Renting a car, jeep, or pickup truck is highly recommended as public transportation is limited. Several international and local rental agencies operate at the airport and in Kralendijk. Driving is on the right side with Dutch road signs. Taxis are available but expensive and should be arranged in advance for longer trips. Bicycles are popular for short distances in town. Many visitors rent golf carts for exploring the island. For diving, most operators provide transportation from hotels. The island is small (24 miles long, 3-7 miles wide) making it easy to explore. Navigation apps like Google Maps work well, but offline maps are useful in remote areas.
December to April offers the driest weather with average temperatures of 82°F (28°C) and minimal rainfall, though this is peak tourist season. May to November is warmer and more humid with occasional brief showers, but offers fewer crowds and better rates. September and October have the highest chance of rain. The island hosts several festivals worth planning around: the Bonaire International Sailing Regatta (October), Bonaire Dive Festival (October), Carnival (February/March), and Dia di Rincon (April 30th) celebrating the island's oldest village.
Bonaire has a relaxed 'Bon Bini' (welcome) culture blending Dutch and Caribbean influences. Dress is casual but modest when not at the beach - cover up when leaving beach areas. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; 10-15% in restaurants if service charge isn't included. Greet people with a friendly 'Bon dia' (good day). Respect the environment - touching coral or collecting shells is prohibited. The island celebrates both Dutch and local holidays. Sunday is generally quiet with many businesses closed. Papiamento is the local language - learning a few phrases is appreciated. The pace of life is slow - practice patience. Nudity is illegal on all beaches.
Bonaire is generally very safe with low crime rates. Violent crime against tourists is rare. Exercise normal precautions in urban areas and at night. Petty theft can occur, especially from unattended vehicles or beach bags - never leave valuables visible in rental cars. Theft from boats and dive equipment left unattended has been reported. Avoid isolated areas after dark. Road conditions are generally good, but watch for wandering goats, donkeys, and iguanas. When diving, follow established safety protocols and never dive alone. Be cautious of strong currents at some dive sites. There are no dangerous sharks in Bonaire's waters, but respect marine life and coral by maintaining proper buoyancy.
Medical facilities on Bonaire are adequate for routine care, with the main hospital being Hospital San Francisco in Kralendijk. For serious medical emergencies, patients may need evacuation to Aruba, Curaçao, or the United States. Travelers should ensure they have comprehensive medical insurance covering medical evacuation. No special vaccinations are required, but routine vaccines should be up to date. Dengue fever occurs occasionally, so mosquito protection is recommended. Tap water is safe to drink as it comes from a modern desalination plant. The island has several pharmacies, but bring any prescription medications you need. Dehydration and sunburn are common concerns - drink plenty of water and use strong sunscreen.
