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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.
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
Scuba divers flock to Bonaire for unparalleled diving – unique shore diving in particular – and colorful colonial Dutch architecture.
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.
The currency of Bonaire is the US Dollar – yet another check in the easy column.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
You could spend dozens of hours researching your trip. Or you could have a family travel expert curate your personalized itinerary. What’s stopping you?
*Please note that some of the suggested actives are affiliate links. We only recommend activities that we know and trust.
* Please note that some of these product links are affiliate links, but we only recommend products we would use on our own travels.
Here, We dropped a pin (because no one likes asking for directions)
Corrine, Family of 4 (Traveled April 2024)
Rebecca, Family of 3 (Traveled July 2024)
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