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.
Kralendijk, Bonaire
$ – most rooms under $500
$$ – most family rooms $400-$1000
$$$ – family rooms $1000+
Kralendijk, Bonaire
$ – most rooms under $500
$$ – most family rooms $400-$1000
$$$ – family rooms $1000+
Kralendijk, Bonaire
$ – most rooms under $500
$$ – most family rooms $400-$1000
$$$ – family rooms $1000+
Bonaire’s striking pink salt pans are not only a visual treat but a lesson in local history. Kids will love spotting wild flamingos that gather in the shallow waters nearby. Don't miss a stop at Love Beach for some of the clearest water we've ever seen.
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A few hundred meters offshore from Bonaire lies the uninhabited coral island of Klein Bonaire -- a snorkeling paradise. Treat the whole family to a top-notch day of snorkeling.
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For a more intimate experience, skip the group tours and go on a private snorkel tour - with underater photos! Kids will love not only the experience but will also delight in having snorkeling photos to show all their friends.
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Downtown Kralendijk is small and easy to explore with kids - and if you need to entice them away from the beach or pool, they'll love Gio's Ice Cream Shop, which we suspect you'll return to more than once.
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Give your kids extra confidence for ocean swimming, beach walks, and snorkeling with water shoes to keep them sure-footed. These low profiles shoes are easy to pack and come in lots of colors.
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We've tried a lot of face sunscreens, and these clear sunscreen sticks are really the best no-tears solution. Goes on wet or dry, and reef safe too!
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This is our go-to beach bag for island getaways: It comes in multiple cool patterns, is water resistant, folds down into a suitcase, and can fit tons of travel toys and snacks.
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If you want to get your kids comfortable snorkeling, getting them their own gear will get them excited, involved, and give them a practice in the pool.
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This snorkel vest is a game changed for kids just starting out. Instead of focusing on swimming, they can focus on snorkeling skills while staying afloat -- and it deflated to pack easily in a suitcase!
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Get your kids excited about your Bonaire adventure with this quick, fun-facts book! We love finding ways to make our kids feel involved in the trip planning process.
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Table of Contents Take a trip to Klein Curacao and spend the day on one of the best remote beaches in all of the Caribbean. If you’re headed to Curacao for vacation, you should absolutely consider adding in a boat trip to Klein Curacao, an uninhabited island that sits about 15 miles south. It’s hands […]
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If school vacation is rolling around, you and your family are probably itching for a fun-filled summer trip. The Caribbean is a magical place to spend it, but figuring out the best Caribbean island in August can be tricky. August is off-season in the Caribbean. Americans have warm weather at home, and so aren’t always […]
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The Caribbean is home to some of the best snorkeling resorts in the world — hotels where you can walk out of your room, dive into the water before your morning coffee, and almost instantly see hundreds of tropical fish just offshore. But the best Caribbean snorkeling resorts for adults are not always great […]
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So I can’t help myself: Right now, I’m encouraging everyone I know to head to Bonaire with kids. We recently fell in love with Bonaire as a family travel destination. I just want others to have the same great experience we did! I truly can’t recommend Bonaire island enough. As soon as we returned […]
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Table of Contents Trying to understand the differences between Bonaire vs Curacao vs Aruba? This article will answer all your questions. The Dutch islands of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao – together known as the ABC islands – sit in a cluster off the coast of Venezuala. Choosing between them for you family vacation to the Dutch […]
Learn MoreI 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!!
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.
Rebecca, Family of 3 (Traveled July 2024)
Curacao is a vibrant island offering families a mix of colorful culture, secluded beaches, and accessible snorkeling. Its capital, Willemstad, is a great place to explore with kids, with plenty of family-friendly restaurants and shops. Curacao’s calm waters and affordable resorts make it an excellent option for families looking for a budget-friendly vacation, especially during hurricane Season.
Roatan is a hidden gem in the Caribbean, a not-to-be-missed spot for families who love snorkeling and exploring nature. The island’s accessible reefs, affordable lodging, and wildlife encounters make it feel like a Central American destination, but on an island. It’s a less commercialized destination, perfect for those seeking a budget-friendly, off-the-beaten-path trip.
The French side of Saint Martin is a great option for families who love food, beachside cafes, and Mediterranean vibes. We have a handful of boutique hotels, but it’s also a fabulous island for villa rentals. It’s perfect for independent families who like a bit of luxury with the option to explore.
The Grenadines are a collection of islands popular with boaters and yachters. But there are some gems in this island chain even if you’d prefer a land-based adventure. If you like boutique hotels, the feeling of discovering somewhere new, and aren’t afraid to travel just a little further with kids, turn your attention to the Grenadines.
The British Virgin Islands are perfect for families with a sense of exploration. Wherever you look, another island pops into sight calling you to visit. Sailing between islands, snorkeling in hidden bays, and exploring quiet beaches make it a great choice for families who are eager to move around while also relaxing.
