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How safe is Bonaire?
Bonaire is known as a quiet and manageable island. About twenty thousand people live there, the atmosphere is relaxed, and tourists generally get around the island without problems. The question of whether Bonaire is safe is, in practice, less about crime and more about things you can control yourself: the sun, the water, traffic, and your belongings.
As everywhere, use common sense and don't provoke. Don't leave valuables visible in the car, not even for a moment. Moreover, the island is a special municipality of the Netherlands, with Dutch laws and regulations and Dutch police. For many visitors, that feels familiar, especially if something needs to be arranged.
What also plays a role: the island is small and everyone knows each other. That social network works preventatively on its own, and it's one of the reasons visitors feel at ease here quickly.
| Topic | What to watch for | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Stuff | Burglary of parked cars | Nothing visible or left behind |
| Traffic | Animals on the road, sharp turns | Drive calmly, not in the dark |
| Sun | The wind masks the power of the sun | Cover and drink a lot |
| Water | Currents and boats offshore | Not only swimming, use a buoy |
| Animals | Fire coral, sea urchins, jellyfish | Do not touch anything, wear water shoes |
Swipe the table sideways to see all columns.
Crime and your belongings
Violence against tourists is rare. What you should be aware of is theft from cars at dive and snorkel spots, as vehicles are left unattended there for extended periods. Therefore, only take what you need, leave your car empty and visibly so, and do not store anything in the glove compartment. Many residents even leave their cars unlocked to prevent damage.
Do not leave bags unattended on the beach. Take turns going into the water or use a waterproof pouch. If you see multiple cars with open windows at a snorkeling spot, it's not carelessness but a habit. An empty car with open windows runs less risk of having its windows smashed than a closed car with a bag inside.
When you book a tour, it's immediately a practical solution for your belongings: you leave your car at your accommodation and join the group. More about that can be found in our guide to best excursions on Bonaire.
Traffic and driving
The roads are clear and the distances are short, but there are wild donkeys and goats on and along the road. They are hard to see in the twilight. Drive slowly, especially around bends and on unpaved sections in the north. Do not honk to scare animals away, as this will startle them and they may run in the wrong direction.
Cars are often parked partly on the shoulder at a snorkeling spot along the coastal road, and people with diving gear are crossing. Please be aware of this. Traffic drives on the right, and the signs are in Dutch. The speeds are what differ: they are low, which makes sense with animals along the road.
Plan long rides through the north during the day. In the dark, the roads are unlit and you only see animals at the last moment. More about this can be found in our guide about the Northern Bonaire Route.
Swimming and snorkeling: what should you pay attention to?
On the sheltered west coast, the water is usually calm, but further offshore, there can be currents. Don't swim alone and keep an eye on how far you are from the shore. Use a brightly colored buoy or float if you go further out to sea. Boats travel along the coast, and above the water, you are small.
The east coast is rugged and not suitable for swimming. Stay on land there and enjoy the view. Before you enter the water, check where you can get out again. At pebble beaches, getting out in swell is more difficult than getting in.
Do not swim near boats or docks. There is regular boat traffic near Kralendijk, and snorkelers are difficult to see from a boat.
What you'd better not touch underwater
Fire coral causes a burning irritation on your skin, and sea urchins have spines that break off easily. You'll encounter both mainly when entering the water over rocks. The rule is simple and always applies in the Marine Park: don't touch anything, don't step on coral, and keep your fins to yourself.
Wear water shoes in places with a stony entry. More about this can be found in our guide on best snorkeling spots on Bonaire. If you do come into contact with fire coral, rinse with seawater instead of fresh water and do not rub. If in doubt or if symptoms persist, see a doctor.
In the water with a guide
If you're unsure about currents, entry, or your own experience, a guided snorkeling tour is a safe way to begin. Someone will be watching, and you'll go to spots that are suitable at the time. This is especially true if you're with children or if you haven't snorkeled in a long time. More options can be found in our guide to best snorkeling excursions on Bonaire.
Guides also know what the conditions are like that day. This saves a wasted trip to a place where there's too much swell at that moment.
Sun and heat
The constant wind makes you feel the sun less. As a result, many visitors get sunburned on the first few days without realizing it. Drink more than you're used to, even if you're not thirsty. Dehydration creeps up on you, especially after a day of snorkeling in salt water.
Seek shade in the middle of the day. This is not a luxury, but the reason the local rhythm is like this. Bring more water with you each day than you think you'll need, especially on trips to the south and the north. There is virtually nothing for sale along the way.
Recognize the signs of too much sun: headache, nausea, and urinating less. Then get out of the sun and drink, instead of continuing with your day.
Health and Medical Care
Bonaire has a hospital in Kralendijk and general practitioners on the island. For specialized care, you are sometimes transferred to Curaçao. Bring your own medications in sufficient quantities, along with a copy of your prescription. The choice of pharmacies is more limited than in the Netherlands.
Before you leave, check if your health insurance provides coverage and if diving is included, as it's not always standard. If you're going diving, find out in advance how healthcare for diving accidents is arranged and what your insurance covers. Arrange this before you go, not on the spot.
Bonaire with children: safe enough?
The island is pleasant for families: little traffic, calm water on the west side, and manageable distances. The biggest risks are the sun and entry points for snorkeling. For small children, choose shallow spots without waves, like Sorobon. More about this can be found in our guide to Sorobon Beach and Lac Bay.
More tips can be found in our guide on Bonaire with children. Explain to children that they shouldn't touch anything underwater. Not only is this a rule of nature here, but it's also the most important way to prevent scrapes and irritation.
Agree on a fixed spot where you'll meet if someone gets lost. On beaches, that's easier than it sounds because they are easy to survey.
Traveling alone or as a solo woman
Many visitors travel to Bonaire alone, including divers. The island is small and social, and you'll quickly run into the same people. As everywhere, it's important to let someone know where you're going if you're going snorkeling or diving alone, and don't enter the water alone at an unfamiliar spot.
You can walk around Kralendijk perfectly fine in the evenings. Outside the center, there are no streetlights, so bring a flashlight. Dive schools and snorkeling tours are an easy way to meet people if you are traveling alone. You'll immediately be in a group with the same plans.
Drinking water, food, and mosquitoes
The tap water is of good quality and drinkable. Bringing your own bottle saves money and plastic. Food in restaurants and supermarkets is safe. Pay special attention to the shelf life of products you buy yourself, as everything spoils faster in the heat.
Mosquitoes are most prevalent in the late afternoon and around mangrove areas. Bring mosquito repellent, also for tiger mosquitoes which are active during the day. After a rainy period, there are more mosquitoes than usual. A light, long-sleeved shirt in the late afternoon often works better than constantly reapplying spray.
What do you arrange in advance?
Arrange the Nature Fee online so you can go straight into the water. Save the emergency number and the number of your accommodation in your phone. Take photos of your passport and your driver's license and store them separately. Check if your rental car is insured for the roads you want to drive.
More about the practical preparation is in our guide on visiting Bonaire for the first time. Note where the nearest gas stations and supermarkets are in relation to your accommodation. Outside of Kralendijk, they are scarce.
Also add your tour departure times to your calendar. Most incidents on vacation are not accidents but haste, and that starts with leaving too late.
Frequently Asked Questions about Safety in Bonaire
Is Bonaire safe for tourists?
Generally yes. Violence against tourists is rare. What you should watch out for is theft from parked cars, the sun, traffic, and the water.
Can you leave stuff in the car?
Preferably not. Cars are left unattended for long periods at diving and snorkeling spots. Only bring what you need and leave your car visibly empty.
Is it safe to snorkel alone?
Preferably don't. Swim with someone, use a brightly colored buoy if you go further out from the coast, and pay attention to currents.
Are there dangerous animals in Bonaire?
Underwater, you can encounter fire coral and sea urchins, which can cause irritation or a wound. On land, there are no dangerous animals. Do not touch anything and wear water shoes.
Is the tap water safe?
Yes, the tap water is of good quality and drinkable.
Is Bonaire safe for solo travel?
Many people do that, including divers. The island is small and social. Do let others know where you're going and bring a flashlight outside the town center.
Do you want to travel without worries? Then check out which guided activities and excursions fit your trip.
Time difference and plugs in Bonaire
Flying to Bonaire
Travel documents and entry requirements for Bonaire
How many days do you need for Bonaire?