Honeymoon on Bonaire

Why Bonaire is Perfect for Your Honeymoon

Bonaire is different from other Caribbean islands. No crowds, no mass tourism, no big resorts. This small island of 111 sq mi with around 24,000 residents offers exactly what you're looking for in a romantic honeymoon: peace, privacy and discovering new things together. You can snorkel over coral reefs without needing a boat, dive together among tropical fish, or simply enjoy beaches where you're often completely alone.

The beauty of Bonaire is that you can set your own pace as a couple. Want to stay active? The island has 86 dive sites and more than 20 snorkel locations. Looking for relaxation? You'll find secluded beaches and romantic sunsets here. The water temperature stays 79-84°F year-round and underwater visibility is often 65-100 feet.

This guide helps you plan your perfect honeymoon on Bonaire. From the best romantic activities to practical tips on where to stay and what to pack.

The Most Beautiful Romantic Places

Klein Bonaire. The Whitest Beach

Klein Bonaire is an uninhabited small island 0.5 miles from Kralendijk. The beach here is called No Name Beach and has the whitest sand of all beaches around Bonaire. You reach Klein Bonaire by water taxi from Bonaire Nautico Marina or Buddy Dive Resort. The crossing takes about 30 minutes and costs $25 per person round trip.

On Klein Bonaire you're often virtually alone. The island is four kilometers long and two and a half kilometers wide, with no facilities, so bring your own food and water. The snorkeling here is fantastic because the coral is still largely intact.

Pink Beach. Unique Rose-Colored Sand

Pink Beach in southern Bonaire has a distinctive pink color. This color comes from ground shells of foraminifera, microscopic pink sea organisms. The strip of sand is relatively narrow, but the beach is a perfect spot to watch the sunset together.

Note: just outside Pink Beach the current can be strong. Stay close to shore if you're swimming or snorkeling.

Sorobon Beach. Tropical Lagoon

Sorobon Beach is located at Lac Bay on the eastern side of the island. This beach has warm, shallow waters protected by an offshore reef. This keeps the water always calm. The beach has several lanais (covered seating areas) where you can enjoy a drink in the shade.

The bay also hosts one of the Caribbean's most important mangrove ecosystems. You can kayak here among the mangroves, a romantic and peaceful activity.

Romantic Activities for Couples

Diving and Snorkeling Together

Bonaire is called the shore diving capital of the world because 88% of dive sites are accessible from the beach. You don't need to take a boat, park your rental car by the road, walk into the water and dive. For beginners there are dive shops that offer courses.

Popular spots for couples are 1000 Steps (accessible via a stairway of about 67 steps along limestone cliffs), Te Amo Beach near the airport and Atlantis Beach. At 1000 Steps you often see sea turtles in the clear, turquoise water.

To dive you need a Nature Fee of $40 per year. This also gives access to Washington Slagbaai National Park.

Sunset at the Lighthouse

The lighthouse (Willemstoren) stands at the northwestern point of the island and is the oldest lighthouse in the Netherlands Antilles. From here you have a beautiful view over the sea and Klein Bonaire. The sunsets here are special because you have an unobstructed view over the horizon.

Exploring Washington Slagbaai National Park

This national park of 4,286 hectares in northwestern Bonaire has two routes: a short one of 15 miles (about 2 hours driving) and a long one of 21.75 miles (3.5 hours). Both are one-way traffic.

The park is open Tuesday to Sunday from 8:00 to 17:00 (last entry 14:30). You need a high SUV for the unpaved roads. The park has no restaurants, so bring your own food and water.

In the park you see flamingos at Gotomeer, can swim at Boca Slagbaai (note: diving is not allowed here) and hike via three different trails.

Romantic Restaurants and Nightlife

Waterfront Dining

Bonaire has more than 100 restaurants, from local warungs to international cuisines. For a romantic dinner look for restaurants with sea views or an intimate atmosphere. Many restaurants are located in Kralendijk, the capital, along the waterfront.

Try local dishes like funchi (corn porridge), kabritu stobá (stewed goat meat) and fresh fish prepared in local style. Most restaurants accept credit cards, but also bring USD cash.

Going Out and Nightlife

Bonaire is not a party island. The nightlife is relaxed and focused on small-scale bars and restaurants. Most venues close around midnight or 1:00 AM. For couples seeking peace this is perfect, you won't be bothered by loud clubs or mass entertainment.

Where to Stay as a Couple

Villas and Apartments

Many couples choose a private villa or apartment so they have their own space. You can cook for yourselves, often have a private pool and are flexible in your planning. Villas are spread across the island, from Kralendijk to the northern coast.

Boutique Hotels and Resorts

Bonaire has no large resort chains but does have small-scale hotels and resorts. These often offer personal service and are located in beautiful seaside locations. Many have their own dive centers and can arrange dive packages.

Practical Honeymoon Planning

Best Time to Visit

Bonaire has dry weather year-round with temperatures between 81-90°F. The best conditions for diving are from April to November with calm seas and maximum visibility. From December to March there can be more wind from the trade winds, but it remains good weather for a honeymoon.

What to Pack

Bring reef-safe sunscreen, regular sunscreen damages coral. A wetsuit isn't needed due to the warm water temperature, but a rashguard protects against the sun while snorkeling. Bonaire has both European (220V) and American (127V) outlets, so bring a universal adapter.

Transportation and Driving

Bonaire has no public transportation. A rental car is practically essential. You drive on the right, there are no traffic lights and the speed limit is 25 miles/h within built-up areas, 37 miles/h outside. Parking is free and unlimited everywhere.

Money and Payment

The US dollar (USD) has been the official currency since 2011. Credit cards are widely accepted. A tip of 10-15% is customary in restaurants. Tap water is safe to drink.

Seasons and Weather Conditions

Unlike other Caribbean islands, Bonaire has no pronounced rainy season. The island lies outside the hurricane zone, so you don't need to worry about tropical storms during your honeymoon.

For more detailed information about specific months you can check our monthly guides: Bonaire in February, Bonaire in July or Bonaire in October.

If you're choosing between different islands, check our comparison between Bonaire and Aruba to see which island best suits your honeymoon.