Bonaire emergency services and contacts: all numbers

When you're on Bonaire and need help, knowing the right phone numbers is crucial. The island has well-organized emergency services, but you need to know how to reach them. Bonaire's emergency services are available 24/7 through the familiar alarm numbers 911, 912, and 919. Unlike in the Netherlands, you're dealing with American-style numbers and a different emergency service structure here.

Bonaire is a special municipality of the Netherlands, but that doesn't mean everything works the same as back home. The emergency services are professionally organized, but the island sometimes faces staff shortages. That's why it's extra important to be well prepared and know what to expect.

In this article you'll find all important numbers, addresses, and practical information about emergency services on Bonaire. From the general emergency number to specific numbers for dive-related emergencies - you'll find everything you need to safely enjoy your vacation.

Bonaire emergency numbers: 911, 912, 919

The three main emergency numbers on Bonaire follow the American system. You don't call 112 like in the Netherlands, but specific numbers for each emergency service. These numbers work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. From abroad, you first dial the country code +599, followed by the emergency number.

911 - General police emergency number

The emergency number Bonaire for police is 911. This number is available 24 hours a day and connects you directly to the control room of the Caribbean Netherlands Police Force (KPCN). You can call this number for all police-related emergencies: burglaries, robberies, violence, traffic accidents, or other acute situations requiring police.

The control room of Bonaire police is in direct contact with the various police stations on the island. The main station is located in downtown Kralendijk, with smaller stations in Amboina and Rincon. Staff speak Dutch, Papiamentu, English, and often some Spanish.

Important to know: the police on Bonaire sometimes face staff shortages. According to the 2024 report from the Council for Law Enforcement, 24/7 emergency assistance cannot always be guaranteed. Current staffing is 17 FTE on a formation of 45 FTE. Nevertheless, the phone number is always answered and help is sent when possible.

912 - Ambulance and medical emergency

For emergency medical help, call 912. The Bonaire ambulance is available 24 hours a day and has trained personnel on board. The ambulance service transports patients to the island's only hospital: Fundashon Mariadal in Kralendijk.

The ambulance service is well equipped for various medical emergencies. They have modern medical equipment on board and staff trained in pre-hospital care. In complex medical situations, a decision may be made to refer a patient to Curaçao or Colombia for specialized treatment.

For dive-related accidents, the ambulance service has special protocols. They work closely with the decompression chamber located next to the hospital. If you report a diving accident, make sure you clearly communicate the location, number of people involved, and nature of the incident.

919 - Fire department and rescue services

You reach the Bonaire fire department at 919. The Caribbean Netherlands Fire Department has stations at the airport in Kralendijk and in Rincon. They're equipped with modern firefighting and rescue equipment, including the latest breathing apparatus.

Besides firefighting, the fire department also provides technical rescue and search and rescue operations. The latter is especially important on an island where people can get lost in nature areas or get into trouble during water sports. The fire department works closely with the coast guard on sea rescue operations.

The fire department holds disaster drills twice yearly to keep emergency response and assistance sharp. These drills are important because Bonaire, although located outside the hurricane zone, can still be affected by tropical storms and other natural phenomena that can lead to emergency situations.

Medical help and Fundashon Mariadal hospital

Bonaire's medical center is Fundashon Mariadal, also known as Hospital San Francisco. This is the island's only full-service hospital and forms the backbone of medical care. The hospital provides 24/7 emergency care and has various departments for different medical specialties.

Hospital San Francisco contact details

The Bonaire hospital is located at Kaya Soeur Bartola 2 in Kralendijk, the island's center. The general phone number is +599 717 8900. For emergencies, you can call this number 24 hours a day. The hospital is centrally located and reachable from anywhere on the island within 30 minutes.

Fundashon Mariadal has about 600 employees and has 80 hospital beds. The hospital has various departments: emergency care, internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics, radiology, and intensive care. There's also a fully equipped laboratory, a dialysis center (since 2012), and a hospital pharmacy.

The emergency department is staffed 24 hours a day with qualified medical personnel. For less urgent matters, you can also visit one of the family practice clinics on the island during office hours, such as Rincon Medical Center Bonaire.

Specialist care and referral

Although Fundashon Mariadal is well equipped for most medical situations, there are limits to what can be treated on the island. For complex operations, specialized oncological treatments, or other highly specialized care, patients are referred to Curaçao or sometimes to Colombia.

The hospital has modern medical equipment, including a fully digital X-ray and CT scan system. For MRI scans, patients must go to Curaçao. The hospital also has a well-equipped operating room where various procedures can be performed.

Important for travelers: make sure you have good travel insurance that also covers medical evacuation. The costs for medical care on Bonaire can be high, especially if referral to another country is needed. European health insurance often doesn't cover all costs outside Europe.

Pharmacy and medication supply

For medications on Bonaire, you can go to various pharmacies and the hospital pharmacy. The medication supply is reasonably good, but not all medications available in the Netherlands are also available on Bonaire. It's therefore wise to bring enough of your own medications.

Pharmacies in Kralendijk

In Kralendijk there are various pharmacies that are open during regular business hours. These pharmacies stock the most common medications and can also fill prescriptions from Dutch doctors, provided the medications are available on the island.

The opening hours of regular pharmacies are usually Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 18:00, and Saturday until 13:00. On Sundays, regular pharmacies are closed. For urgent medication needs outside these hours, you can go to the hospital pharmacy.

It's important to know that some medications that are available over-the-counter in the Netherlands are prescription-only on Bonaire or not available at all. This especially applies to certain painkillers, sleep and sedative medications, and some specialized medications.

Hospital emergency pharmacy

The Fundashon Mariadal pharmacy is available 24 hours a day for emergencies. This pharmacy is located in the hospital and has a basic package of essential medications in stock for acute medical situations.

For chronic medication or medications not part of the standard stock, you often have to wait. Medications can be ordered from the mainland, but this can take several days to a week. Therefore, plan your medication needs well in advance.

Tip for diabetics, heart patients, and people with other chronic conditions: always bring extra medications, more than you think you'll need. Insulin and other refrigerated medications can also sometimes be difficult to obtain on the island.

Dive-related emergencies

Bonaire is known as a top diving destination with more than 85 dive sites. With so much diving activity, dive-related emergencies are unfortunately not uncommon. Fortunately, the island is well prepared for this with its own decompression chamber and trained medical personnel.

Decompression chamber at Fundashon Mariadal

The Bonaire decompression chamber is located directly next to Fundashon Mariadal hospital and is available 24 hours a day. This is the only decompression chamber on Bonaire and one of the few in the Caribbean region. For emergency situations requiring decompression, call the special number 133.

The decompression chamber is staffed by trained specialists who have experience with decompression sickness, gas embolism, and other dive-related medical problems. The facility is modern and meets international standards for hyperbaric medicine.

If you experience a diving accident or encounter someone with symptoms of decompression sickness, speed is crucial. Call 133 directly for the decompression chamber or 912 for an ambulance. Clearly communicate: your location, number of people involved, depth and duration of the dive, and symptoms you observe.

Symptoms of decompression sickness can include: joint pain, skin rash, dizziness, paralysis symptoms, speech disorders, or loss of consciousness. Even if symptoms seem mild, always seek medical help - decompression sickness can worsen quickly.

Dive centers as first aid

Many dive centers on Bonaire have trained personnel and oxygen supplies for first aid in diving accidents. If an incident occurs during a dive, they can often provide the first crucial help while waiting for professional medical assistance.

Most dive centers have direct communication channels with the hospital and decompression chamber. They know exactly what to do in case of a diving accident and can often provide valuable information about dive profiles and incident circumstances.

As a diver, it's wise to always dive with a certified center that has clear safety procedures. Check beforehand if they have oxygen supply and if their personnel is trained in first aid for diving accidents. Most reputable centers on Bonaire meet these requirements.

Bonaire Police: KPCN and safety

The police on Bonaire falls under the Caribbean Netherlands Police Force (KPCN). This force is responsible for public order and safety on Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba. The Dutch Minister of Justice and Security is the force manager, meaning police on Bonaire maintain the same standards as in the Netherlands.

Caribbean Netherlands Police Force

The Bonaire police headquarters is located in downtown Kralendijk. For non-emergency matters, you can call the general number +599 717 8000. For tips about crime, there's a tip line available: +599 717 7251. These numbers are available during office hours.

Besides the main station in Kralendijk, there are also police stations in the Amboina district and in Rincon. The Amboina station also houses the district manager and the Victim Support Office. This office provides support to crime victims and their families.

The police on Bonaire has a good reputation and is generally experienced as friendly and service-oriented. They usually speak multiple languages (Dutch, Papiamentu, English, Spanish) and are used to dealing with tourists. Crime rates on Bonaire are relatively low compared to other Caribbean islands.

There is a significant problem with staff shortages. According to the 2024 report from the Council for Law Enforcement, staffing is only 17 FTE on a formation of 45 FTE. This means police sometimes cannot guarantee 24/7 emergency assistance is available, although the phone number is always answered.

ID required

On Bonaire, everyone over 12 years old is required to carry valid identification. This can be a passport, a Dutch ID card (although that's not sufficient for entry to the island), a driver's license, or an alien document.

Police regularly check identification, especially in the evenings and during events. As a tourist, it's wise to always have your passport or a copy with you. Store the original passport safely in your accommodation and carry a good copy.

During traffic stops, you're always asked for your driver's license and identification. A Dutch driver's license is valid on Bonaire, but you need your passport for identification. So make sure you have both documents when driving.

Traffic situations and accidents

Bonaire has no traffic lights, which can take some getting used to for Dutch drivers. Traffic rules largely follow Dutch standards, with some local adaptations. Right of way applies, except at roundabouts and main roads.

The speed limit is 40 km/h in built-up areas and 60 km/h outside. There are few speed cameras, but police do conduct regular speed checks. Since August 2018, alcohol checks are also conducted - at the first check, 15% of drivers had been drinking too much.

In case of a traffic accident, always call 911 first, even if there's only material damage. Police make an official report that you need for your insurance. Try to move as little as possible until police arrive, unless necessary for safety.

Coast guard and sea rescues

The waters around Bonaire fall under the responsibility of the Coast Guard for the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the Caribbean Region. This organization is a collaboration between the Netherlands (for the BES islands), Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten. The Bonaire coast guard is on standby 24/7 for maritime assistance.

Rescue and Coordination Center (RCC)

For emergencies at sea, call the coast guard emergency number 913. You can also make contact via marine radio on channel 16. The Rescue and Coordination Center (RCC) coordinates all sea rescue operations from their headquarters in Curaçao.

The coast guard has modern rescue ships and helicopters available for search and rescue operations. They work closely with Bonaire's fire department on complex rescue operations. Response time depends on the incident location, but the coast guard aims to be on scene within an hour.

When making an emergency call to the coast guard, clearly give your position (preferably GPS coordinates), number of people on board, nature of the problem, and weather conditions on site. Stay in contact via radio or phone as much as possible until help arrives.

Important safety rule: always inform someone on land about your plans when going out to sea with a boat. Tell them when you're leaving, where you're going, and when you expect to return. This can be lifesaving if something goes wrong.

Maritime services

The Coast Guard for the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the Caribbean Region is a unique collaboration where four different countries work together on maritime safety. The organization has bases in Curaçao, Aruba, Sint Maarten, and a smaller base on Bonaire.

Besides rescue operations, the coast guard also deals with border control, drug enforcement, fisheries control, and environmental monitoring. They have modern patrol ships and surveillance aircraft at their disposal. For recreational water sports enthusiasts, they're mainly important as a rescue service.

The coast guard works closely with local emergency services. In a sea incident that also requires medical help, they coordinate with the ambulance service and hospital. In complex situations, they can also request assistance from the Dutch navy or neighboring countries' coast guards.

Dutch government and consular assistance

Bonaire has been a special municipality of the Netherlands since October 10, 2010. This means Dutch citizens on Bonaire basically have the same rights and duties as in the Netherlands. However, there's no Dutch embassy or consulate on the island, which means consular assistance is coordinated from the Netherlands.

No Dutch embassy on Bonaire

Because Bonaire is part of the Netherlands, there's no separate Dutch diplomatic representation on the island. Instead, Bonaire falls under the Caribbean Netherlands Government Service (RCN), which represents Dutch government administration on the BES islands.

For acute consular assistance (for example, loss of documents, death, or other serious problems), there's a 24/7 emergency line from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: +31 247 247 247. This line is available from anywhere in the world and can coordinate help in crisis situations.

Many consular matters can now be handled online through the Dutch government website. For documents that can't be applied for online, you often have to go to Curaçao where there is a Dutch government representation.

Other nationalities

Citizens of other countries can contact their own embassy or consulate in Curaçao for consular assistance. Most European countries, the US, Canada, and various South American countries have diplomatic representations in Curaçao that are also responsible for Bonaire.

It's wise to look up your own embassy or consulate contact details before departure and save them in your phone. In crisis situations, it can be difficult to find this information quickly. Also check if your embassy has an emergency line for situations outside office hours.

For EU citizens: your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is not valid on Bonaire. Make sure you have good travel insurance that offers worldwide coverage, including medical evacuation. Medical care costs can be very high.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Information Service

The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs has an Information Service available 24/7 for Dutch citizens abroad. Although Bonaire is technically not 'abroad,' this service can provide help in crisis situations.

It's recommended to register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Information Service before traveling to Bonaire. This way the Dutch government can contact you if a crisis situation occurs (for example, a natural disaster or political unrest in the region).

Also download the free Travel app from Foreign Affairs and Customs. This app gives current information about travel advisories and has an emergency function to quickly get help. The app also works offline, which can be handy during communication problems.

Other emergency services and organizations

Besides the main emergency services, there are various other organizations on Bonaire that play a role in safety and emergency assistance. These services work together to provide a safety net for both residents and visitors to the island.

Royal Marechaussee

The Royal Marechaussee is active on Bonaire and mainly deals with border control, immigration work, and assistance to regular police. They're especially visible at Flamingo Airport, where they handle passport control on arrival and departure.

The marechaussees work in 6-month rotations on the island and are then replaced by new teams. They assist local police with surveillance activities and can be deployed at large events or situations requiring extra manpower.

For travelers, the marechaussee is mainly relevant for problems with travel documents or immigration matters. If you lose your passport or have problems at entry, they can often help with the first steps to solve the problem.

Dutch Armed Forces

The Dutch navy has a permanent presence in the Caribbean region and can provide help during disasters or crisis situations if needed. They work with the coast guard and can provide extra capacity for large rescue operations.

During natural disasters or other large-scale emergency situations, the armed forces can provide logistical support, such as transport, communication, or medical help. They also have the ability to evacuate people from the island if necessary.

For individual emergency situations, the armed forces are not directly available, but they can provide support to regular emergency services if the situation requires it. Their presence gives an extra safety layer for the island.

Victim Support

The Victim Support Office is located in the police station in Amboina and provides professional guidance to crime victims and their families. This service is available free of charge and can help process traumatic experiences.

Victim Support offers various forms of support: emotional support, practical help arranging matters, information about legal procedures, and referral to other care providers. They work closely with police, the judicial system, and medical institutions.

If you become a victim of crime on Bonaire, police will often refer you directly to Victim Support. It's important to know this help is available, especially since you as a tourist might not have your normal support network available.

Disaster management and natural forces

Although Bonaire lies outside the main hurricane zone, the island can be affected by tropical storms and other forms of natural forces. The island therefore has an extensive disaster management plan and conducts regular drills to be prepared for various scenarios.

Tropical storms and hurricanes

Bonaire lies just below the hurricane belt and is therefore less often directly hit by hurricanes than other Caribbean islands. Storm season runs from June to November, with September and October being the most active months. Although direct hits are rare, the island can be affected by storm outskirts.

The Dutch KNMI has a special service for the Caribbean region that issues weather forecasts and warnings. This information is distributed via local radio and television, the Public Entity Bonaire website, and social media channels.

If there's a tropical storm or hurricane active in the region, follow instructions from local authorities. Stock up on food, water, and batteries, make sure your phone is charged, and stay indoors if instructed to do so. Most accommodations on Bonaire have experience with storm preparation and can advise you.

Important: tropical storms can develop quickly and change direction. Therefore, keep a close eye on weather reports, especially during storm season. Weather conditions can change drastically within hours.

Severe weather preparation

When bad weather is forecast, it's important to prepare well. Arrange an emergency kit with enough drinking water (4 liters per person per day), non-perishable food for at least 3 days, a first aid kit, flashlight, batteries, and a battery radio.

Store important documents (passport, insurance papers, contact details) in waterproof packaging. Take photos of these documents and store them in the cloud, so you can access them even if physical documents are damaged.

Make sure your car is fully fueled and your phone and any power banks are fully charged. During power outages, charging opportunities can be scarce. If you're staying in a hotel, ask about their emergency procedures and where any shelters are.

Make your accommodation weather-resistant: secure or bring in garden furniture, check that windows and doors close properly, and stock up on candles and matches. In tropical storms, power can be out for extended periods.

Crisis communication

During crisis situations, reliable information is crucial. The official channels of the Public Entity Bonaire are the main information sources. Follow their Facebook page and website for updates on weather conditions, evacuation orders, or other important announcements.

Local radio stations usually stay on air longer than television during storms. Therefore, include a battery radio in your emergency kit. The main local stations give updates in Dutch, Papiamentu, and English.

The KNMI Caribbean center publishes official weather warnings and hurricane updates. This information is available on their website and through various apps. Download a weather app that also works offline, in case internet connections fail.

Keep in touch with family at home via social media or messaging apps as long as internet is available. Let them know where you are and what your plans are. During major storms, many people worry about family members in the Caribbean region.

Practical tips for preventing emergencies

The best way to handle emergency situations is to prevent them. With good preparation and conscious choices, you can significantly reduce the chance of problems. Here you'll find practical tips to make your Bonaire vacation safe and trouble-free.

Before departing to Bonaire

Take out comprehensive travel insurance that also covers medical evacuation. Specifically check if diving activities are covered if you plan to dive. Many standard insurances exclude extreme sports. Medical costs on Bonaire can be high, especially if referral abroad is needed.

Bring enough medications, more than you think you'll need. Not all medications are available on Bonaire, and ordering from the mainland can take a week. This especially applies to chronic medication, insulin, and specific medications. Also bring a copy of your prescriptions in English.

Register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Information Service and download the Travel app from Foreign Affairs. Although Bonaire isn't abroad, the Dutch government can reach you this way during regional crisis situations. Also share your travel plans with family or friends at home.

Check that your passport is valid for at least 6 more months. A Dutch ID card is not valid for entry to Bonaire - you really need a passport. Make copies of your passport and other important documents, and store these separately from the originals.

On the island

Save all important numbers in your phone as soon as you arrive: 911 (police), 912 (ambulance), 919 (fire department), 913 (coast guard), 133 (decompression chamber), and +599 717 8900 (hospital). Also save the number of your accommodation and any tour operators.

Learn the locations of important facilities: where is the hospital, where are the police stations, where is the nearest pharmacy. If you rent a car, drive these routes once to know how to get there. In an emergency situation, you don't want to have to search.

Respect local rules and customs. Bonaire is a safe island, but like everywhere, respect for local culture and laws prevents problems. Always carry your passport or a copy - this is legally required for everyone over 12.

Always inform others of your plans, especially for water sports or walks in remote areas. Tell them where you're going and when you expect to return. This can be lifesaving if something goes wrong and you need to be searched for.

Preventing crime

Although Bonaire is relatively safe, petty crime does occur. Don't leave valuables visible in your car, especially not at popular beaches and dive sites. Car break-ins regularly occur, especially targeting tourists who are clearly recognizable.

Don't carry too much cash in the evenings and leave expensive jewelry and watches at home or safely locked in your accommodation. In the evenings, preferably don't walk alone on deserted beaches or through remote areas. Downtown Kralendijk is fairly safe in the evenings, but use common sense.

Store your passport safely in your accommodation and carry a good copy for identification. If your passport is stolen, it's much easier to apply for a new one if you have a copy. Also make digital copies and store them in the cloud.

When going out: drink in moderation and watch your drink carefully. Be careful accepting drinks from strangers. Make sure you always have a safe way to get back to your accommodation - save a reliable taxi number in your phone.