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Time Zone
Bonaire is in the Atlantic Standard Time Zone, which is four hours behind GMT, ie Britain in winter, and five hours behind Europe. During the winter it is an hour ahead of the eastern seaboard of the USA.
Bonaire has no daylight saving time, so when the clocks change in summer the island is five hours behind Britain, six behind mainland Europe and on the same time as the eastern seaboard. |
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Tour Operators
A few tour operators (UK and Europe) and wholesalers (US) - particularly dive operators - offer Bonaire in their programmes. On DefinitiveCaribbean we recommend Caribbean specialists that give the best levels of service, in all price ranges.
In the UK and Europe, all tour operators should be bonded for your financial protection. They sell flight inclusive holidays under licence from government bodies such as the Civil Aviation Authority (UK). Some travel agents also have the required bonding and licences to put together flight inclusive holidays, and there are a few Caribbean specialists among them.
Message to Tour Operators, Wholesalers and specialist travel agents:
We invite any travel organiser working as a Caribbean specialist with a programme to Bonaire to contact us if we are not already in communication with you. Initially please email us for further details.
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Tourist Information
When on the island head for the Tourism Corporation of Bonaire Information Office, 2 Kaya Grandi, Kralendijk, t 717 8322
Canada
For information Canadians can ring the free phone number, t 1 800 BONAIRE.
Britain
There is no tourist office specific to Bonaire in Britain but you can get information through the Netherlands Board of Tourism, t 020 7539 7950.
US
Americans can contact the Bonaire Tourism Corporation, Adams Unlimited, NY 10020, t 212 956 5912, usa@tourismbonaire.com |
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Weather
Bonaire has a hot but gentle climate with average temperatures of 82º Fahrenheit, 22 inches of rainfall per year and a consistent breeze. This constant trade wind generally makes the evenings cool and comfortable however it can be deceptive of the sun’s heat in the day so make sure to wear appropriate sun protection.
The weather on Bonaire makes for excellent snorkelling and diving conditions and corals can be found in incredibly shallow water near the shore. The island lies outside the hurricane belt, so there is very little threat from severe tropical storms. |
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What to Pack
Consider taking the following when heading out to the Caribbean:
Sun protection including high factor sun cream, sunglasses, hat/cap and a lightweight shirt/blouse/t-shirt for the beach; suitable beach and walking shoes; mosquito repellent containing DEET suitable for use all day; cream for insect bites; beach mat/towel. There may be rain, so take appropriate waterproof clothing.
Lightweight cotton is generally the best clothing, casual for the daytime, though you may want something a little more elegant for the evenings. You may wish to pack a lightweight wrap or jacket and the evenings sometimes feel cool after the heat of the day.
It shouldn’t be a problem getting batteries or camera film in Bonaire, but you may wish to take spares in case. Also bring an electrical adapter if needed and you may want to bring a small torch. Any prescription medication that needs to be taken on a regular basis should be carried in your hand luggage, and should remain in its original packaging for clear identification by Customs should they need to check contents.
Don’t forget your passport, driving licence and insurance (medical and travel) documents.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Definitive Caribbean is very grateful for the photographic contributions we received for the Bonaire Island Guide. Contributions came from the Tourism Corporation Bonaire.
Picture Editors, Alexander Gray & Will Orr |
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