Katefromupstate

It depends on what time of year you are traveling here. Bonaire is currently one hour ahead of Eastern standard time, since we don’t have daylight savings time. In spring when the US turns its clocks ahead, we will be the same time as US east coast time. If you book an excursion on Bonaire, it will be on Bonaire time. Most ships will notify you to set your watches ahead the night before, in the daily paper cruise guide, on ship tvs, etc. Scuba here is wonderful, enjoy!

Hi, This is a great question, and you’re right to make a plan since you’re going to a location that is not walkable from the ship. When your taxi drops you off at the beach, arrange for the driver to come back and pick you up at a specific time in the afternoon and get the driver’s name and phone number so you can make a reminder call 15 minutes before. Some of them have cards with this information. In the unlikely scenario that you have trouble, ask the reception desk for assistance. They may have someone eating in the restaurant who’s just leaving who can give you a ride back to the port. I know this because I’ve given tourists a ride back to the cruise port when they couldn’t get a cab (they thought they could just find one or call one whenever they were ready to leave the beach) and I’ve also picked up a couple trying to walk back to the ship in the pouring rain. Bonaire residents are incredibly kind and people will go out of their way to help you. And since we’re such a small island, it doesn’t take much time to get to the cruise port. Hope you enjoy your trip! Kate

Yes you’re correct. Chogogo is $25. The $100 day pass I was referring to is Harbor Village in my description of that resort.

no problem, I’m always happy to help with Bonaire questions. Chogogo has 2 restaurants (a beach bar/restaurant and an open air restaurant) a beach, pool and lazy river, but if you want the most upscale, quiet resort with a restaurant, bar, pool and the best beach on the island, look at Harbor Village Resort. They don’t let cruise ship excursions there, but sometimes have individual day passes if you call them. It’s $100 per person and doesn’t include anything but the use of the facilities. Plenty of shaded beach chairs under palm trees, and the beach is almost empty during the day since most of their hotel guests are diving.) Their excellent restaurant, La Balandra, is open for lunch and sits right on the beach, shaped like a boat that juts into the water. Even though I live here, we checked into this hotel for a mini vacation for 2 nights a couple of months ago to enjoy the gorgeous beach, restaurant and rooms. If you want a nice beach to relax at without paying a day pass, try Te Amo beach, which is also called Airport Beach since it’s across from the airport. Nice sand beach, and generally two food trucks are there with food or drinks. Generally lots of cruisers there, but it’s a big beach. No chairs there, though. There’s also Eden Beach resort next to Chogogo, Plaza Beach Resort, Divi Flamingo Resort, Delfins Resort, etc. Since everyone wants something a little different, probably the best thing is to google these places and look at their pictures and videos on their websites to see which one appeals to you the most. Enjoy your time on Bonaire, and I hope you have a wonderful Birthday! Kate

If you want a beach you don’t have to pay for, Te Amo beach (also called airport beach) is a nice sand beach with easy entry right across from the airport entrance. There is a bathroom and generally a food truck with food and drinks. If you want a resort with facilities, Chogogo Beach resort has ocean access, a pool, a lazy river, full bar and restaurant and shaded lounge chairs. They sell day passes for $25 with $10 of it being a food or beverage credit. However, they frequently sell out of their limited passes, so make sure to go before 10 am to get a pass. Next door is Eden Beach, which also sells day passes, has ocean access, pool, restaurant and bar. There are others on the other side of the island at Lac Bay but it would be a long cab ride.

Since we live here and have our own car, I’m not familiar with taxi prices. I would call the hotel the morning you get here and see if they will take your credit card over the phone. If not, I think you could grab a taxi as soon as you get off the ship and easily make it back for your 10 am excursion. It’s a short ride, and you could ask the taxi to wait in front of reception while you buy the day pass. Land sailing is lots of fun. We do it everytime we have guests come to visit us. Enjoy!

They often do sell out on cruise ship days. They put a sign by the entrance that says “no day passes” once they sell out. You could call them and ask when you’re back from your excursion, or if you really want to go there, go buy one before your tour. What excursion are you taking?

Hi, the cruise docks downtown so you are only a couple blocks from restaurants, shops, beautiful ocean promenades, etc. You will be at the center of it all. Enjoy! You will be safe anywhere on the island. Kate from Bonaire

A easy walk from the pier along the waterfront is Karel’s Beach Bar, which is a lovely restaurant that is on a large shaded pier jutting out into the water. The sea there is shallow and clear, and lots of fish swim around the pier hoping for bread to be thrown to them. It is within sight of the cruise ship, and on one of the two main shopping streets, so your folks will be able to easily shop downtown, see the cruise ship market, and walk back to the ship. My husband and I live on Bonaire, and we often go to Karel’s to remind ourselves why we live here. Gorgeous views and great food.

We live on Bonaire and there has never been a time when we have felt it too cold to snorkel. 80 degree water is lovely and especially since you will be floating, you will be additionally warmed by the sun on your back. Most people are surprised by how hot it is here even in winter and how warm the sea is year round. So that you don’t get burned, it’s a good idea to wear an SPF top in the water. All the best, Kate

Hi, we live on Bonaire. The Christmas season starts early here, with the arrival of Sanikolas in late November. He stays on the island for two weeks before leaving gifts in early December. There are also parades and shopping nights in the weeks prior to Christmas. Christmas Day itself is more of a private celebration with families visiting, attending services and gathering for holiday meals. Shops will be closed. The cruise ship will still run tours that day, and hotel restaurants will be open to provide meals for their guests, but that’s about it. The scenery is beautiful here, and our clear, warm water is always available, so I’m sure you’ll enjoy your visit. All the best, Kate