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Climate
The climate of Bonaire is tropical, hot all year round, since the temperature fluctuates between 23 °C and 25 °C (73 °F and 77 °F) at night, and between 29 °C and 31 °C (84 °F and 88 °F) during the day. The hottest and more sultry period runs from May to October. However, the north-east trade winds blow constantly, tempering the heat.
Being in the Leeward Antilles, the climate is also sunny and dry, with a relatively rainy period between October and December. The rains, brought by the northeast trade winds, continue with some frequency also in January or mid-February.
The best time to visit Bonaire runs from mid-February to May. The period from May to October is sultry, even though the trade winds make the heat bearable. From June to November, but especially from August to October, there is the danger of tropical storms and hurricanes: compared with the rest of the Caribbean, they are relatively rare at these latitudes, but they can still reach the Leeward Antilles and Bonaire. From October to December the rainfall is moderate, and sometimes the rains, though not excessive, linger on until January or mid-February.
Getting Here
Flamingo Airport (BON) for International flights
Ports located at the North Pier & South Pier, both within walking distance to downtown Kralendijk
Good to know
CAR
If you wish to explore the island at your own pace, renting a car from one of the island’s many reliable rental agencies, offering vehicles adapted to your needs, whether you’re looking for a leisurely drive around the coastline, an adventurous drive through the national parks, or to take your diving gear on a tour of all the local world-famous diving sites. However, make sure to arrange the vehicle rental in advance, as these can get snapped up very quickly - especially during the holiday season, or if you require an automatic. To rent a car in Bonaire, drivers are generally required to be a minimum of 23 to 25 of age, be in possession of a valid driving license and a credit card.
BIKE & MOTORCYCLE
For a more adventurous feel, you will also find operators offering vehicles such as mountain or city bikes, as well as other exciting options such as quad bikes and Harley Davidson. The same requirements as for car rentals apply to motorised vehicles here, with drivers needing to be at least 23 to 25 years old, in possession of a valid driving license and of a credit card. Visitors wishing to rent specialist vehicles such as quad bikes and Harley Davidson are advised to do so in advance.
TAXI
Whilst renting your own vehicle is the popular thing to do in Bonaire, the island has a good and reliable taxi network for those who do not wish to take the cost and responsibility of driving their own car or motorcycle.
WATER TAXI
Those wishing to take a trip to Klein Bonaire can do so by catching one of the various water taxis available, via operators such as Kantika di Amor, Caribe Watersport, or Good Return.
History of Bonaire
Claimed in 1499 by Alonso de Ojeda and Amerigo Vespucci on behalf of the Spaniards, Bonaire was first conquered by the Dutch in 1636, an event immortalised by a commemorative plaque found in the Wilhelmina Park and honouring the island’s first Dutch Commander, Mr Van Walbeeck. However, the Spaniard occupation still lives through the island’s oldest settlement, Rincon, which they created in the early 1500’s, at the heart of a valley chosen to protect them against potential invaders and pirate attacks.