Bonaire: Getting there & around

There are no ferry services in or out of Bonaire. To reach the island from Europe, KLM flies directly from Amsterdam several times a week. From the US, transfer from American Airlines to American Eagle in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Or, fly into Aruba or Curaçao to take any number of daily DAE (Dutch Antilles Express) flights. From South America you can fly directly from Caracas, Quito or Lima several days a week on KLM. There's a departure tax of US$6.00 for the puddle-jumpers to Curaçao, Aruba and St Maarten; US$20.00 elsewhere.

Renting a car is the best option since Bonaire has no public bus service. There are plenty of car rental agencies. Drivers licenses from the US, Canada and Europe are valid but you must be aged 21-26, depending on the rental company. Drive on the right and look out for unlicensed donkeys and goats wandering on the road. Unmetered taxis with fixed rates are plentiful and provide a good alternative for getting around, especially if you want a guided tour of the island. Bicycles can be rented in Kralendijk. Bonaire's Flamingo Airport is 5km (3mi) south of the capital; taxis are available for the short trip into town.