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Bonaire is a Dutch island in the
Caribbean Sea, located off the coast of Venezuela, and is part of the
ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao) in the Lesser Antilles. The island has
an area of ​​approximately 288 km² and is known for its unspoilt nature and
rich marine life.

The capital of Bonaire is Kralendijk ,
a picturesque town with colorful houses and a lively harbor. Rincon ,
the oldest settlement on the island, is located in the north and has historical
significance for the development of the island.

Bonaire has a population of over
24,000 people, and most residents speak Papiamento as their
home language. In addition, English , Spanish , and Dutch are spoken
widely spoken, which emphasises the multiculturalism of the island.

The island culture has been strongly influenced by the
different population groups that have lived there over the years,
including African, European, and Latin American influences. Bonaire is
a popular destination for diving enthusiasts because of its protected marine
environment, such as the Bonaire National Marine Park .

STINAPA

STINAPA is a
non-governmental, non-profit organization dedicated to the management,
protection, restoration and promotion of biodiversity of the
Bonairean nature. When you are in Bonaire, it is for every traveler and
resident obliged to support the nature fund of the STINAPA Bonaire Foundation
to support.

Tourist tax

Everyone who goes to
Bonaire travels, must pay tourist tax. For travelers from 13 years
this is USD 75, and for travelers up to and including 12 years old it is USD 10. The
It is recommended to arrange this online before departure, from 7 days before
departure. This prevents long waiting times upon arrival on Bonaire. You can
tourist tax also to be paid upon arrival at Bonaire airport, but
Please note: cash payments are not possible. Make sure your bank card is
activated for 'worldwide coverage' to be able to pay with your bank card.

Traveling with
children

Children have a
valid passport required to travel to Bonaire. Children must also have a valid passport
tourist tax must be paid. If you are travelling alone with children under 18
year? Then check which documents you need and bring them with you. This
prevents long waiting times at border controls.

Money

In Bonaire you can
pay with US dollars (USD). Euros are hardly accepted anywhere
accepted as a means of payment. However, you can exchange your euros for USD
at local banks. If your Dutch bank card is activated for
worldwide coverage, you can withdraw USD at any ATM.

Make sure you
have sufficient financial resources to deal with unexpected situations during your trip.
catch, such as additional costs in case of delay, higher costs for accommodation and
transportation. Bring multiple means of payment to Bonaire, such as a debit card or
credit card(s). Check whether your bank card is activated for debit cards outside
Europe.

Mobile phone

Check with your
provider what the costs are for mobile calling and data usage outside the EU. The
It may be useful to purchase a foreign package.

Emergency numbers

Bonaire is
part of the Caribbean Netherlands, which means that there is no Dutch
embassy on the island. In case of emergency you can contact the
local emergency services.

Local
emergency services

Are you in Bonaire?
and need immediate assistance? Contact local emergency services via:

General emergency number: 911 and 112

Need an emergency decompression tank? Call: 133

Bonaire has a stable climate and therefore
the temperature during the day is normally around 30 degrees and at night around 28
degrees. The island has no seasons like in the Netherlands. What Bonaire does have
has a dry season from March to October, and a rainy season from
October to March. As the name suggests, there is rain, but rest assured, it
cannot be compared to autumn in the Netherlands. Bonaire has an average
only 6 real rainy days per year. During the rainy season there is a greater
chance of rain in the evening and early morning. There will also be more clouds in the
air than in the dry season, which provides more shade. You don't have to worry
no need to worry, a rain suit and umbrella are not necessary during your
vacation.

Protection from the Sun

The hottest time is between 12:00 and 15:00
time of day. Many shops and businesses are closed then. Try to go between
seek as much shade as possible during these hours. The sun is much stronger here than
in the Netherlands and you will burn faster. So it is important to be good
use sunscreen. Please note: standard sunscreen damages
the coral. Just one drop can cover an entire football field of coral
destroy! You can buy sunscreen that will destroy the coral at local dive shops
does not affect.

Hurricanes and storms

September is the hottest month of the year. Due to the hurricane season in the
United States and the Windward Islands are getting all the wind and clouds
Bonaire has moved away, which could lead to a perceived temperature of up to 45
degrees. The inhabitants of Bonaire also suffer from the heat in this month,
causing everything on the island to move at an even slower pace than normal.

Bonaire does not have hurricanes, but can sometimes have one
light tropical storm experienced during the rainy season.

Public transport

There is no public transportation on Bonaire. You will
come across bus stops, but there has been no bus service for years. People
often use these stops to rest in the shade. There are
taxis. There is no central taxi company; the drivers are self-employed
entrepreneurs who charge their own rates.

You can often ask your accommodation for a
to arrange a taxi for you when you need one, or to provide the telephone number of
a taxi driver. Travelling by taxi is safe both during the day and at night.

Driving license

The European Dutch driving license is valid
on Bonaire. Make sure your driver's license is still valid if you plan on driving a
to rent or drive a motor vehicle on Bonaire.

Driving on Bonaire

Since Bonaire is part of the Netherlands,
are the traffic laws and regulations comparable to those in the Netherlands.
traffic rules are basically the same, with a few exceptions. For example,
traffic on Bonaire has no right of way from the right. We advise you to
do not lock the car unless there are valuables in the car. In that
case they can break in and take what they can. If you leave the car unlocked,
they will open the door, quickly check to see if anything valuable is visible, and
then continue. There is little crime on Bonaire. In the evening you can
you can walk safely alone on the street from the restaurant to your car.

Bonaire Airport

The airport of Bonaire is quite small. It
has one departure hall and one arrival hall, which makes traveling very easy
makes. Before you go through customs, you can do some shopping for a last
souvenir or have a drink in the restaurant.

For flights to the neighboring islands,
advised to be at the airport at least 1.5 hours before departure.

For flights to Europe you must have at least 2
to be at the airport an hour in advance.

For flights to Canada or the US it is
advice to be present at least 3 hours in advance.

St. Maarten offers a wide range of events that reflect its rich culture, music and tropical island feel. Here are some of the most popular events that take place on the island each year:

Carnival (April - May)

• What is it? The St. Martin Carnival is one of the largest and most colorful events on the island, with parades, music, dancing, costumes, and parties that last throughout April and early May.
• Activities : Festivities include colorful parades, live music, dancing, street parties, and local cuisine. Carnival is a fusion of French and Dutch cultural influences on the island, making it a unique celebration of local traditions.
• Location : The events take place mainly in Philipsburg and other parts of the island, with parades along the beaches and in the city.

Heineken Regatta (March)

• What is it? The Heineken Regatta is an international sailing event that takes place in March. It attracts sailors from all over the world and is one of the largest sailing competitions in the Caribbean.
• Activities : The regatta includes several sailing races in the waters surrounding St. Maarten, and culminates in a grand evening of festivities, featuring live music and festive events.
• Location : The races will take place around Simpson Bay and the beaches of St. Maarten, with the afterparty and events in downtown Philipsburg.

St Maarten Yacht Club Regatta (July)

• What is it? This sailing event is organized by the Sint Maarten Yacht Club and is a popular competition for both professional and amateur sailors.
• Activities : The regatta features a challenging series of sailing races, followed by waterside parties and other social activities for participants and spectators.
• Location : The competitions will take place in the waters surrounding Simpson Bay and the Sint Maarten Yacht Club.

St. Maarten/St. Martin Day (November 16)

• What is it? On November 16, St. Maarten/St. Martin Day celebrates the anniversary of the division of the island between the Netherlands and France. This is a day of cultural celebration that highlights the shared history and heritage of both countries.
• Activities : There are parades, traditional dances, music and local food, along with many community activities that unite the island. It is an opportunity to celebrate the island's shared culture.
• Location : Events are held in both the Dutch and French parts of the island.

St. Maarten Seafood Festival (July)

• What is it? This annual festival is a celebration of the island's rich maritime traditions and offers a chance to enjoy fresh seafood and local dishes.
• Activities : Visitors can enjoy freshly prepared seafood, cooking demonstrations, live music, and local crafts. It is a great opportunity to experience local cuisine and culture.
• Location : The festival is usually held in downtown Philipsburg, with various food and drink stalls along the beach.

St. Maarten Art Week (May)

What is it? This week is dedicated to showcasing artworks from local and international artists. It is one of the biggest cultural events on the island.

Activities : During this week, visitors can participate in art exhibits, workshops, and artist interactions. The event highlights St. Maarten's artistic culture and provides a platform to explore the local creative scene.

Location : Exhibitions and events are held in various locations across the island, including galleries, public spaces, and cultural centers.
SXM Festival (March)

• What is it? The SXM Festival is one of the largest electronic music festivals in the Caribbean, featuring a line-up of world-renowned DJs.
• Activities : The festival features live DJ performances and music festivals taking place in various locations around the island, from beaches to private islands.
• Location : The festival is held at iconic beaches and unique locations around St. Maarten.

The St. Maarten Golf Tournament (January)

• What is it? This prestigious golf tournament attracts golfers from all over the world and offers a sporting experience on one of the most beautiful golf courses in the Caribbean.
• Activities : Participants can test their skills on a golf course overlooking the ocean and other picturesque locations on the island.
• Location : The tournaments will take place at the Mullet Bay Golf Course.

St. Maarten has a rich and complex history that dates back to the time of the indigenous peoples and was later influenced by various European colonial powers. Here are some important milestones in the history of the island:

1. Native Inhabitants (before 1493)
Before the arrival of Europeans, the island was inhabited by the Arawak and Carib peoples. The Arawaks were the first inhabitants and settled along the coasts of the island. They were mainly fishermen and farmers. The Caribs, a more warlike tribe, arrived later and took over the island.

2. Discovery by Columbus (1493)
In 1493, Christopher Columbus discovered the island during his second voyage to the New World. He named the island "San Martín" in honor of Saint Martin. The island was not initially colonized by the Spanish, but was a strategic location for trade.

3. European Colonization (17th Century)
In the 17th century, the island began to attract the attention of European colonial powers. The Dutch settled the island first, followed by the French. Through various conflicts and treaties, St. Martin was divided between France and the Netherlands in 1648. The border between the two parts of the island still runs along the so-called "Frontière," which separates the French and Dutch parts of the island.

4. Slavery and Plantations
During the 17th and 18th centuries, the island was an important base for the transatlantic slave trade. The French and Dutch exploited the island for sugar and tobacco plantations, using slavery to perform the plantation labor. This period has had a lasting impact on the culture and society of St. Maarten.

5. Modern History and Autonomy
In 1816, the island was officially divided between France and the Netherlands. The Dutch part of the island became part of the Netherlands Antilles, while the French part remained under French rule as an overseas territory of France. In 2010, after the dismantling of the Netherlands Antilles, St. Maarten became a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The French part became an overseas department of France, and the island is now divided into two parts: Sint Maarten (Dutch) and Saint-Martin (French).

6. Recent History
In recent years, St. Maarten has positioned itself as a major tourist destination, with a thriving cruise industry and luxury resorts. The island’s economy relies heavily on tourism, but it also faces challenges such as hurricanes and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bonaire has a rich culinary tradition influenced by
African, Caribbean and Dutch cuisines.

Some of the typical dishes are:

Dishes:

Stoba:
Stews made from meat, fish or vegetables. Examples include Kabritu
Stoba (goat meat stew), Galina Stoba
(chicken stew), and Papaya Stoba (chicken stew)
papaya).

Sopi: Various
soup dishes, such as Sopi di Karni (beef soup), Sopi
di Yuana (iguana meat soup), Sopi di Kabritu (soup with
goat meat), and Sopi di Kadushi (cactus soup).

Yambo: Dish of
okra, salted meat, fish, cheese, shrimp and karko (shellfish).

Savory snacks:

Pastechi: Pies
with different fillings, such as fish, meat, cheese or ham.

Palito: Sausage in
dough.

Johnny Cake: Round,
a pastry made from flour, milk and butter fried in oil.

Antillean
croquettes: Smaller, firmer variants of the Dutch croquette.

Sweets:

Bolo: All types
cake.

Cake: Cake with
coconut or plums.

Pampuna Repa:
Pumpkin pancake.

Peanut Letter:
Candy with sweetened almonds.

Kokada: Delicacy
of grated coconut.

Koi Lechi: Candy
of sweet milk.

Drinks:

Awa di Lamunchi:
Lemonade made from lemon.

Awa di Tamarijn:
Tamarind drink.

Peanut Chunks:
Chocolate milk made from peanuts.

These dishes are a reflection of the diverse cultural influences
on Bonaire and offer an authentic taste of the island.

The star on the flag of Bonaire has six points, which symbolize
for the six original residential areas: Antriol, Nikiboko, Tera Cora, Nort di
Salina, Playa and Rincon. Due to population growth and expansion of the
construction, five of these cores have been merged into the capital Kralendijk.
Rincon, the oldest core of the island, has however remained a separate village and
is located in the northern part of Bonaire.

In addition to these original cores, new ones have been added over the years
neighborhoods emerge:

Republic and Santa Barbara : These neighborhoods are located behind Kralendijk, against the hills, behind the old Nort di Saliña.

Sabadeco : An upscale neighborhood on the coast, behind Santa Barbara.

Belnem : This district, named after Harry Belafonte, is located past the airport towards the salt pans.

The flag and its associated symbolism reflect the historical and geographical development of the island.