Bonaire without a rental car: how to plan your vacation

A rental car is convenient on Bonaire, but not always necessary. Many visitors stay close to Kralendijk or along the west coast, where many snorkeling spots, restaurants, and shops are within walking distance or a short taxi ride. With a little planning, you can also get around a lot without your own car. What Bonaire has to offer discover.

In this guide, you'll read about alternatives to renting a car, what is and isn't practical without your own transport, and how to best plan your vacation if you prefer not to rent a car.

Whether a vacation without a rental car is feasible depends mainly on where you are staying and what you plan to do. If you stay close to Kralendijk or on the west coast, many restaurants, shops, and even a number of snorkeling spots are within walking or cycling distance. If you want to visit further away locations such as Washington Slagbaai National Park or visit the south side of the island, you'll need a taxi or an organized tour.

For most visitors, a combination is most practical: walking or cycling for short distances, and taxis or tours for places that are further away. This way, you don't have to drive yourself, but you also won't miss the famous Beaches of Bonaire and other attractions.

On Bonaire, taxis do not have meters, so always agree on the price with the driver beforehand before getting in. You can find taxis at the airport, at large hotels and resorts, and they can also be ordered by phone. For an evening out for dinner or a short trip, a taxi is a great solution if you don't have a car.

For longer trips, for example to remote beaches or nature reserves, a taxi may be less cost-effective than an organized tour or a rental car for a few days. Therefore, always ask for the current rates in advance, especially for longer distances.

One of the easiest ways to discover Bonaire without driving yourself is through an organized tour. Many excursions will pick you up at your hotel and bring you back, so you don't have to navigate or park yourself. Consider tours to Washington Slagbaai National Park, sightseeing tours on the island or boat trips along the coast. This is especially useful for places that are further away from Kralendijk or that are harder to reach on your own, such as the north and south of the island. See below for an example of a tour that will take you to the park without your own car.

To find out how far in advance it's best to book, check out our guide on book excursions on Bonaire.

One of the most fun things to do without a car is to take a trip to Klein Bonaire. This uninhabited island off the coast can only be reached by boat, so you won't need a rental car there anyway. The water taxi departs from Kralendijk and takes you to the beach in a few minutes. Klein Bonaire, where you can snorkel, swim, and relax on the beach. Check the current departure times and fixed departure points of the water taxi in advance, as these can vary by season. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and snorkeling gear, as there are no shops or eateries on the island itself.

Everything about departure, sailing times, and what to bring is in our guide about the watertaxi to Klein Bonaire.

Kralendijk is compact and walkable. Shops, restaurants, and the boulevard are close together, and you can get around quite a bit by walking or cycling. Some snorkeling spots along the west coast, such as parts of the Bonaire National Marine Park, are also within biking or walking distance of hotels in and around town.

It is indeed warm on Bonaire, and there isn't much shade everywhere, so it's best to plan your walks and bike rides for the morning or late afternoon. Bring plenty of water and consider the distance back, especially if you're out on full sun in the middle of the day. For longer or more remote routes, such as to Washington Slagbaai National Park, walking or cycling is not a realistic option and you'd be better off choosing a taxi or tour.

If you are traveling without a rental car, the location of your accommodation makes a big difference. Preferably choose a hotel, resort, or apartment in or near Kralendijk, or along the west coast where many resorts are located. From there, you can reach restaurants, shops, and part of the Best snorkeling spots on Bonaire often reached by walking or cycling. If you stay further from Kralendijk, for example on the quieter south side or closer to the north, you will be more dependent on taxis or organized tours to get around. This doesn't have to be a problem, but keep it in mind when booking your accommodation, especially if you plan to visit the center or Klein Bonaire to go.

The areas are listed in our guide about Where is the best place to stay on Bonaire.

A vacation on Bonaire without a rental car requires a bit more planning, but is doable for many visitors. Book your accommodation close to Kralendijk or the west coast, always agree on taxi prices in advance, and check with organized tours if a pickup service from your accommodation is available.

Combine walking and cycling where possible for short distances with taxis or organized excursions for places further away, such as the north of the island. This way, you'll still see a large part of What Bonaire has to offer, without you having to be behind the wheel yourself.

Yes, for many visitors, Bonaire is perfectly doable without a rental car. Especially if you stay in or close to Kralendijk, restaurants, shops, and some of the most beautiful spots are within walking or cycling distance. For more distant attractions, you can use taxis or organized tours.

From the airport, you can take a taxi to your hotel or accommodation. Taxis are usually available upon arrival, but always agree on the price beforehand as they do not use meters. Some hotels also offer their own pick-up service, so check this with your accommodation in advance.