Bonaire With Kids

Bonaire is the “B” in the ABC Islands, hanging out next to Aruba and Curacao in the Southwestern Caribbean Sea. When you arrive on this small island – with a population of only 20,000 – there’s no double you’re in the Dutch Caribbean: About 80% of the island’s residents are Dutch nationals.

Bonaire is a water-lover’s paradise, famous for its scuba diving and snorkeling. The island sits atop a protected reef and marine reserve, and incredible ocean life waits for you just off the beach. On land, the focus is on natural wonders too: from the unspoiled beaches and hiking trails of Washington Slagbaai National Park to the flamingo and donkey sanctuaries to the uninhabited island Klein Bonaire just off the coast.

The vibe in Bonaire is calm and laid-back, focusing on these outdoor and underwater activities. With a growing food scene in Kralendijk, it’s quiet but not dull. Explore the small town, snorkel with your kids, and find some time to actually relax in Bonaire with kids.

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MT Memory of Bonaire With Kids

When we returned from a family trip to Bonaire, we ran to the rooftops to broadcast our new favorite island for families.  Although the scuba diving focus here didn’t immediately scream kid-friendly, the little details about this island made it so.

From the playground at our favorite breakfast spot to the pelicans diving for fish at our hotel restaurant, there was always something to observe. With quick and easy customs, hotels close to the airport, and flat roads, we found there’s hardly an easier island to visit with kids.

– Lee, Mango Tree Founder

Bonaire is Best For:

  • Kids old enough to snorkel or scuba diving
  • Anyone who wants an easy airport experience and a short journey to the hotel
  • Families who want an adventure and to explore beyond the resort
  • Those who love wildlife (on land and underwater) and animals

Bonaire is Not For:

  • Families who want a big resort 
  • Travelers who don’t like getting in the ocean 
  • Jungle adventures – this is a flat and dry island 
  • An abundance of cultural experiences – it’s just a cool Dutch island

Key Facts For

Your Bonaire Family Vacation

Known For

Scuba divers flock to Bonaire for unparalleled diving – unique shore diving in particular – and colorful colonial Dutch architecture.  

Language

Dutch is the official language of Bonaire, but you may hear locals speaking Papiamentu, which is spoken exclusively in the ABC islands. English is widely spoken and understood.

Currency

The currency of Bonaire is the US Dollar – yet another check in the easy column. 

Size and Vibes

Bonaire is the smallest of the Dutch Islands, with a population of only 20,000 – you can drive the coastline in just one day. The small capital town of Kralendijk is a ton of fun to walk around for a morning, with bright pops of color, ice cream, good restaurants, a handful of souvenir shops, and laid-back vibes.

Getting Around

Driving around Bonaire on your family vacation is a breeze, with no stop lights or highways. The roads are flat and easy to navigate, and with a car you can see all that Bonaire has to offer. 

 

Where to Stay

Nearly all the best hotels for families are a stone’s throw from Kralendijk. There’s no bad location on Bonaire with kids, since the island is so small, so choosing your accommodation is more about finding the right fit and style.

When To Go

Peak Season: November to March. 

Shoulder Season: April to October 

No Go: There isn’t one! Bonaire is outside the hurricane zone with great weather all year round, making it one of our favorite Caribbean destinations for summer travel.

How To Go

Fly to Bonaire international airport (BON) through Miami, New York, Atlanta or Houston. You can also fly to Aruba, which has more direct flights, and take a short hopper flight on EZ Air or KLM to Bonaire. 

Our favorite spots in

Bonaire

Why choose Bonaire for your family?

It’s always a treat to find a remote Caribbean destination that’s not overtouristed. Often those destinations are hard to reach or navigate. Bonaire is neither.

  • It feels remarkably special while also feeling easy;  
  • There’s wildlife everywhere to entertain kids: pelicans, donkeys, reef fish, flamingos, and more; 
  • The snorkeling right from the shore is one-of-a-kind, a great place to start getting kids underwater;
  • There’s a growing food scene, fun beach clubs, and a small town with an ice cream shop–just enough that you won’t get bored.

Let Us Plan Your Family Trip to Bonaire...

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Where to stay

Best Family Hotels in Bonaire

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*Please note that some of the suggested actives are affiliate links. We only recommend activities that we know and trust.

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Favorite Travel Products for Bonaire

* Please note that some of these product links are affiliate links, but we only recommend products we would use on our own travels.

Dive deeper

Top Articles About Bonaire With Kids

Rave Reviews

I stumbled upon Mango Tree Travel while googling and immediately stopped my seemingly endless researching. As a busy parent, I could not recommend Lee’s travel expertise more. She and I connected on the phone; she has a way of understanding exactly what you are looking for and can obviously relate to you because she is a parent of young children herself. Such a good call to come to Harbour Village [in Bonaire] because you really really cannot beat the beach and the coral right here. This is totally our jam!!

5/5

Corrine, Family of 4 (Traveled April 2024)

Really great trip. I think it’s the best vacation I’ve ever been on. Our little family of 3 had so much fun swimming, snorkeling and exploring together. Delfins [in Bonaire] was an amazing place and they were so helpful in helping us book our car, excursions, babysitters, etc. We loved having a big space with a kitchen.

5/5

Rebecca, Family of 3 (Traveled July 2024)

Here, We dropped a pin (because no one likes asking for directions)

Is this the place for you? Let’s get you there.

Psst … You don’t have to lift a finger.

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