Bonaire

Bonaire sits in the southern Caribbean. Its dry, low-lying terrain and reef-lined shores give it a drier, more exposed cruising environment than many other Caribbean islands. Bonaire is a special municipality of the Netherlands with Kralendijk as its main town, and its calm, trade‑wind climate and laid‑back Dutch‑Caribbean culture make it a relaxed stop for cruising sailors, with much of its appeal lying in the reefs and underwater marine park.

Kralendijk is the main hub for visiting sailors, with most provisioning, dining, and everyday services clustered along a compact waterfront. Anchoring is prohibited, so visiting yachts use the marine park moorings by the town.

Klein Bonaire is a regular stop for cruisers, valued for its sandy beach and straightforward dinghy run from Kralendijk. The undeveloped island is popular for swimming, beach walks, and BBQs, with no roads, buildings, or shore facilities.

Washington Slagbaai National Park in the north of the island is mostly visited by land, but some remote beaches and lagoons can be reached by kayak or shallow‑draft boats in settled conditions. For crews with time and suitable weather, it adds a quieter, more remote option.

Places to stay

Below are the most popular and highly rated places to stay, based on feedback from the noforeignland community:

Marinas

	Nautico Marina	4.7 ★	Review summary: Sheltered dock options are provided, although all visitors must reserve in advance. Visitors benefit from secure dinghy storage, with costs supported by reasonable fees and key deposits.
	Harbor Village Marina	3.3 ★	Review summary: Visiting this well-protected marina offers easy access for boats, though frequent electrical issues have been reported. Services like a dinghy ride to customs are noted conveniences. Visitor feedback about the facilities and staff is mixed, especially regarding electrical reliability and access to hotel amenities.

Moorings

Kralendijk

4.3 ★

Review summary: Navigating to Kralendijk's mooring buoys requires caution, especially in the dark, due to their proximity to shore. Visitors frequently stay for extended periods, enjoying convenient access for diving. Although moorings cost $35 per night, availability is generally good and offers direct reef access.

Boatyards and services

Below are the most popular and highly rated boat services, based on feedback from the noforeignland community:

This table summarizes first-hand reviews from sailors who have checked in to Bonaire.

Useful yacht clearance links

Bonaire National Marine Park covers all coastal waters of Bonaire and Klein Bonaire from the high‑water mark to 60 m depth, with strict no‑anchoring rules and mandatory use of public moorings. Users must pay a marine park fee, attend a compulsory dive orientation before diving, and follow no‑touch, no‑take, no‑spearfishing rules that prohibit removing any natural material; visitors may not wear dive gloves without a permit, or build campfires on the beach.

Visiting boats usually base themselves on designated overnight marine‑park moorings off Kralendijk rather than anchoring. In some areas, additional short‑stay dive moorings may be available for daytime diving and snorkelling where this is permitted by current marine‑park rules; crews should always check the latest STINAPA guidance before using these moorings.

Bonaire’s position below the hurricane belt makes it an attractive option for the off‑season. Those who stay often do so for the exceptional diving and snorkeling available directly from their boats. During this period, occasional changes in wind direction can cause the moorings to be exposed to strong wind and swell. Deep‑draft vessels should request deeper moorings to prevent damage under such conditions.

• Best times of year to sail here: December to May (June to November is also popular as a base south of the main hurricane belt)
• Most common type of shore power: 127/220V 50Hz
• Cost for provisioning: Medium, with local markets providing staples and imported goods around marina areas being pricier
• Currency: US Dollar (USD)
• Personal security: Generally safe, but petty crime and theft do occur; follow usual precautions.
• Emergency phone numbers:
  • Police: 911
  • Fire: 911
  • Ambulance: 911 (and 114)
  • Coast guard: 913
• International dialing code: +599
• Time zone(s): UTC -4

Bonaire's maritime history is interwoven with its early Indigenous inhabitants who relied on the sea for sustenance. The Caiquetios of the Arawak tribes were adept seafarers, having traversed from the northern regions of South America. Their presence left archaeological evidence scattered along the coasts, portraying a robust maritime culture.

The colonial period began with Spanish claim in the early 16th century, though Bonaire was later ceded to the Dutch in 1636. This transitioned the island into a strategic naval outpost within the Caribbean Sea. Salt production became a key industry, facilitated by maritime shipping, making the island an essential point for European trade.

Modern Bonaire retains its maritime heritage through extensive marine conservation efforts, underpinned by its designation as a marine protected area. The island hosts significant underwater ecological assets, drawing attention from global diving enthusiasts. Its harbors still resonate with historical echoes, reflected in old pier structures and salt plantations that narrate its enduring coastal legacy. Bonaire's maritime emphasis continues to evolve, interlacing history with contemporary commitment to sustainability.