EXPLORE EXPLORE www.bespokejourneys.com YOUR ON-ISLAND DIVE TRAVEL SPECIALISTS
Who are Bespoke Journeys? Why book with Bespoke Journeys? Why is the diving so good on Bonaire? What is Bonaire known for? Where is Bonaire? Getting to Bonaire 6 ABOUT BESPOKE JOURNEYS 4 4 5 5 INTRODUCTION TO BONAIRE DIVING ON BONAIRE ACCOMMODATION ON BONAIRE 1 3 3 2 3 4 10 THINGS TO DO ON BONAIRE 5 11 11 12 12 When is the best time to go diving on Bonaire? Bonaire accommodation options Bonaire is an affordable diving destination Best way to get around Bonaire BONAIRE TRAVEL TIPS 6 13 13 Supermarkets on Bonaire Dining on Bonaire BONAIRE TRIP BOOKINGS 7 Planning a Bonaire dive trip How can you book a Bonaire dive trip? Stay in touch with Bespoke Journeys 14 14 14
WHO ARE BESPOKE JOURNEYS?
At Bespoke Journeys, our passion for travel and diving runs deep If we are not traveling, we are thinking about our next adventure. We are so lucky to have been able to work in the travel industry for over 30 years, helping other travel lovers explore land and sea. It’s a bonus to combine our love for travel and diving into Bespoke Journeys Bonaire offers some of the best diving conditions you can find. Come and see for yourself. You won’t be disappointed.
WHY BOOK WITH BESPOKE JOURNEYS?
We can arrange everything you need from your flights over to Bonaire, accommodation, dive packages, transport, activities and anything else you might want for your Bonaire dive adventure. We have even delivered a whole fish to clients for dinner. We do not charge a booking fee and are happy to discuss travel options to suite your budget and time requirements
Learn more about Bespoke Journeys
WHERE IS BONAIRE?
Bonaire is located 50 miles north of Venezuela, 30 miles east of Curaçao, 86 miles east of Aruba and outside the hurricane belt. It is one of the Dutch ABC islands – Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao
Bonaire is only small at 112 square miles, but there’s plenty to keep visitors entertained and involved in the many activities on offer
There are two towns on Bonaire, Kralendijk (the capital) and Rincon
GETTING TO BONAIRE
You can get to Bonaire by either flying or via a cruise. Flamingo International Airport services local and international flights. From North America there are direct flights from the USA on United from Newark and Houston. Delta Airlines provide direct flights from Atlanta. American Airlines have direct flights from Miami. Short flights to Bonaire are available from Curaçao and Aruba.
For flight availability and flights from destinations other than North America please get in touch
More information about Bonaire
IINTRODUCTION NTRODUCTION
DIVING ON DIVING ON
WHY IS THE DIVING SO GOOD ON BONAIRE?
The diving conditions are good to scuba dive all year round, there is great shore diving and Bonaire tourism supports diving so the infrastructure is well established. Bonaire’s reefs are teaming with life These marine reserves have been protected for many years and their pristine condition is testament to Bonaire’s convervation efforts
Both shore diving and boat diving are popular, offering divers very different experiences Consider both diving styles while on Bonaire
WHAT IS BONAIRE KNOWN FOR?
Bonaire is known as the Shore Diving Capital of the World with 60 sites easily accessible from the shore You can drive from one dive site to the next, then walk in off the shore
The reef is a short swim from shore where you’ll find abundant marine life in warm water, shipwrecks to explore and very healthy reef systems.
We recommend combining shore diving with boat diving to experience the best of Bonaire’s underwater marine environment.
Check out our Bonaire Dive Gallery
ACCOMMODATION ACCOMMODATION
BAMBOO BONAIRE BOUTIQUE RESORT
Bamboo Bonaire is an intimate boutique resort that offers luxurious private cottages in a tropical, romantic setting with a personal touch On the resort you find fine dining restaurant CHEFS, salt water lounge pool, luxurious jacuzzi’s, spa massage, yoga, hammocks, generous storage & rinse facilities for dive gear Bamboo Bonaire caters to couples, newlyweds, divers as well as other active guests and families over the age of 12.
BELMAR OCEANFRONT APARTMENTS
Located on the south end of Bonaire, Belmar Oceanfront Apartments offers a selection of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments and they all have an ocean view. All apartments have a fully equipped kitchen, private porches and patios with ocean views, and air conditioning The small intimate resort has a swimming pool, two piers that provide access to a private house reef, dive shop, and extensive diving opportunities
BUDDY DIVE RESORT
Buddy Dive Resort offers 1,2 and 3 bedroom apartments. Each apartment has a fully equipped kitchen, spacious living areas, patio or balcony and air-conditioned bedrooms Accessible rooms are also available Buddy’s is one of the largest dive resorts on Bonaire and offers visitor's car rentals for exploring the island, onsite restaurants, full dive facilities including a house reef perfect for diving and snorkeling day and night
ACCOMMODATION ACCOMMODATION
CAPTAIN DON’S HABITAT
This environmentally focused resort offers visitors ocean view suites, 3bedroom ocean front villas, 1 and 2 bedroom garden view bungalows All options have either balconies or patios Villas and bungalows have full kitchens Accessible rooms are also available Resort facilities include car rental, dive shop, spa, pool, restaurant, and bar/lounge. The rooms and facilities are surrounded by lush landscaping to wander through
DELFINS BEACH RESORT
Delfins Beach Resort is located in Kralendijk This luxury resort features 148 spacious apartments and 20 villas with high-end amenities Onsite are four restaurants which feature international cuisine and poolside locations Exercise in the onsite fitness center, or wander the gardens You’ll also find a 5 star dive center located on the waterfront equipped with everything you need for a Bonaire dive vacation
DEN LAMAN CONDO’S
Den Laman Condominiums offers 16 waterfront vacation rentals, a 15 minute walk into Kralendijk You can choose from studios, one and two bedroom apartments to suit your needs Each unit has a kitchen and amenities for a comfortable stay in Bonaire On site the resort has Dive Friends Bonaire, a five star PADI dive shop. You can dine in Breeze N' Bites restaurant There is a small convenience store walking distance from the resort
ACCOMMODATION ACCOMMODATION
DIVI FLAMINGO BEACH RESORT
Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino Bonaire is a 129 room resort offering air conditioned standard, deluxe or studio rooms Accessible rooms are also available Resort facilities include a day spa, fitness center, 2 freshwater pools, casino, dive center, 3 restaurants and 2 bars Both a la carte dining and all-inclusive options available. The Calabash reef is easy to reach from the shore and is available for diving and snorkeling day and night.
GRAND WINDSOCK BONAIRE
Located in the center of Kralendijk, the Grand Windsock offers 4 to 6 person private luxury villas, pool villas, apartments and penthouses close to the beach Accommodations include large living areas and fully furnished kitchens Resort facilities include a large swimming pool with pool bar, tropical garden, beach club, private beach, onsite restaurant, dive shop and dive facilities Some rooms include a balcony or sea views
Situated in Kralendijk, Harbour Village offers suites, 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom spacious guest rooms View options include the lush garden courtyards, beachfront or marina Some rooms have a kitchenette with a microwave
Amenities include a restaurant, shared lounge, private beach, fitness center, outdoor pools, PADI dive center There is a marina with 60 slips for yachts
HARBOUR VILLAGE BEACH CLUB
ACCOMMODATION ACCOMMODATION
PLAZA BEACH AND DIVE RESORT
This upscale, all-inclusive resort offers 126 spacious Junior or Grand suites located next to the ocean or the marina laguna Resort facilities include the island's largest magnesium swimming pool, expansive private beach, a house reef offering snorkeling and diving just steps from the beach, onsite spa, and dive center. The resort provides daily buffets, a la carte evening dining, and a beach bar for your enjoyment.
Sand Dollar Vacation Rentals is a collection of privately owned apartments an easy five minute drive from Kranlendijk There are accommodation ranging from studios up to three-bedroom apartments Each option has a full kitchen and all are oceanfront with ocean views Adjacent to the property are a dive shop, swimming pool, and two restaurants for Sand Dollar guests to use
THE BELLAFONTE BONAIRE
The Bellafonte Hotel is a luxury boutique oceanfront hotel that offers guests one and two-bedroom suites with full kitchens and 5 star full service
On site amenties include a dive locker, dive tank exchange, rinse tanks, plunge pool, private dock and complimentary yoga. There is no restaurant on the premises but the neighbouring restaurant The Beach offers guests breakfast, room service and private dining experiences
SAND DOLLAR BONAIRE
THINGS TO DO THINGS TO DO
DIVING BOAT CRUISES FISHING MANGROVE KAYAKING WINDSURFING KITESURFING CAVING PRIVATE BOAT CHARTER NATIONAL PARK
More Bonaire Activities
BONAIRE BONAIRE
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GO DIVING ON BONAIRE?
Diving in Bonaire is enjoyable year-round due to its location outside hurricane paths, consistent sunny weather, and low annual rainfall The Caribbean hurricane season (July to November) rarely affects diving activities
Seasonal Considerations:
- Peak Season (November to April): This period is busy and expensive, with higher prices for accommodation and flights.
- Off-Season (May to October): This is the quietest and most affordable time to visit, with fewer visitors, cheaper flights, and better accommodation deals.
BONAIRE’S
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Bonaire offers a wide range of accommodations, from resorts and hotels to cozy villas. Bespoke Journeys can assist in selecting the best option for your group. If you plan to cook some meals, ensure your accommodation has suitable kitchen facilities.
When choosing accommodations in Bonaire, consider that while all-inclusive packages offer convenience, they may limit your exposure to the island's vibrant culinary scene. Bespoke Journeys encourages visitors to the island to enjoy the island's diverse restaurant offerings
Essential Bonaire travel information
BONAIRE BONAIRE
BONAIRE IS AN AFFORDABLE DIVING DESTINATION
Bonaire stands out as one of the most economical diving destinations because of its shore-entry dive sites You don't need a boat to access many of the best dive sites, this significantly cuts down your diving costs Maximize your savings by visiting off-peak and sharing accommodations for group rates
For the best value, we recommend a resort-inclusive dive package. These include resort accommodation, transfers, truck rental, unlimited diving, plus optional boat diving and offer great savings.
BEST WAY TO GET AROUND BONAIRE
Car rentals are recommended as they give you the freedom to explore the island at your leisure. Bonaire is one of the worlds top shore diving destinations, so the ability to transport yourself from one dive spot to another is great. Popular rental vehicles are double cab pick up trucks, most are stick shift. If you are requiring a rental car during busy seasons, it’s advisable to book early. There are a limited number of automatic vehicles available.
Other vehicle options are motorcycles, scooters, golf carts, quads, and bicycle rentals Taxi’s are also available
Essential Bonaire travel information
BONAIRE BONAIRE
SUPERMARKETS ON BONAIRE
There is a good selection of supermarkets in Kralendijk They are well stocked with a variety of produce to suit your needs. The main stores are Van Den Tweel and Warehouse Bonaire on Kaya Industria and are typically open from 8 AM8 PM daily, offering a wide selection of items.
BonDiGro is located on the same road with varying hours and accepts cash only. There are also mini-marts around town.
READ MORE about grocery shopping on Bonaire
DINING ON BONAIRE
Dining options range from fast food through to expensive dining, and cater for all type of cuisine. If you're after chain restaurants there are only two, KFC and Subway. The fast food trucks offer all types of great takeaway options. There are many restaurants to choose from, with delicious dining options and something for everyone.
Dietary requirements such as gluten free, dairy free, vegan and vegetarian options are available and restaurants are happy to accommodate We recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment It can get busy at the more popular restaurants
Essential Bonaire
travel information
BONAIRE BONAIRE
PLANNING YOUR BONAIRE DIVE TRIP
We recommend booking your dive trip at least six months in advance to secure your preferred accommodations While earlier or later bookings are possible, your options may be limited by availability
HOW CAN YOU BOOK A BONAIRE DIVE TRIP?
For personalized assistance and further details on Bonaire travel, reach out to us at Bespoke Journeys. We are the only on-island Bonaire dive travel specialists and are happy to help make your Bonaire dream dive trip a reality.
KEEP IN TOUCH WITH BESPOKE JOURNEYS
Follow us on social media where we regularly post specials, travel tips and advice.
You can join our mailing list and never miss an update. You’ll find a link to sign up to our newsletter on our homepage BESPOKE JOURNEYS
Bespoke Journeys
Contact