts volunteers for on-land activities, including bird counts, fencing, and assisting with nature education.
Sea Turtle Conservation: Protecting the three endangered species of sea turtles native to Bonaire.
Echo Bonaire: Protecting our Yellow-shouldered Amazon Parrots by restoring their dry forest habitat.
Mangrove Maniacs: Dedicated group of volunteers protecting Bonaire’s mangroves.
Wild Bird Rehab: Dedicated to the care and recovery of the island’s wildlife.