Short answer: yes, for almost every trip. Bonaire is small, but the beaches, dive sites and the national park are spread along the coast, and there is no public transport you can plan a holiday around. Here is how getting around works, and what to rent.

Why you want a car on Bonaire

Bonaire has no organised bus service. There are taxis, with fixed fares set by the government and no meters, which is fine for a ride from the airport or a dinner in town. For everything else a car is easier and cheaper: dive and snorkel sites, a beach day at Sorobon or Te Amo, a trip to the north, groceries for the week.

Most shore dive sites are right next to the coast road and marked with a yellow painted stone. You park, gear up and walk in. That only works if you have your own car.

When you can do without

• You stay in or near Kralendijk and mostly want to relax by the pool and the water.
• Your dive centre or tours pick you up.
• It is a short stay and a few taxi rides cover it.

Even then, most guests rent a car for at least a few days of their stay to see the rest of the island.

What to rent

• Diving with your own gear: a pick-up. Tanks and wet gear go in the back.
• Washington-Slagbaai National Park: the roads in the park are unpaved and rough in places, so take a car that is suitable for the park, such as a 4×4 Jimny.
• Beaches, town and restaurants: a compact automatic is all you need.

Our trusted partner Caribbean Rentals has automatics, a Jimny 4×4, pick-ups and the Fiat Topolino, from $40 a day. Rent a car with them and your airport transfers are included.

Driving on Bonaire

You drive on the right and distances are short: from Kralendijk to the salt pans in the south or to Rincon in the north is a short drive. Watch out for donkeys and goats on the road, especially early in the morning and at dusk, and keep valuables out of sight when you park at a dive site.

Parking at your accommodation

All our apartments and villas have free parking, so the car is at your door for an early dive or a late dinner.

Questions

Is there public transport on Bonaire?
Not in a way you can count on as a visitor. Taxis are available at fixed fares.

Do I need a car for diving?
For shore diving, yes. Most sites are along the coast road and you drive from one to the next.

Can I rent a boat as well?
Yes. A Primeur 615 from Caribbean Rentals takes up to 6 people to Klein Bonaire, no licence needed, from $250 for half a day.