Travel documents and money
For Bonaire, you need a valid passport, a Dutch ID card is not accepted. The passport must be valid for at least six months upon arrival. Also bring your Dutch driver's license if you want to rent a car on the island.
The currency in Bonaire is the US dollar (USD) since 2011. Credit cards are widely accepted, but bring cash for small expenses. Budget $75 for the mandatory visitor entry tax if you're 13 or older. Divers and snorkelers pay an additional $40 for the STINAPA nature fee.
Diving equipment: rent or bring?
You can rent all diving equipment at local dive centers, but bringing your own mask and snorkel is more convenient. A well-fitting mask prevents frustration underwater, especially at popular shore diving sites along the west coast.
A 3mm wetsuit is ideal for water temperatures of 79-82°F. Bring adjustable fins that are easy to put on and take off at rocky entries. Spare straps for your mask are wise, salt water degrades rubber faster.
Have a dive computer? Bring it. Don't forget your dive certification and logbook either, without valid certification you can't participate in boat dives.
Clothing for tropical weather
At temperatures of 81-90°F, choose light, breathable clothing. Cotton or linen shirts keep you coolest. Bring enough shorts, they dry slowly in humid air. Pack at least two sets of swimwear so you always have a dry one.
Flip-flops are handy for daily use, but water shoes are essential for rocky beaches and coral bottom. A cap or hat protects against the strong Caribbean sun. For air-conditioned restaurants and cool evenings, bring a light sweater.
For hikes in Washington Slagbaai National Park, long pants and closed shoes are needed due to thorny vegetation.
Sun protection
The sun in Bonaire is more intense than you're used to from the Netherlands. Reef-safe sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher is mandatory, chemical filters damage coral. Buy sunscreen preferably at home; in Bonaire you pay double the Dutch price.
After-sun lotion with aloe vera works well against burns. Quality sunglasses with UV protection are necessary. A rashguard protects against both sun and scrapes while snorkeling.
Medications and first aid
Bonaire has Fundashon Mariadal hospital for emergencies, but bring your personal medications in original packaging. Painkillers are useful, headaches from sun and dehydration occur regularly.
Useful additions: anti-diarrheal medication for stomach issues, band-aids and disinfectant for small cuts, antihistamine for insect bites and allergic reactions.
Mosquito spray with DEET is especially important in mangrove areas around Lac Bay. Divers also pack ear drops against swimmer's ear.
Electronic devices
Bonaire has both European outlets (220V, type C/F) and American (127V, type A/B). Newer accommodations usually have European connections, but a universal adapter is always wise. Check with your hotel beforehand which type they have.
A power bank is handy for long days on the water. A waterproof phone case protects against sand and salt water during beach activities.
What you don't need to bring
Leave at home: towels (hotels provide these), hair dryer (your hair dries quickly in warm air), heavy dive gear like BCD and tanks (available for rent everywhere), too much clothing (you'll wear less than expected at these temperatures).
Practical tips
Check your airline's baggage rules for diving equipment. KLM and TUI fly have specific regulations for dive gear. Make digital copies of important documents and store them in the cloud.
Tap water in Bonaire is safe to drink, it's produced through reverse osmosis by WEB Bonaire. You don't need to bring a large supply of bottled water.
