Frequently Asked Questions

Bonaire is a small island in the Dutch-Caribbean. Together with Curacao and Aruba it forms the ABC islands. It is just of the coast of South-America. Bonaire is famous for its beautiful reefs, perfect for diving and snorkeling!

Bonaire is easily accessible from Europe and North America. Even with connecting flights you can get to Bonaire from Latin America and other Caribbean Islands. Visit our ‘Flights to Bonaire’ page for an overview of (direct) flights.

The island lies 30 miles from Curacao, 50 miles north of Venezuela, 86 miles east of Aruba, outside of the Caribbean hurricane belt. Bonaire is 38,6 km long by 4,8 – 8 km wide

Local Bonairians usually speak 4 languages, Dutch, Papiamentu (local language), English and Spanish.
Dutch and English are widely spoken on the island. Want to learn a few words in Papiamentu? Click here: https://storyteller.travel/papiamento-phrases-how-to-speak-papiamento/

Most houses on Bonaire have both 110v and 220v. If you want to know about the specific villa or apartment that you have booked, sent us an email!

Yes! Bonaire’s tap water is one of the purest and safest in the world. No need to buy plastic water bottles, we kindly ask you to use reusable water bottles to keep our island clean and reduce plastic waste. It is very important to stay hydrated on Bonaire, make sure you drink enough water!

Bonaire is on Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4), but without daylight savings so no summertime change.

US dollar is the official currency used on Bonaire. Credit cards are widely accepted and there are ATM’s located on multiple locations on the island.
Note: with credit card payments an additional 2% – 5% charge may apply at some places + the cost of the credit card company.

All year round! Bonaire’s temperature is consistent throughout the year at 83F/29C. The rain season is usually in November and December, but rain doesn’t last long, usually only a few minutes!
September and October are the hottest months of the year, this is because Bonaire is just outside the hurricane belt and when there is storm activity in the Northern Caribbean, they take the wind away from Bonaire. 

Citizens from most European and North American countries do not need a visa to enter Bonaire. If you are not sure about your situation, contact your local travel agent or embassy.

To visit Bonaire a valid passport is required. This has to be valid during your stay on the island and at least until you arrived back home.

No, you do not need any vaccines to visit Bonaire.

Yes, all the water around Bonaire is part of the Bonaire National Marine Park. It is the oldest marine park in the world. Everyone who wants to enjoy the beauty of it needs to pay an entrance fee or “Nature fee” of $40. This also gives you access to National Park Slagbaai. You can pay your Nature fee here : https://stinapa.bonairenaturefee.org/purchase

Yes, since July 2022, everyone needs to pay the Visitor Entry Tax of $75 per person. This tax replaced the formerly know Room Tax and Car Rental Tax. The funds from the visitor entry tax are to be invested to support education, infrastructure, tourism development and sustainability initiatives on the island. You can pay the VET here or on arrival at Flamingo Airport.

Bonaire is famous for its diving. When signing in at your dive shop they will explain all the Bonaire Marine Park rules to you and you will have to do a mandatory orientation dive. After that, you are free to go on your own (with buddy)! Bonaire is known for its amazing shore diving. You can go where you want, whenever you want! The water temperature is around 82F/27C, most commonly used are wetsuits 2mm – 5mm.

Driving on Bonaire is easy but maybe a little different from back home. We do not have any traffic lights or traffic jams on the island. Most common rental vehicles are double cabin pick-up trucks, perfect for shore diving around the island. Most vehicles are stick shift. If you do need an automatic car, make your reservation early. If you intent to tour the national park, be advised that a jeep type vehicle or pick-up with a high ground clearance is required.

You will find different European style supermarkets on Bonaire as well as Chinese supermarkets, most are open from 8 till 8.

Van Den Tweel: The largest supermarket on the island with European and American products.
Warehouse: Similar to Van Den Tweel but with a little smaller range of products. Little less expensive than Van Den Tweel.
Zhung Kong: Located in Hato, Chinese supermarket, quite large for island standards and with an impressive range of liquor.
Top Supermarket: Located in Kralendijk, a Chinese supermarket with a good selection of products.

Don’t want to do groceries when you just arrived? Contact us about a grocery package and have it in your fridge upon arrival!

If you feel that you had a great service, tipping standards are similar to the North American norms, between 10% – 20%. Tipping applies to restaurants, bars, activities and housekeeping.

We wrote a blog about the most beautiful snorkeling spots on Bonaire. There are so many beautiful sites and it’s very easy to access them from shore. Read our 7 favorite spots and more tips here.

Bonaire is well-known for its incredible diving and snorkeling spots. But, it’s also a foodie’s paradise, offering a diverse and delicious culinary scene that blends international and local flavors. From fresh seafood to exotic spices, the island’s cuisine reflects its rich cultural heritage and history. Read our tips here!

Sunrentals office is located in the center of Kralendijk. Kaya Grandi 65. Keep an eye out for our pink flamingo mailbox on the side of the road!

We accept Visa, AMEX, Discover and Mastercard. Prefer to make a transfer by bank? Contact us to receive our bank details.

Check-in time is 3PM. We will do our best to have the accommodation ready before your arrival.

Check-out time is 11AM, late check-out possible depending on availability. (Fees may apply, ask us about your options)

Yes, begin & end cleaning is included in your reservation. Depending on the length of your stay or accommodation, a mid-stay cleaning is provided.

Yes, linen and towels are provided and will be changed by housekeeping once per week.

No, Sunrentals offers a complimentary beach towel service. Come by the office to swap used ones for fresh towels whenever you want.

We can arrange for you to be picked up from the airport. Have you reserved a car? Then, depending on which company you have booked the car with, it will probably be ready for you at the airport. You may choose to drive to the accommodation yourself, or one of our Sunrentals hosts will drive ahead of you from the airport.

Because each villa or apartment is individually owned, amenities may vary per accommodation. But almost all our rentals will have a TV, wireless internet, airconditioned bedrooms and a safe.
All kitchens have all the basic utilities needed to make your own home cooked meals. Don’t feel like cooking? We can arrange a private chef for you!

You can find our full policy here.
In order to secure your reservation you are required to pay a 20% non-refundable deposit of the total invoice amount. Final payment of the total invoice amount (remaining 80%) is due 4 weeks prior to arrival and will be charged from the same credit card without prior notice. Your reservation confirmation letter show the amounts and the dates they are due. Payments via wire transfer or in euros are also possible. Please contact our office for more info.

The down payment of 20% is non refundable.
For cancellations made until 4 weeks prior to arrival; the remaining balance will be waved.
Cancellation made within 4 weeks prior to arrival; non refundable.

We strongly recommend that you consider the purchase of travel insurance (in your home country) for protection against unforeseen events.

We always ask you to give us your flight details. Based on this, we will coordinate with you the best way to check in at your accommodation. We offer personal check-in by one of the Sunrentals hosts, but self check-in is also possible.