The Don'ts of visiting Bonaire

Are you planning to visit Bonaire? Are you aware there are things you shouldn't do or expect about Bonaire? Well that’s what this video is all about! Watch to learn the "Don'ts" of Bonaire so your visit will be easier and more enjoyable!
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** SCUBA diving can be dangerous. Dive at your own risk. **

[@doctorgjo]

I have been coming to Bonaire for 30+ years. I've logged thousands of hours (months) and many hundreds of dives on Bonaire. Don't sugar coat the larceny problem. There are a handful of local miscreants that make it their daily task to drive around looking for isolated trucks with nobody around and they will take anything that has a market value or they simply want for themselves. That includes siphoning gas out of your gas tank, if they can. You can spot them if you look. Sometimes you see them snooping around on foot, or a scooter with a bag. Some work as a team - driver/grabber. These are guys that don't seem too interested in the dive site, just the vehicles. Focused attention simply on vehicles is the clue. Just sit there and watch, that gets them to move on. You don't need to confront unless you just watched someone leave their truck, go in the water and 5 minutes later someone else with a bag is just 'casually' looking inside their vehicle. I have concluded that the local police are either willfully blind or simply give a wink and a nod. I can't imagine how you can sell this stuff without making yourself known. This was a problem before eBay even existed and it is a perpetual Bonaire problem, like the terrible roads, that never seems to be so egregiously bad that anyone in authority is willing to actually do something about it.

[@ronbennett1283]

Living on Bonaire for 24 years. I've traveled a lot and I've never been anywhere that didn't have a problem with tourist theft. After all, you won't be here for the trial, right? Bonaire is generally very safe. I'm never afraid to go anywhere, any time of day, all by my lonesome. The roads have improved greatly in the past year. Yes, the scooters and golf carts are annoying but I can't imagine how fast we would drive if we didn't have them to slow us down. They could be saving us from more high speed accidents. 😅

[@Eppietrap]

My wife and I went to Bonaire in October 2022. We rented a scooter and that was the best choice ever. Must admit, I drive a scooter all year in the Netherlands. We had the time of our life! So the "Don`ts" as you call them, are your own annoyances. Bonaire is perfect for driving scooters, you just need to watch where you drive as you have to do on every road in the world. And your divers in pickup trucks need to keep their distance. They have to follow Dutch law.

[@jlinkels]

Excellent presentation and it totally makes sense. You know what you are taking about. I would just like to add one thing. Don't forget to say "hello" when you enter somewhere, are being served, or in the supermarket. (Local) people consider it lack of respect if you don't greet. Actually it is considered a thing.

[@KevinandLizGrogan]

Hello jlinkels (see what I did there). I 100% agree!

[@patriciawightman4561]

You are right about scooters. Locals drive like crazy people, potholes are bad. Lots of happy drunk drivers. Pot not legal on island!! Bicycles also not safe. No road is safe for bike or scooter. Sad fatalities including dear friend Mike Gaynor on a handicap scooter. Also pls wear wetsuits, we do have box jellies and other stinger type creatures. Please don't touch or sit on our precious corals. Locals are the kindest sweetest people we ever met. Please be respectful. Bonaire is heaven on earth..enjoy!

[@RicardoGiova]

We are planning to visit Bonaire for the first time in Jan 24. Your videos and tips have been fundamental in our planning. Thank YOU.

[@reefocean98]

Don’t touch the reef! We should all know better than to do that, but we all see people who stand up on the reef. 😢

[@scottcarter6450]

Great video. Having lived here a few years I agree with just about everything you said. Except one thing. Scooters. Bonaire is absolutely great for Scooters and even Golf Carts. With scooters you can get great parking spots almost anywhere. Park right in front of one of those amazing restaurants mentioned in the video. 2 scooters can park in one space trucks or cars can. It costs $4 to fill a tank. They are perfect for snorkelers and swimmers. The roads aren't much of an issue. They are much better than a year ago even. Even the worse roads are ok if you have a scooter. You just go a little slower on bad stretches of roads, as do trucks and cars. Scooters go as fast as needed here 99% of the time. If you have scooter headed up a hill while the someone is tailgating you, just move over and let them pass. They will burn as much fuel getting to their destination 1 minute quicker than you'll burn in a week. So relax, smile, move over, let them pass. You might even get a thank-you wave or honk! There's no reason to drive fast in Bonaire. So definitely rent a scooter if you are visiting and enjoy the breeze while cruising this wonderful island.

[@KevinandLizGrogan]

Scott, I appreciate you providing an alternative perspective and hope that we can agree to disagree about scooters. Regardless, I really appreciate you taking time to comment. Thanks for watching!

[@scottcarter6450]

@@KevinandLizGrogan Great video still. You seem like a super guy. One last quick scooter point. Where's the fire? Why does anyone in Bonaire need to speed? Unless you are being chased by the cops? If you are a tailgater, its not a scooter or a golf cart on Bonaire made you one, its because you are a bad driver. 100% you didn't start tailgating all of a sudden when you landed in Bonaire. You've been doing it most of your life as your passengers will attest.

[@KevinandLizGrogan]

@@scottcarter6450 I agree with you whole heartedly! My point regarding tailgating in the video was an FYI for would be scooter riders. I certainly wasn’t condoning such behavior. I’ve seen it happen all too often though, and it makes me concerned for inexperienced scooter riders who have an idyllic vision of the activity. The residents who ride scooters typically have higher powered scooters, know how to ride them defensively or are wise enough to either get out of the way or provide a kind finger gesture 😎. Just like everywhere else in the world (for the most part), Bonaire roads belong to all vehicle drivers. Unfortunately all drivers don’t respect this fact, and a car/truck will always win in a road battle vs a scooter. My aim is to provide advice to visitors that will make their visits easier and more enjoyable. Of course my views and opinions are solely mine. Thanks again for your input and thoughtfulness!

[@goldocotillo]

I was worried about scooter rental until I saw your comment. Thank you! Sounds like being a safe scooter driver is just fine in Bonaire and very fun too. The tailgating issue didn’t make any sense to me either - just pull over and let the others pass, as you would on any single lane highway.

[@craighansen684]

Great comment about the scooters and golf carts. Golf carts cause traffic problems for sure. Scooters cause ER visits. Living here for three years has allowed me to come across way too many accident scenes involving scooters and unfortunately at least one of those was a fatality.

[@KevinandLizGrogan]

Such sad news regarding the fatality. Liz and I happened across the aftermath of a scooter accident in K-town on our most recent trip. The rider appeared to have minor injuries, but injuries all the same. Fortunately they were receiving ready assistance from folks who were already at the scene. Years ago I had a friend die in a scooter accident while vacationing on another Caribbean island. They’re just not the right vehicle for Bonaire visitors. Thanks for watching and taking time to comment Craig.

[@frosty3693]

Scooters with their small wheels are very vulnerable to 'potholes' and other rough spots and there is no soft place to land, sand maybe if you arre very lucky, and since I doubt anyone wears proper riding gear, even an issue in the USA, if you go down 'road rash' is a guarantee. An ER doctor describes road rash as similar to third degree burns with grit in it. And at night, away from lighted areas, it can be very dark and donkies can be very hard to see.

[@jb4431]

good video, thanks. also got a chuckle out of all the times you say bonn aire. ha ha glad you taught me the right way still

[@user-vf2he1qc1g]

We are planning our first trip to Bonaire in May. A diver who just came back from there said that the coral was horrible & the fish were scarce. I don't know the specifics of where they went (distance from a boat dive or shore diving) but I hope there are still plenty of fish/sea life to see. We've heard & researched great things and are looking forward to our vacation there!

[@Heinz-RudolfMathes]

On the subject of scooters. There are such and such scooter riders everywhere. Very many neglect the small wheels, the related physics, and above all the road conditions and road edges. It's not just dismissed, to use a scooter quickly on local events and routes where even a motocross driver has to think a little in the millisecond range where he is going and which pothole he is avoiding where. The diving theme is ok. Nice video.

[@user-nd2ml5cl7t]

Excellent video! Thank you. One other don't I'd add is this: If you are sensitive to noise then be careful where you stay. Some streets in Kralendijk are so noisy that it can easily take a lot of the relaxation and enjoyment that you came to get here. I am specifically referring to people who constantly and deliberately rev their engines. This is a huge nuisance from which everyone suffers. I wonder why the police don't take action here, or if they do, then only half-heartedly.

[@markdhayward]

What a lovely vido. I’ve been coming to Bonaire for over 20 years, often 5- 6 weeks a year. Your tips are spot on. Many thanks. I’ve dived all over the island. I typically shore dive but boat dives can be fun too. And although I typically stay at the Carib Inn, a small dive resort, I’ve also rented condos and houses. All is good. And, yes, there is petty theft but as you said, it’s easy not to make yourself as a target.

[@KevinandLizGrogan]

Thanks so much Mark!

[@garyofnyc]

Hi Mark--as someone who has visited Bonaire so many times, can you point m e to a nice nabe to purchase a property? I'm in my mid-50s, single, avid diver and would like to buy a large studio or 1 bedroom that's in a neighborhood that's not full of tourists or holidaymakers. Does such a place exist? looking to be pretty close to the water of course. Thanks for any suggestions.

[@markdhayward]

@@garyofnyc Sorry tô be slow in responding. The island is changing very rapidly. Places that I’d considered purchasing a few years ago, I no longer would consider buying. One place that I still think is reasonable is Lighthouse Beach. It’s a condo development but with mostly owners. I’m sure there are other places too, but development is occurring at a ferocious pace. Good luck in your search. Fyi, we usually stay at the Carib Inn. Great location, a wonderful dive shop, and a nice house reef. I’m headed there in about a week and a half.

[@natalynguyen586]

BE BACK TO THIS ISLAND AGAIN SOON!!

[@user-ut4ly4xk1p]

Great doc! Thnx

[@boatlover1875]

Do you need the marine permit you mentioned if stopping on a cruise ship?

[@scubawitch]

Another great video, we're finally getting back to Bonaire in 5 weeks and escaping the Scottish weather 😁

[@KevinandLizGrogan]

Thanks Eileen! Enjoy your return trip!

[@jlinkels]

About scooters: true. If you are an inexperienced two-wheel vehicle driver it is best to avoid renting a scooter. When you do drive a scooter be prepared to drive extremely defensive and look out for yourself and also for the other driver. Roads get slippery during rainfall. And if you fall, you'll definitely regret that you only wear short and a T-shirt.

[@cberry6751]

We loved this!! Coming on 1/10/23!!!

[@KevinandLizGrogan]

Thanks C Berry, enjoy your trip!

[@nancye66]

We arrive on the 11th… see you there! 😂

[@lpeters2777]

Good vid, certainly some good points. Just back from Bonaire, another great trip. I agree about scooters and especially golf carts. The carts are especially slow and really clog things up, which is frustrating. One other "don't" we'd recommend is don't forget to keep an eye on the cruise ship schedule. The larger cruise ships really make a mess of things on such a small island, and the most popular shore diving spots can be overcrowded, while the roads are bogged down with tour busses and golf carts. We generally try to plan around their arrival, focusing on the less popular spots and routes. And if you find yourself near Rincon, check out John's Ice Cream! Great little spot for a homemade treat.

[@KevinandLizGrogan]

Great tip about watching the cruise ship schedules. We do this too and avoid lunch at Sorobon on ship days. We’ll definitely check out John’s! Thanks for watching and taking time to comment!

[@lpeters2777]

@@KevinandLizGrogan Completely agree about Sorobon, such a great place to windsurf and grab lunch. The other big draw seems to be 1000 steps. Can be hard to find parking with all the picture takers. If one were to find themselves up there without a reasonable place to park and get ready, try continuing on to Karpata. A fantastic spot to be in the water, as long as the sea isn't too rough up there. Cheers.

[@frosty3693]

Last time I was in Bonaire was the early 2000s so this may ybe a bit dated. Bonaire did have some nice beaches, but about 1998 there was a bad hurricane that hit the island and washed the sand away. 'Pink Beach' was famous before then. It also took out the shallow coral, above about 30 feet. But I hear that the coral has come back. Staghorn and Elkhorn coral grows rather fast. Also firearms and amunition are very illegal. One diver used his hunting bag as a dive bag, customs found one round of rifle ammo he missed when packing. They almost locked him up over it. While there are no 'nude beaches' Europeans are not as prudish as Americans so a not so quick 'flash' when changing out of dive gear/swimsuits is possible. It may have changed but don't bring your dive gloves. At one time they were not permitted so you don't touch, or grab, the coral. Unless it has changed the electircty on the island,, while 120 volts is 50 hz not the 60hz of the US so things work but different. A US electric clock for example will loose time as it is running slower. Monitor chargers incase they heat up. But that was twenty years ago maybe the world have moved on. If you plan to dive a lot don't forget a light wetsuit. While the water is warm over time your body may have a hard time keeping warm later in the week and may feel chilled.

[@sylviagray4206]

Great video

[@KevinandLizGrogan]

Thank you Sylvia!

[@montanajuggs1717]

Your longest topic was the whole scooters thing. I have a feeling it’s your own personal issue. You just don’t like all the tourists on scooters. I’m arriving in June and already have a scooter booked. Can’t wait

[@carolinegamache8384]

Great video and ideas. I would add : don't wear dark color clothing : Not a fashion statement but a fact : mosquitos LOVE dark colors : take the test and put 2 tee shirts on the line : a black and a white and wait... you'll see... I won't add to the scooter issue but when asked about it I always say : ''I love you too much to let you ride a scooter on Bonaire''. That being said, people who are used to it (Dutch people, Europeans, folks that already have one) are happy with it but we see WAY TOO MUCH poeple who don't even know how to stay balanced on it... Dangerous.... We have great medical facilities but you DON'T want to experience them ! ;(

[@jenz1318]

Super helpful video! Is there resort you would recommend for a family travelling with three young teenage drivers and senior non-diver?

[@KevinandLizGrogan]

That’s a hard question to answer not knowing budget and interests. Teenage drivers or divers? Do any of the adults dive? Are you renting trucks and plan to shore dive? Is the trip for the divers all about diving, or is diving just part of the trip etc?

[@AndreaBdV]

Don't book an resort ! saves you from staying there or taking out mealdeal

[@michelrood2966]

Papiamentu is not some " portoguese creole" its an official language recognised by the U.N as such. Its a mixture of 7 languages. Only spoken on the ABC islands but we can understand people from Cabo verde. Btw, my tip would be, respect the island and its people, you are a guest so dont walk on the coral

[@ecampbell5837]

He mentioned some languages it reflects, to inform people who have never heard of it. He didn’t do so disrespectfully. At all.

[@windsurfingatmeerwijck]

It's bon Air from the French word Bon which means good. So good Air in English. Not Bone..

[@peet4628]

Was there a LONG time ago, circa 09, can confirm there was a nude beach next to sorobon beach (that name could be wrong) and there were a few ladies who decided to be topless on the regular beach, which is normal for me anyway, but might be a surprise to those who are not ready for it On a side note, the best bbq ribs I have ever had in my existence were in Bonaire, and I can’t remember the name of he restaurant 😢

[@KevinandLizGrogan]

Might have been Bobbejan’s?

[@doctorgjo]

Your right it was in Sorobon on the beach where they now have all of the wind surfing - Jibe City. It was actually a nude beach that you had to pay to get onto - pretty small. I would guess that has been gone for 15+ years. But, there are many coastal areas especially on the far south that have protected bushes or small coral structures (walls) where people discreetly go topless to get some sun. You wouldn't know because people are discreet.

[@michelrood2966]

It was called Sorobon beach resort, build by my parents in the early eighties.

[@ecampbell5837]

I am Canadian and looking to visit there. I’ve only ever heard the mispronounced way of saying it, thanks you so much for the information! I feel bad not knowing.

[@KevinandLizGrogan]

Don’t feel bad. I still mispronounce it most of the time. Many folks prefer the “n” on the second syllable, so instead of bone-air, bow-nair. Either way will be fine. Enjoy your trip!

[@justinmenzel639]

Yeah I have been saying BAH-naire for my whole life, and even after you tell us it's BONE-Air you still mispronounce it at 12:40. Hard habit to break!

[@user-gx3hr8dg8j]

I m Bonaire 🇧🇶

[@AndreaBdV]

As dutchy I really wondered about the pronoucation :D

[@Jethr001]

Ooops, too old for the club scene? How about live music?

[@charlesrohre8212]

Excellent video y'all. I agree 100% with the scooter and golf cart suggestions. This would be a great public service announcement for anyone coming to the island. :)

[@chrislovell7448]

#1 should be don't leave ANYTHING in your vehicle you don't want stolen when swimming/diving. You will see trucks with blacked out windows in the parking lots at dive sites, just waiting for you to get into the water so they can ransack your vehicle. Leave the windows down or they will break the window. Buy a cheap pair of sunglasses when diving at sites, they will not steal them. Big miss for this video, I've been to Bonaire many times, this is the most important DON'T DO.

[@KevinandLizGrogan]

Hi Chris, thanks for watching and taking time to comment! I wholeheartedly agree with not leaving anything in your vehicle you don’t want stolen, that’s why I included this in the video at 18:16.

[@timclapper6091]

Kevin, do you recommend Bonaire for snorkeling?

[@KevinandLizGrogan]

Absolutely!

[@BarNickels]

snorkeling is amazing on Bonaire! Rent a jeep or truck and explore the island, get out snorkeling early and it'll seem like you're the only one on the island. Head to the north side to Washington Slagbaal National park, if you have a jeep you can take the long road(rough but fun if you like offroading), and the sights and snorkeling spots are just amazing. Also south near the salt dock and pink beach are great spots too.

[@Jethr001]

So, if you cant leave your phone/wallet in your vehicle where then? Interesting comments…a little long tho

[@BarNickels]

buy a waterproof phone case($10), you can take underwater pictures with your phone and get an extra one for your wallet and keys. Worked great for us.

[@saint8228]

That's what I was trying to figure out. I would prefer not to leave my stuff sitting on the shore all by itself. So....why not lock the car then? I still don't quite get it. That way they can't do "petty theft".... Are they going to break the windows you are suggesting? You never said the reason not to lock. Just to let them take all your stuff..... Why not just lock it?

[@BarNickels]

We did lock our jeep, even though we took everything with us, but I guess what they are saying is try to not have anything in the car, in the chance that someone shows up and breaks your windows to get in, which would then put you in a situation with the rental company. If your windows are open, it's one less thing to worry about. When we went out to go snorkeling, the only things we brought with us on the trip was a credit card, my phone and some cash, other than beach towels, which I left in the jeep or left on the shoreline. Everything else was in the waterproof bag. @@saint8228 We never felt like we were being stalked or anything, but there are spots you will park and may be the only car there while you are in the water, so someone could show up and break in. We did 3 days of snorkeling around the island with no issues and no fear of anything .

[@butchbennett6877]

@@saint8228 That was my assumption. In the US Virgin Islands we were told the same thing. If you lock the car and leave the windows up they will just break the glass.

[@janjanssen9629]

@@saint8228 - the rental company should advise you not to lock the doors and roll the windows down somewhat because they might break the glass if “someone” want to search the vehicle, something that need an extra insurance if it needs repairs. Best not to leave any valuables in the car (like almost anywhere else in the world). Don’t forget fellow divers might find your valuables interesting as well. I am visiting Bonaire over 10 years now with hundreds of dives and never had an issue, so don’t let is scare you off. Just be smart with your valuables and never ever leave them in the car.

[@user-sg9om8zi8y]

Sharks???????

[@francismadoshi8529]

Good go home

[@999crypticAFV]

Don't pronouce it like you Americans do. It's not Bone-air. It's Bonair-e. And the "e" at the end is not like in "Nike" but like in "ehh". And .... don't be so loud. Just a few advices from me, a Dutchman who lived on Bonaire for years.

[@enigmaticsurf269]

Save on your flight ticket - protect the environment. It's also nice at home.

[@nonamebrojones5545]

Gee, I wonder if this guy is from TEEEX-EEES?