Bonaire is one of the top Caribbean islands for snorkeling and diving, thanks to its commitment to marine conservation, which results in thriving coral and an abundance of colorful fish, turtles, and other sea life. Plus, this is one of the more budget-friendly vacation destinations in the tropics, and one of the islands outside of the “hurricane belt” too, making it possible to enjoy discounts with little risk of a major storm hitting during the off-season, from around June through November. But no matter when you decide to visit, any one of these properties is sure to provide the perfect base.
Harbour Village
Harbour Village is often named among the best of Bonaire’s resorts, set on a pristine white sand beach with a house reef for snorkeling and diving. Start your stay with a rum punch at check-in then spend your days in the water, whether it’s the sea or one of the two pools, including one with a waterfall. At the spa you can relax with a massage and then enjoy one of the most romantic places to dine on the waterfront in Bonaire at on-site La Balandra. Many rooms boast ocean views and all have flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, Nespresso machines, bug zappers, and air-conditioning.
Bamboo Bonaire
This intimate boutique property is made up of just 13 cottages that are nestled among lush tropical gardens. Ideal for romance-seeking couples, including honeymooners, some even include private Jacuzzis or saltwater pools. All have fully equipped kitchens with Nespresso machines, Smart TVs with Chromecast, and luxurious bathrooms. The grounds include a shared saltwater pool and Jacuzzi too along with a spa for indulging in a massage, while CHEFS, the on-site restaurant, offers private fine dining experiences and even breakfast in bed with or without champagne.
Delfins Beach Resort
A spectacular property made up of 84 spacious apartments, Delfins Beach Resort sits on a beautiful stretch of golden beach at idyllic Punt Vierkant, where you’ll often encounter dolphins swimming along the coast. It’s a top spot for diving enthusiasts and foodies, home to a five-star diving school and one of the island’s best oceanfront restaurants, the locally-inspired Brass Boer, whose owner is a renowned chef with a Michelin star. Plus, there’s a food truck and a beach bar. Apartments come in various sizes, all featuring breathtaking views along with modern kitchens, free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning.
Divi Flamingo Beach Resort
Guests of the Divi Flamingo Beach Resort enjoy a colorful, laid-back all-inclusive experience that includes snorkeling adventures and food and drink at two casual restaurants with menus featuring fresh seafood. There are two freshwater pools, a spa, shuffleboard, fitness center, a life-size chessboard, and a casino where you can test your lock on the slots, play poker, or blackjack. There’s a scuba school and a PADI five-star resort dive center on-site too. Rooms include flat-screen cable TVs, free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, iHome iPod docks, coffeemakers with Starbucks coffee, and air-conditioning. Studios with kitchenettes are available too.
Van der Valk Plaza Beach Resort
The oceanfront Plaza Beach Resort is just a five-minute walk to the center of Kralendijk, and its restaurants, bars, and shopping, while the airport is only a five-minute drive away. It includes a full-service dive shop, which organizes dive trips, rents diving gear, and loans complimentary snorkeling equipment. Sailboats, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards can be borrowed for free with a one-hour time limit too. In the spa, enjoy facials, body treatments, and massage. The property also has a large pool with an island in the middle for lounging, a thatched-roof beach bar, and a buffet restaurant. The wide range of room offerings includes suites with ocean or lagoon views. All have flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, coffee makers, and air-conditioning.
Sorobon Beach Resort
A rustic beach boutique resort, Sorobon is located in the eastern part of the island along Lac Bay which edges beautiful white sands while offering some of the world’s best windsurfing with lessons available. There’s a shallow area protected with a natural coral reef popular for swimming and snorkeling along with a private sandy beach. On the beach deck, morning and evening yoga sessions are held while the Bistro Sorobon offers tasty dining in lush gardens. All rooms face the sea and include free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and kitchenettes.
Bellafonte Luxury Oceanfront Hotel
The Bellafonte Luxury Oceanfront Hotel is just steps from the Caribbean’s warm turquoise waters and provides free snorkeling and water sports gear on-site. The staff can also arrange activities off-site for a fee, such as diving, windsurfing, and horseback riding. A small, tranquil property, it doesn’t have a restaurant but free shuttle service is provided to the capital city where you’ll find plenty of shops and eateries. Accommodation ranges from studios to penthouses, all with kitchens for cooking your own meals, flat-screen TVs, stereos, Wi-Fi, and balconies with spectacular views.
Buddy Dive
A mecca for diving as the name belies, Buddy Dive offers everything from a pioneering coral restoration program to one of the most impressive dive programs on the island offering certification classes, daily dives, and the only underwater digital photography classes in Bonaire. There’s even a drive-through scuba tank station. Keep in mind that this is a diving focused hotel, with basic rooms but all have full kitchens, flat-screen TVs, and balconies or porches. There are two pools with ocean views and two outstanding eateries on-site, an upmarket restaurant overlooking the ocean and casual Blennies which offers happy hour specials and a menu featuring international cuisine.
Courtyard by Marriott Bonaire Dive Resort
The Courtyard by Marriott Bonaire Dive Resort perfectly fits in with the colorful, quirky, and relaxing vibe of Bonaire. It offers a highly rated dive shop for everyone from beginners who want to try shore diving or get certified to experienced divers who have a specific reef in mind to try. There’s an infinity pool and hot tub, a small spa for massages, a children’s outdoor play area, and a fitness center. The on-site restaurant serves an Italian-focused menu as well as a continental and hot breakfast daily, included in some room rates and packages. There’s also an open-air patio bar overlooking the pool and surrounding lagoon, while many other restaurants can be enjoyed nearby, with downtown only a few minutes drive away.
Aqua Viva Suites
A small, locally-owned boutique hotel with just 10 studio and one-bedroom suites, Aqua Viva offers a tranquil tropical ambiance, yet it’s within walking distance of beaches as well as shops and restaurants downtown. You’ll enjoy full resort amenities without the crowds along with exceptional, personalized service, including friendly staff who will book activities like sightseeing, diving, kitesurfing, and windsurfing, make car rental arrangements, and provide complimentary pick-ups from the airport. A tropical oasis, a saltwater pool and Jacuzzi are nestled in a lush garden with coconut palms, mango trees, and flowering plants. There’s a hammock and BBQ pit for cookouts too. Accommodation ranges from suites with some kitchenette items to a one-bedroom apartment with a living, dining, and kitchen area as well as a private porch with a view of the pool and garden.
Eden Beach Resort
Eden Beach Resort is an oceanfront hotel within a 5-minute drive of the colorful restored buildings, shops, and eateries downtown. It boasts one of the island’s best sandy beaches with plush lounge chairs, umbrellas, and cabanas. The beachside bar has a bar food menu for lunch and serves drinks all day long, with beach service provided too. An activity center can arrange tours, boat rentals, sailing lessons, mountain bikes, scooters, and electric bikes, while the dive shop offers diving excursions and rents out snorkeling gear. Plus, there’s a small wading pool for the kids and a large one where you can swim with sea views. Rooms are extra-spacious and come in various configurations, many with balconies or terraces and ocean views.
Grand Windsock Bonaire Beach & Dive Resort
Close to the centre of Kralendijk, in the Belnem villa district you will find the atmospheric and luxurious resort; Grand Windsock Bonaire Beach & Dive resort. The resort consists of luxurious 4- to 6-person private villas and apartments, a large swimming pool and pool bar. Learn to dive by one of our certified instructors at the onsite Wannadive diving centre and take your first dive right from the resort. Naturally, you can unwind at the private beach and beach club after a day of discovering Bonaire. This is where you can relax and start the holiday you will never forget!
