Sandy beaches are not necessarily something Bonaire is known for. Much of the coastline consists of coral rubble and rocks. Fortunately, there are plenty of sandy beaches on Bonaire where you can spend time with your feet in the sand.  These are Bonaire’s finest sandy beaches:

1. No Name Beach

A shame really, that this beach has no name. No Name Beach is the most beautiful beach on Bonaire. It is located on the north side of Klein Bonaire. Pure white, fine coral sand that contrasts with the azure sea as you are used to in the Caribbean.

Escape from civilization here. Apart from a BBQ place, some trash cans and a small canopy, there is nothing on this beach. So be sure to bring plenty of water and food.

No Name Beach can only be reached by boat. You can rent your own boat and dock at one of the buoys or take the water cab from various departure points. Book the water cab  easily online at the Caribe Watersports website.

2. Te Amo Beach

Te Amo is the closest sandy beach to the centre of Kralendijk and therefore the most accessible. There are two  foodtrucks  where you can get food and drinks, there are shady spots and you can easily walk into the water where you can swim as well as snorkel. On this beach you will see many families and later in the day BBQ lovers. Watching the sunset at Te Amo is in our opinion a must during your stay on Bonaire!

3. Pink Beach

Pink Beach is the ideal beach to spot dolphins. Large groups regularly pass close to the shore towards the southern tip of the island. Do you see them coming? Then quickly grab your snorkel and dive into the water. With some luck, they will come and have a look at you. Because of its location, Pink Beach is often quiet and the view is beautiful; tall palm trees, white sand and clear blue water, we are already dreaming away…

4. Boka Slagbaai Beach

The sandy beach of Boka Slagbaai is a fun day trip for the whole family. Spotting flamingos and other special birds, snorkeling, diving  and cliff diving; there is something for everyone. Boka Slagbaai is located in the Washington Slagbaai National Park with the same name. You have to put in some effort to get to this beach. In fact, Boka Slagbaai is the last stop on both routes through the park. Be sure to get to the beach on time because at 4:00 pm you will be asked to leave the park.

NOTE: To enter the Washington Slagbaai park you must have a nature tag. You can read all about this on our information page. With one of our Land Rovers or Subarus you drive comfortably and in style through the park.

5. Lac Cai Beach

Like Donkey Beach, Lac Cai Beach is one of the favourite spots among locals for a relaxing Sunday. The route to this sandy beach is already worth it; it leads you right through Bonaire’s mangroves, which provides spectacular sightseeing. The road is unpaved so make sure you have a good car. The bottom of Lac Cai consists largely of seagrass beds. Green sea turtles love it here. Chances are you will encounter them here while snorkeling.

6. Sorobon Beach

When you prefer to lie on a beach bed with a cocktail in your hand, Sorobon Beach is the place to be. This fine sandy beach is located on the south side of Lac Cai and consists of several beach clubs, windsurfing schools and a small fishing port. Our favourite spot on Sorobon Beach is the Hang Out Beachbar. With your bare feet at the bar and a glass of homemade sangria in your hand, watching the windsurfers; this is enjoyment!

7. Donkey Beach

Are you a beachgoer who prefers to sit in the shade? This is your beach. Donkey Beach is a sandy beach that stretches across from Flamingo Airport’s runway. Scattered throughout the beach are small trees and bushes where you can hang your hammock or spread your rug under, protected from the bright sun. On Sundays, many families sit here enjoying their day off.

Driving on Bonaire is very special, but different from what you are used to. For example, there are no traffic lights here and a lot of value is placed on social driving. Which traffic rules are important and what the Bonairean understands by “social driving” we tell you in this article..

Courtesy in Bonaire’s traffic more important than traffic rules

Bonaireans are very social on the road. This can cause confusion if you are unfamiliar with this. Don’t be surprised if a car on the left side of the road stops to let someone in from the right, your side. The car stops and flashes its lights. This is the moment when you also stop and give the car from the right space to cross the road. You are then thanked politely with a short honk and you can continue on your way. Try it yourself; you will see that there is a grateful response.

We hear you think: “A car from the right always has right of way”? According to Bonaire’s traffic rules, not the driver from the right, but the driver on the through road has right of way. However, in practice you often see that drivers from the right have priority. Although this often happens you should never assume that you will get it.

And then the horn: As in the Netherlands, it is forbidden to honk without a valid reason. You should only use your horn in emergency situations to avert danger. On Bonaire this rule also applies, but in practice the horn is also used for many other things; to thank or say hello to someone for example.

Don’t be alarmed if you are honked at frequently. Congratulations, you are starting to drive like a real Bonairean!

PAY ATTENTION! Traffic situations can be difficult to assess on Bonaire. This is partly due to the many illegible worn road signs and erased shark teeth. Be alert when approaching busy intersections. The road surface on Bonaire is full of holes. Every day, new holes appear and existing holes get bigger. Pay attention, even if you drive the same route more than once. Try to avoid the holes as much as possible to prevent a flat tire.

General traffic rules of Bonaire

The traffic rules on Bonaire are very similar to those we know from most European countries. However, there are a number of other rules and you just have to know them.

• Traffic from the right has NO priority. Traffic on the main road has the right of way.
• Driving should be on the right side of the road. Overtaking should be done on the left.
• The maximum speed in a built-up area is 40 kilometers per hour. Outside built-up areas, the maximum permitted speed is 60 kilometers per hour.
• It is not permitted to have mobile devices in your hands while driving.
• Drinking alcohol is not allowed. There is a maximum blood alcohol level of 0.5 promille. Driving under the influence of drugs is not allowed.
• When approaching a T-junction, drivers on the ceasing road must give way to vehicles driving on the through road
• When an unpaved road intersects with a paved road, the driver on the paved road always has the right of way.
• Traffic traveling on a roundabout has the right of way.
• It is forbidden to park on the left side of the road (against the direction of traffic)
• Parking on a yellow solid line is prohibited.
• Stopping at a yellow solid line is prohibited.

Animals don’t follow traffic rules

Flying flamingos will not bother you on Bonaire. However, there are a number of other animals on the island that cause dangerous situations and accidents..

The absolute number 1 are the donkeys. Along the road there are many warnings for crossing donkeys. Take this warning seriously. Donkeys have a tendency to cross the road at the last moment, without looking, as if you were not there. Be wary because they really don’t yield.

In addition to donkeys, you can find various types of goats all over the island. Goats are often out and about in larger groups. Assume that when a goat crosses, more will follow. Moderate your speed and wait quietly for them to pass. And no, goats don’t yield either.

The final four legged animal we warn you about is the green iguana. Although iguanas don’t often cause an immediate accident, they can be a real danger on the road. A suddenly crossing iguana can cause a startled reaction that makes you swerve. Look around carefully before you swerve to avoid a collision with another vehicle.

Alcohol in Bonaire’s traffic

Chances are you know the stories from “back in the day” on Bonaire; if you had one Amstel Bright too many, you just turned on your hazard lights and drove home at appropriate speed. Sounds funny, but this is definitely not allowed. On Bonaire, driving with alcohol is prohibited. The maximum allowed blood alcohol level is 0.5 promille.

Despite the fact that it is prohibited, it is socially accepted by the inhabitants of Bonaire to get behind the wheel with a drink too much. Therefore, be extra alert at night and adjust your driving style. Of course you do not drive and drink yourself.

If you are involved in an accident and the police determine that you as a driver have drunk too much, you are not insured. Not even in our cars.

Do you want to drive and drink anyway? Then use our BOB service! Our BOB will come to you and take you home safely in your own car. Ask about the possibilities.

Bonaire is an island that is full of culture, history, and delicious food. One of the most popular ways to enjoy local cuisine on the island is by visiting one of its many food trucks. These trucks, known as “Trùki Pan” in Papiamentu, have been serving hungry visitors with traditional dishes since the late 1800s! Let’s explore why these beloved mobile eateries are a mainstay on Bonaire.

The history of food trucks in Bonaire, the Trùki Pan

The origin story of food trucks in Bonaire begins in the late 1890s when a group of immigrants from Curaçao arrived on Bonaire. After setting up shop on the island, these new arrivals began to build their own wagons that could be used for transportation as well as selling goods and services. The first generation of truck owners used their carts to sell fresh produce, homemade bread, and other items to locals and tourists alike—and thus the tradition of the Trùki Pan was born!

Food trucks have become so iconic in Bonaire that they even feature in paintings by local artists. Visitors love them because they provide an authentic taste of local culture and comfort during their stay. On Bonaire you can find all sorts of food trucks serving delicious treats such as tamales, pastechi’s (a local type of filled pastry), grilled meats, barbecue, hamburgers and sweets.

Today there are over 40 Trùki Pan owners operating across Bonaire. If you want to visit one while you’re here, it’s best to do your research beforehand—not all trucks serve food every day and some may offer different items than others. Additionally, make sure you bring cash with you since most trucks don’t accept credit cards or other forms of payment!

Our favorite food trucks in Bonaire

When it comes to delicious street food, Bonaire is the place to be. From the juiciest hamburgers to mouth-watering tacos, this Caribbean island offers a wide range of delicious dishes that can be enjoyed in the comfort of your own home or on the go at one of the many food trucks scattered throughout the island. If you’re looking for an authentic taste of Bonaire, look no further – these are 10 of our favorite food trucks on Bonaire for 2023:

#1 King Kong Burger

If there is one food truck that deserves to kick off with, it is King Kong Burger.
King Kong Burger is one of the few food trucks on Bonaire with a Tripadvisor Travellers Choice Award and has been considered the best food truck on Bonaire for years.

At King Kong Burger, you stop for the most delicious burgers on the island. The menu features a number of creatively conceived burgers. The Italian Job with a leading role for Parmesan and truffle for example. Do you prefer to compose your own burger? That is also possible. You can choose from a long list of fresh toppings to create your ideal burger.

Your lunch is really complete with a “mosquito repellent” fry. After eating these fries you know for sure that there are no mosquitoes around. Neither will your partner, so keep that in mind! We warned you…

Find the burger on the roadmap and taste for yourself!

#2 The Fat Dog

The Fat Dog is the food truck with the most challenging concept on Bonaire. Original Texas Barbecue with a street-style twist. A visit to this food truck is a must during your stay on Bonaire. You’ll find a tasty variety of smoked meats. The thirteen hours smoked brisket and pork butt are the real winners. Great on a grilled brioche bun or in a homemade taco. Besides the regular assortment of smoked meats, there are daily changing specials.

You will find the Fat Dog on the back terrace of Cuba Company at the beginning of the Kaya Grandi.

#3 Kite City

Kite City’s menu consists mainly of local, fresh fish served on a burger roll or in a wrap. It depends on the catch which species are available. Barracuda, Wahoo and Tuna are caught most often, but Rainbow Runner and Mahi Mahi are also regularly on the changing daily menu. Kite City’s big specialty is the fresh tuna; a plate full of tuna steak, tuna tartare and sashimi served with soy sauce, wasabi and pickled ginger. Simply enjoyable!

Kite City’s food truck used to be located at Kite Beach, hence the name. These days, you can find Kite City in the parking lot of Te Amo Beach across from the airport.

#4 Stoked

Like Kite City, the food truck Stoked is located in the parking lot at Te Amo Beach and is the largest food truck on the island. A converted English double-decker bus, totally awesome! Just like King Kong Burger, Stoked has received a Tripadvisor Travellers Choice award. An award given annually to the best in a particular category.

The bus is located at the head of the harbour entrance so you can sit on the rocks. With a snack in hand you can enjoy the often spectacular sunsets.

#5 Pita Madre

Pita Madre… we probably don’t need to tell you where the inspiration for the name came from. The owner of this food truck is not only clever with words, he also makes very tasty pitas. How about a fluffy pita roll filled with Greek spiced chicken and homemade tzatziki? We also really like the Mexican pita with salsa and nachos.

The Pita Madre food truck is located next to the Chogogo Resort on the Hato roundabout. Park your car in the adjacent parking lot, walk along the resort to the water and enjoy the view of Klein Bonaire while you eat your pita.

#6 Cactus Blue

Cactus Blue is a tiny food truck with a nice seat among the trees on Donkey Beach. The menu is filled with all kinds of different wraps and beefburgers. Plane spotters are in the right place here. Cactus Blue is not quite yet at the beginning of the runway. This provides the necessary adrenaline when a KLM plane is blowing your hair. Hold on to your sandwich!

Besides serving delicious food, Cactus Blue also contributes to the coral preservation of Bonaire. Lionfish are actively hunted and pose a threat to the reef. At Cactus Blue you can eat this fish served as a burger. Do you dare?

#7 Smooth Operators

The name says it all; for the most delicious smoothies on the island you need to be at Smooth Operators. You choose from different types of tropical fruit such as papaya, sour bag, coconut and pineapple. Can’t choose? Our favourite is the mix, with a little bit of everything.

The very best thing about this home food truck is that it has a real drive-through. When you drive close by the food truck, you can order directly from the always cheerful owner. He then lowers a crate on a string where you put your money in. After raising the money, your order comes sliding down in the same crate. Innovation at its Bonairean best!

#8 Pastechi’s & more

Pastechis, pastechis, pastechis; during a stay on Bonaire you can’t escape them.

These half-moon shaped snacks are made of a special type of dough, after which they are filled, folded and deep-fried. The very best can be found at Pastechi’s & more halfway down the boulevard. These Caribbean delicacies are traditionally eaten for breakfast, but they are also a must at a good Antillean party. You have them in many different versions. The cheese, tuna, chicken and minced meat pastchis are the most popular. We recommend that you try them all.?

#9 Johnny’s Pizza

For a serious midnight snack, Johnny’s is the place to be. Unlike most other food trucks, Johnny only opens late at night, around 21:00. Johnny is located at the parking lot next to the head office of the Bonaire Water and Power Company in the Playa district.
When he lights his mobile, wood-fired stone oven, the parking lot fills with the most pleasant odors. His richly topped pizzas are sure to leave you feeling satiated after a long Bonairean evening.

#10 Big Boys Grill

Big Boys Grill, like Pastechi’s & more, is a favourite among Bonaire locals. If you like grilled meat this is the place to be. Pork chops, spare ribs, grilled chicken, it’s all here. The meat is served with a choice of side dishes and sauces. You will find the food truck at the end of the Kaya Korona at the intersection where the road to Rincon begins. The food truck only opens at 8:00 pm in the evening and runs late into the night.

If you’re looking for an authentic taste of Bonaire then head over to one of these amazing food trucks. Whether you want something savory or sweet, hot or mild there’s something here for everyone! So come hungry and leave satisfied knowing that you’ve truly experienced all that Bonaire has to offer when it comes to street food!

Bonaire is the capital of the world when it comes to shore diving. Nowhere else are there so many first-class dive spots accessible directly from the coast. Bonaire’s dive spots are easily identified by large yellow stones on the shore and buoys in the water.

These are the 7 most beautiful dive spots of Bonaire according to our friends at Dive Friends:

1# Hilma Hooker

Bonaire’s most famous shipwreck is probably also its most popular dive spot. In any case, it is one with an interesting history.

There are several stories about what caused the Hilma Hooker to sink. The most obvious one is that the boat had problems with the rudder while sailing along the coast of Bonaire. While towing the Colombian-born boat, the Coast Guard learned that the boat did not have the proper papers and was under the spotlight of both the FBI and Interpol. The story takes an exciting turn when it becomes clear that the Hilma Hooker is suspected of drug smuggling. Upon inspection, a whopping 11,300 pounds of marijuana are seized and the crew arrested. The boat is moored at the Kralendijk pier for a long time and begins to fill with water. Out of fear that the Hilma Hooker would sink and stop maritime traffic, the boat was towed to an anchorage just outside Kralendijk, the spot where she sank the next morning and is still there. The entry to the spot can be found opposite Trans World Radio.

The wreck lies on a sand bed between two coral reefs, as if it were planned. In any case, it is convenient for the diving world. With its 72 meters in length, there is plenty to explore here for divers of all levels

Be careful when entering the boat. The boat was not stripped before she sank so there are many places where you can quickly get into trouble.

2# 1000 steps

1000 Steps is a must visit for both snorkelers and divers when you are on Bonaire. You have to be prepared to make it to the entry. To get to the spot you have to go down a long limestone staircase with your diving equipment. The stairs don’t have 1000 steps but it feels like it when you have to go up again with your wet dive gear, hence the name.

The coral reef starts almost right at the shore with a mix of hard and soft corals. The beginning of the drop off is marked by a strip of white sand that makes the water in the bay glow turquoise. Just past the boat mooring buoy, a steep wall of coral begins with vertical sand channels and pillar-shaped coral mounds. Lots of coral means lots of life. You’ll encounter all sorts of things here: sponges, barracudas, different types of jacks, parrot fish, moray eels, trunkfish and Caribbean lobster are also regularly seen here.

1000 Steps is popular with snorkelers because it is high on the hot list for spotting green sea turtles. Actually, it is always a hit. From time to time even manta rays and whale sharks are spotted here. So don’t skip this dive and see if you are one of the lucky ones.

3# Karpata

Karpata is one of the most northern dive sites before the Washington Slagbaai National Park. The road to it alone is worth the drive. The road is not called The Queens Highway for nothing.

This spot is very popular with snorkelers and divers. The back of the reef starts at 7.5 meters and is full of hard and soft corals. You’ll find deer horn coral, moose weed coral and star coral, among others. There are also large elephant ear sponges to be found. The reef extends to a depth of about 46 meters but the best diving is above 24.5 meters.

The reef is full of deep crevices where there is a good chance of spotting a Caribbean lobster or a large moray eel. You’ll also often come across large rainbow parrotfish and schools of Caribbean squid.

Also for the spotting of sea turtles you have come to the right place. Karpata is the place to spot baby and young adult turtles. Say it yourself, who doesn’t get happy amongst baby animals?

4# Red Slave

Red Slave is a dive spot for the Advanced Open Water diver. The spot is located near the southern tip of the island at the level of the former slave houses near the red column. Often the rough sea from the east side curls around the tip of the island causing strong currents and large waves. Take this into account when entering the water. For such dives it is advisable to take a spotter with you.

The dive is known for the fantastic coral wall that starts at a depth of about 9 meters. The wall is full of vertical channels whose bottom is sometimes covered with sand and sometimes with coral. The coral wall continues to about 51 meters deep after which it turns into sandy bottom.

The presence of the many corals and strong currents ensure that a wide variety of fauna lives here. Large schools of snapper and reef fishes are a sure thing. You also have the chance to see the bigger fish. Regularly large barracudas, spotted eagle rays and various species of sharks are seen here, including mostly nurse sharks.

5# Something Special

The name Something Special originated from the guarantee that you will see something special at this dive spot. Recreational sailing has damaged the coral on this spot and special fish can be found here. On the bottom sneak frogfish, scorpion fish, yellow-headed jawfish and sailfin blennies.

The area around Something Special is always very busy with recreational boating. Be careful when surfacing and stay as low to the bottom as possible during the dive. To the north the reef is interrupted by a sand channel. This is the time to turn around. This is where the channel of the Harbour Village Marina begins.

Before getting out of the water, it is worth swimming past the coral trees. These coral trees were “planted” by The Coral Restoration Fondation Bonaire for the growth of new coral. You’ll find them at the back of the reef at a depth of about 6 meters.

6# Salt Pier

The Salt Pier is a long pier with conveyor belt where large ships dock to load salt from the Cargill Salt Works. If you follow E.E.G. Boulevard to the southern tip of the island it is not to be missed. To the right of the pier you can get into the water relatively easily.

Although the Salt Pier is not known for beautiful coral reefs, it is home to many different species of fish. It is a raw site characterized by debris of industrial waste in which now many animals make their homes. The pier consists of seven platforms resting on long poles. Between each set of poles, it’s a surprise what you’ll find. Schools of snapper, hunting bar jacks, large barracudas and tarpons lurking in the shadows. An exciting dive it is for sure.

Snorkelers also fare well here. In fact, this spot is one of the favourites among snorkelers to spot sea turtles. On the right side of the Salt Pier you will find large areas of coral sandy bottom, this is the place to be. You don’t have to swim far because the turtles like to dwell in shallow water. This keeps them out of the hands of large predators. In the waters around Bonaire 5 of the 7 species of turtles can be found. Can you find them all?

NOTE: When a boat is moored at the Salt Pier, it is not safe and prohibited for divers and snorkelers to enter the water!

7# Angel City

Angel City is the place to spot several species of large moonfish. You’ll mostly encounter French moonfish and queen moonfish, but the rarer flameback moonfish has also been spotted here. Definitely worth a look!

Besides the beautiful moonfish, this site consists of a double reef separated by a narrow sand channel. In some places the coral has formed a bridge over the channel so navigation can be tricky.

The first reef is characterized by deer antler coral and a mix of hard and soft corals. On the second part of the reef you will find many large brain coral mounds, schools of snapper, horse-eye jacks, hedgehog fish and green moray eels.

Because the back of the reef of Angel City is only 4.5 meters deep, this is also a great place for snorkelers.