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How do you choose a place on Bonaire?
Bonaire is small, so nothing is far away. From the far south to Kralendijk takes half an hour to drive, and to the north it takes three-quarters of an hour. The question of where is best to stay on Bonaire is therefore less about distance and more about atmosphere: do you want restaurants within walking distance, or rather tranquility and your own stretch of coast?
Almost all accommodations are located on the sheltered west coast, between the south and the north, with Kralendijk as the center. What works differently on Bonaire than on many islands: there is no real hotel strip with wide sandy beaches. The coast largely consists of coral rock, and accommodations solve that with a jetty, stairs, or a man-made beach.
Good to know: almost everything is located along a single, continuous coastal road. So you don't have to figure out routes; you simply choose how far from the center you want to be.
| Area | Vibe | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Kralendijk | Lively, everything within walking distance | Anyone who doesn't want a car or wants to go out to eat |
| North of Kralendijk | Seaside resorts and apartments | Divers and snorkelers |
| South of Kralendijk | Quieter, close to snorkeling spots | Who wants peace and quiet but close to the center |
| Lac Bay and Sorobon | Wind, shallow water, remote | Windsurfers and families |
| Corner in the north | Rural and quiet | If you really want to get away from it all |
Swipe the table sideways to see all columns.
Kralendijk: everything within walking distance
The island's only town is small enough to walk through in an hour. It has restaurants, supermarkets, dive schools, and the water taxi dock. If you don't want to rent a car, this is the most convenient place to stay. You can walk to the water, to restaurants, and to the boat to Klein Bonaire.
What you hand in is silence. On days with a cruise ship, it is noticeably busier in the center. More about the town can be found in our guide to Kralendijk in One Day. From the center, you can also easily walk to the quay for the sunset. This is one of the island's regular evening rituals and it costs you nothing.
In the center, you'll also find most of the dive schools and tour departure points. If you don't feel like driving every morning, this is the easiest place to stay. More on that can be found in our guide to the best excursions on Bonaire.
North of Kralendijk: the dive site
Along the coast north of the center, there are many resorts and apartments, often with their own jetty or access to the reef. This is the logical choice for divers and snorkelers. You can literally step into the water from your accommodation, and the well-known spots are just around the corner.
More about those places is in our guide to the best snorkeling spots on Bonaire. When booking, ask if there is a house reef and what the entry into the water is like. This varies greatly and determines whether you can get into the water every day.
This part of the coast is close to the well-known snorkeling spots to the north, including the 1000 Steps staircase. More about that can be found in our guide to 1000 Steps on Bonaire.
South of Kralendijk
If you drive south from the center, it immediately becomes quieter. There are apartments and smaller complexes along the coastal road, with snorkeling spots within easy reach. You are close to the airport and Te Amo Beach here, and you can be in the center in ten minutes if you want to go out for dinner.
More about that part of the coast can be found in our guide to Te Amo Beach. You are close to the salt pans and the route to the southern tip. For those who appreciate the southern landscape, that's a big advantage. More about that can be found in our guide about the South Bonaire route.
Please note that you can sit very close to the runway here. For most people, that's not a problem, as there are only a few flights a day.
Lac Bay and Sorobon
On the east side, at Lac Bay, the atmosphere is very different. There is almost always wind, the water is shallow, and the surroundings are greener due to the mangroves. For windsurfers, this is the place to be, and for families with small children, the calm water is pleasant. You do need a car here.
More about that can be found in our guide to Sorobon Beach and Lac Bay. It's noticeably cooler here because of the wind, which makes for pleasant sleeping at night. However, it's quite windy during the day, so a sheltered terrace is a welcome luxury.
You can eat out at one of the businesses on the bay or drive back to Kralendijk. Expect about half an hour for that drive.
The North and Rincon
In the north, the offerings are small and rural. You are situated among the hills, close to Goto Lake and the approach to Washington Slagbaai. It is quiet and you definitely need a car, as amenities are scarce and the snorkeling spots are on the other side.
More about that area is in our guide to The North Bonaire route. Do your shopping in Kralendijk before you drive north. The shops in Rincon are small and the selection is limited.
Are you doing well without a car?
In or near Kralendijk, you can do fine without a car. You can walk to restaurants, the water taxi departs from the center, and many excursions pick you up or depart nearby. If you are staying further away, you will need transportation. More about that is in our guide to Bonaire without a rental car.
Some accommodations offer a bicycle or a transfer service. Inquire about these if you are unsure about renting a car.
What do you look for when booking?
Check if there is a sink and a drying rack for wet items. If you snorkel or dive for several days, this really makes a difference. Ask about the entry point if the accommodation is by the sea. A jetty or stairs are more comfortable than a stony shore.
Check if there's a kitchen. Eating out here is pricey, so cooking for yourself makes a longer trip a lot cheaper. Also, check the air conditioning and ventilation. It's warm here year-round, and a bedroom that doesn't cool down can make a long trip exhausting.
Also ask if there is parking and what the situation is with water and electricity. On a small island, a breakdown occurs now and then, and it's good to know what to expect then.
Hotel, apartment, or vacation home?
Hotels and resorts offer convenience, breakfast, and often an on-site dive center. You pay for it, but you don't have to arrange anything. Apartments are popular in Bonaire precisely because many visitors stay longer and cook for themselves. They come in all types, from simple to spacious.
A holiday home works well for families or groups, especially if you rent a car. More on this can be found in our guide about Bonaire with children. For divers, accommodation with an on-site dive center is practical: you can fill tanks and store equipment there. More on this can be found in our guide to scuba diving in Bonaire for beginners.
When traveling with a group, a house with a shared kitchen and outdoor space is usually more pleasant than separate rooms. You can eat together and have a place to chat after snorkeling.
When do you book?
During the busy months, availability is limited and popular spots fill up quickly. Book well in advance, especially around the holidays. During the quiet months, you can book later and prices are often more favorable.
More about crowds and seasons is in our guide about the best time to visit Bonaire. Book your accommodation and rental car preferably at the same time. During peak months, the availability of cars is just as limited as that of accommodations.
Splitting stays on a long trip
If you're staying for two weeks, you might consider splitting your stay: first near Kralendijk and then a bit further away, or vice versa. This way, you'll see the island from two perspectives, and the second week will feel like a new trip. Just make sure to plan the move on a quiet day.
More about a long journey is in our guide on Bonaire in 14 days. When splitting your stay, reserve a later checkout time or ask if you can leave your luggage. That way, you won't lose half a day moving.
An alternative is to choose one fixed base and do everything from there. On an island of this size, you won't lose much time doing so. More on this can be found in our guide to how many days you need for Bonaire.
Frequently Asked Questions about Staying on Bonaire
Where is the best place to stay on Bonaire?
In or near Kralendijk if you want convenience and restaurants, north or south of it if you're primarily coming to dive and snorkel, and at Lac Bay if you're looking for wind and shallow water.
Do you need a car?
In Kralendijk, you can get by without one. If you're staying further away, a car is practically essential, as there's no public transport schedule like in the Netherlands.
Is an apartment better than a hotel?
It depends on your trip. Apartments are popular because cooking for yourself saves a lot of money. Hotels offer more convenience and often an on-site dive center.
Can you stay at the beach?
Many accommodations are located by the sea, but the coast often consists of coral rock with a pier or stairs. Wide sandy beaches are mainly found near Sorobon and on Klein Bonaire.
How far in advance do you book?
In the busy months, well in advance, especially around the holidays. In the quiet months, you can book later and the prices are more favorable.
Is the north a good place to stay?
Only if you are looking for peace and quiet and have a car. Amenities are scarce and the snorkeling spots are on the other side of the island.
Booked your stay? Then check out which 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?