Practical, friendly guidance for exploring Bonaire by car, scooter, bike or on foot — so every adventure ends with a cold Amstel on the terrace.
Bonaire's charm is its rawness. Unpaved tracks, wild donkeys and spectacular scenery — just keep these basics in mind and you'll love every km.
Many roads are unpaved with potholes, loose gravel and surprise dips. Drive by sight, not by habit.
The freedom to explore by scooter or bike is one of Bonaire's great joys — stay safe and keep it fun.
4x4 and pickup trucks are common. A few extra habits keep dive sites safe and accessible.
Bonaire is a nature reserve first, tourist destination second. Its animals roam freely — flamingos, donkeys, iguanas and sea turtles are locals too. Give them space.
If you hit an animal, call emergency services (911) and wait in a safe place. Never swerve into oncoming traffic — brake in a straight line instead.
Cross roads unpredictably, especially at dusk and near vegetation. Brake in a straight line — never swerve into oncoming traffic.
Never drive on beaches, salt pans or dunes. Flamingos nest near the southern salt flats — enjoy the view from a distance.
Nesting on beaches at night. Beach driving is strictly prohibited — tire tracks destroy nests. Keep the beaches wild.
Wander freely across roads and trails. Common near vegetation. Slow down — they're in no hurry, and neither should you be.
Bonaire's shore diving is world-class. Keep it safe, keep it accessible, keep it beautiful for the next visitor too.
Park smart at dive sitesOut of traffic flow. Never block emergency or service vehicle access.
Rinse at designated stations onlyProtect the reef from contaminants and chemicals.
Check your rental coverageVerify insurance for unpaved roads and water damage. Photograph the vehicle at pickup and return.
Hydrate before & afterHeat and sun reduce reaction time above and below water.
From first-time try-dives to guided shore diving and advanced training — Wanderlust Bonaire offers small groups, patient instructors and an unmatched knowledge of the reef.
Hopefully you'll never need this. But bookmark it anyway — knowing what to do keeps a stressful moment from becoming worse.
Warn other traffic, turn on hazard lights, move to a safe position away from the road.
Police 911 · Ambulance 912 · Fire 919 · Coast guard 913. Give your location with landmarks or the nearest dive site marker.
Take photos of the scene, exchange contact and insurance details, and contact your rental company or insurer.
If you've hit an animal, don't move it — wait in a safe, visible location until help arrives.
Standard rental insurance often excludes unpaved roads and water damage. Always verify your coverage before driving off-road. Photograph the vehicle thoroughly at pickup and return.
Seatbelts are legally required for all passengers. Helmets are strongly recommended on scooters and required for off-road riding. Even where not legally mandated, always wear a helmet.
Absolutely not. Driving on beaches, salt pans or dunes is strictly prohibited. These are critical nesting habitats for sea turtles and flamingos. Fines apply, and the damage is irreversible.
Always carry water. Fatigue and sun exposure significantly reduce reaction time — plan regular breaks and seek shade during peak hours (11am–3pm).