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Bonaire

Bonaire, a Caribbean island located in the Leeward Antilles in the Netherlands, is known for its enchanting beauty and unique offerings. The island boasts of a stunning marine life, appreciable via scuba diving or snorkeling through its shores, with an abundance of reef formations. Known as a Diver's Paradise, Bonaire features in the global top list for pristine diving sites. Its Washington Slagbaai National Park, a natural sanctuary for various bird species, and Lac Bay, loved by windsurfers worldwide, add to the delight. Bonaire's cultural richness is exhibited through the rustic charm of its capital, Kralendijk, with its pastel-colored buildings and local marketplace. The island's signature pink flamingoes, donkey sanctuaries, and mysterious salt pans strikes a pristine balance between wildlife and serenity, making Bonaire an ultimate relaxation and adventure destination.

3.9 /5

Based on our research

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Safety:Very safe

Bonaire holds a low crime rate with the locals being friendly and considerate towards tourists. However, like any other tourist destination, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur, so always keep your belongings close. There are plenty of well-lit, populated areas to explore but remember to stay vigilant and avoid deserted areas, especially after dark.

Transport:Easy

Navigating around Bonaire is quite manageable. The island is small, and landmarks are pretty straightforward to locate. However, public transportation is not extensive, so renting a car, bike, or scooter is advisable for easier exploration. There are taxi services available, but they might not be that frequent in some areas. Despite this, the island is safe and locals are very friendly, making traveling very enjoyable.

Things to do:Interesting

Bonaire in the Netherlands is a stunning island filled with an array of activities suitable for solo female travelers. It offers excellent opportunities for outdoor adventures such as diving and snorkeling, exploring its beautiful coral reefs populated with a diverse range of marine life. Its sublime natural landscapes allow for hiking and spot flamingos at the Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary. The island's local culinary scene is quite delightful for foodie explorers. However, its nightlife is somewhat limited, which might not appeal to everyone.

Food:Above average

Bonaire offers an assorted range of culinary options. From local Caribbean fares that creatively uses fish, goat and fresh fruits, to various international cuisines. Despite being a small island, it has an abundance of quality eating establishments where you can enjoy everything from fresh seafood to delicious vegetarian dishes. Due to its location, Bonaire also has a fair selection of Dutch cuisine. All in all, it will not disappoint the taste buds of a traveler who enjoys food exploration.

Budget:Moderate

Bonaire can be moderately budget-friendly for the discerning traveler. Accommodation and food costs vary, and while you can find some budget-friendly options, prices are generally a bit high due to the island’s remote location and high dependence on imports. Outdoor activities such as snorkeling and diving, for which the island is famous, can also add to the cost. However, with pre-planning and careful spending, the budget can be managed fairly well in Bonaire.

Cheryl

United States

Family travel experience

I went here for my 50th birthday and my Moms 80th. We had a blast. Moderately expensive but worth every dime in my opinion. Amazing snorkeling. Laid back small island. I felt safe the whole time. All the food there tastes better. Rent a truck and explore the island. Go for the snorkeling in my opinion. If you do, I can connect you with an amazing female snorkel tour guide.

Posted: December 12, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5