Bonaire Directory
Bonaire Overview
The delightful, intimate Dutch island is an ideal getaway for visitors in pursuit of peace and nature, especially the peace and nature to be found below the surface of calm waters where divers can count on visibility of 100ft (30m). 
Bonaire is one of the world’s premiere scuba-diving destinations. There are more than 80 marked sites attracting divers from all over the world. The multi-colored coral forests that start just 20ft (6m) from the shore and often lie only a few inches from the surface are bewitching – and strictly protected.
The island’s reefs are part of the Bonaire Marine Park, and there are tough laws to conserve all sea life – both the corals and the fish – in the offshore waters. Further out, the sea is rich in bonefish, tarpon, permit, snook and marlin. These can be fished. Ashore, beaches are white, pink, and perfect.
In Bonaire, its 112-square miles (290 sq km) warmed by a perfect year-round climate, visitors can still see the Caribbean as it was 20 years ago. Its beaches, ideal for sunbathers, swimmers, divers and surfers, are uncrowded and unspoiled.
Bonaire has the reputation of being laid back, slower paced and very tranquil. The good news is that while this is all quite true, the island also offers a lively nightlife, fun places to visit and world class restaurants. When you first come to the island, you are a visitor, but when you leave, you are a friend. 
Accommodations
Visitors to Bonaire will find a wide variety of choices of places to stay. Bonaire has a number of resorts that offer world class service to the discerning traveler. They have been rated as among some of the best in the Caribbean.
If you are looking for apartments for larger groups, there are condominium rentals and a number of private villas to choose from. Bungalows on the beach, sea view cottages or comfortable homey rooms ranging from five star to budget, are available. There are no camping facilities on Bonaire. There are several management companies that represent a wide variety of individually owned apartments, villas and houses.
Bonaire has an active, outdoor atmosphere. World-famous for scuba-diving and snorkeling (underwater visibility is 100 feet {30 meters}), it is now becoming famous for windsurfing. Other popular activities include kayaking, fly-fishing, bicycling, hiking, bird-watching, golf and tennis. Bonaire is also very environmentally conscious; one-fifth of the island is a nature preserve. The water is distilled from seawater and is perfectly safe to drink.
Bonaire is part of the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao), which are located 75 miles (120 KM) off the coast of Venezuela in the Caribbean Sea. It is a 3 hour flight from Atlanta, 2½ hours from Miami, and 8 hours from Amsterdam. There are direct flights from these cities twice a week and connecting flights every day.
The legal drinking age on Bonaire is 18 for both beer and other alcohol. The legal age for gambling in a casino is 21. The Netherlands Antilles has its own drug laws which are not the same as Holland. Our drug laws are not lenient.
Most stores are open Monday through Saturday from between 8 or 9 AM until 12 noon when they close for one to two hours, then remain open until 6 PM. Hours vary widely and some stay open during lunch hour. The larger supermarkets are open from 7:30 or 8 AM until 7 PM (may close during lunch) and some may be open on Sundays from 11 AM to 2 PM.
Bonaire Facts
Religion:
Roman Catholic with Protestant denominations and there is a new mosque.
Political status:
Member of the Netherlands Antilles
Customs:
Besides articles for personal use, visitors over 15 are allowed 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 250 grams of tobacco, 2 liters of distillated beverages, 2 liters of wine.
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