Where is Bonaire located?

Bonaire is located – according to its geographical coordinates – between **12˚2' and 12˚19' north latitude** and **68˚11' and 69˚25' west longitude**, off the coast of Venezuela in the southern Caribbean. Because of Bonaire's favorable geographical location, the sun shines almost every day. Add the cooling trade winds, and you have a paradise-like climate.

The distance between Venezuela and Bonaire is approximately 43 miles. Curaçao is just 32 miles away, and Aruba is 93 miles away. Between Bonaire and the Dutch-influenced Leeward Islands of Sint Maarten, Saba, and Sint Eustatius lies about 560 miles of the Caribbean Sea. These Leeward Islands are located north of Bonaire.

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The landscape on Bonaire is very diverse. We took this photo in the south of the island, a bit past the Willemstoren lighthouse.

If you go on vacation to Bonaire in the spring, the landscape looks beautifully green.

Island archipelago

Bonaire is one of the more than 1,000 islands in a 2,175-mile-long island arc in the Caribbean region. This chain of islands stretches from the southern part of North America to the northern part of South America and is flanked by the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Caribbean Sea on the west.

Rated with 4.0 out of 5.0 stars

Tip! Explore Bonaire: North & South Tour

This 3-hour tour starts in the colorful capital of Bonaire: Kralendijk. By bus you will discover the most beautiful locations of the entire island. You see the Gotomeer where you have a good chance of seeing flamingos, you have a beautiful view over Rincon at the Para Mira viewpoint and after that you drive via Kralendijk to the south side of Bonaire. There are the salt pans and the slave houses. During this tour there is a guide who can tell you everything about the island. Don't forget your camera because on this tour you will take beautiful pictures!Further information & booking

How large is Bonaire?

Bonaire has an area of 108.5 square miles. The island is 23.9 miles long, 2.5 - 5.0 miles wide, and has a population of 19,408 (as of August 9, 2017). The population density in the Caribbean is 160 people per square mile. For comparison, in the Netherlands, the population density is 1,044 people per square mile. Most Bonaireans live in the capital Kralendijk. In the north is Rincon where a few thousand people live.

In the past 4 decades, the population of the coral island has doubled. Immigration is the main cause of the explosive increase in the population, with the development of tourism in particular being a major driver. Bonaire is sparsely populated. Especially if you compare it with the other ABC island Curaçao. Curaçao is almost as large as Bonaire, but there are eight times more Curaçaoans than Bonaireans.The composition of the population of Bonaire has been undergoing major changes in the last 30 years. In 1980, 93% of the population of the Leeward Island was born on the Antilles, nowadays only 63%. Most migrants who now move to Bonaire come from South America, Central America and the European Netherlands.

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Wonderful: 9.0

Bloozz Resort Bonaire

This new resort receives excellent reviews, and for good reason. The resort is owned by Dutch proprietors and offers apartments, studios, and penthouses. The accommodations are well-designed and fully equipped, there’s even a dishwasher! The location is ideal, right across from Bachelor's Beach—just a short walk across the road. The bar serves snacks, lunch, and delicious dinners. There is a magnesium pool and a dive school is located on the resort.More information
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The composition of Bonaire's population has been undergoing significant changes over the past 30 years. In 1980, 93% of the population of the Leeward Island was born in the Antilles, but today that number has decreased to just 63%. Most migrants moving to Bonaire nowadays come from South America, Central America, and the European Netherlands.

Rincon is the second-largest town on the island. The village has a population of approximately two thousand people.

Leeward Islands

Bonaire belongs together with Aruba and Curaçao to the Leeward Islands. These three islands are also called the ABC islands and Bonaire is the most easterly island. Saba, Sint Maarten and Sint Eustatius are part of the Windward Islands. These three islands are also called the SSS islands.

Caribbean archipelago

The islands in the Caribbean archipelago are divided into three groups: the Lucayan Archipelago, the Greater Antilles and the Lesser Antilles. The Lucayan Archipelago includes the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands. The Greater Antilles consist of Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola (Haiti and the Dominican Republic) and Puerto Rico. The Lesser Antilles are further subdivided into the so-called Windward and Leeward Islands, a term from the old sailing vessels.

The name 'Antilles' dates from the time of Christopher Columbus. This Italian explorer thought he had reached the islands off the coast of India when he sailed around the Caribbean archipelago. He therefore called these islands 'Las Ante-Isla' or 'islands before'. The names 'The West' or 'West Indies' for the Caribbean dates back to that time.

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Great: 8.6

Buddy Dive Resort Bonaire

This hotel is ideal for people with a passion for diving, there is a beautiful house reef at your doorstep. You walk straight from the stairs into the sea. There is a professional dive shop and boat dives to the most fantastic dive spots are organized every day. There is also a 5 star PADI diving school for those who want to take diving lessons. This hotel is the only one on the island with a real "Drive Thru" where you drive through the car to get diving bottles. Handy! That is a real 'diverse paradise'!More information
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Ferry between Bonaire, Curaçao and Aruba?

In the past, there was a ferry service between the ABC Islands. The ferry was called 'Krioyo Blue Curaçao' and had a capacity of 140 passengers. However, this ferry service is no longer in operation. There are plans for a new boat connection between the islands, but it is not yet clear when it will be realized.

All Inclusive Plaza Resort Bonaire

With the amazing all inclusive formula of Plaza Resort you can enjoy Bonaire unlimited!

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Kiwi.com best airline deals

Are you looking for a flight to Bonaire? At Kiwi.com, you'll find cheap flights that you won't find anywhere else.

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The best car rental deals on Bonaire

Are you going to dive on Bonaire? Then you definitely need a car! Rent a car at AB Car Rental!

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Activities and tours on Bonaire

The best activities on Bonaire can be easily booked at home online at Viator!

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