Share article
Last updated
Now is the perfect time to visit the Caribbean, but given recent travel safety warnings for two popular Caribbean destinations, many U.S. travelers are wondering where to go instead. I'm not sure if I should go.
Enter Bonaire. This Caribbean island is not only beautiful but safe. And we are currently setting new records for the highest number of tourists ever.
We welcomed approximately 170,000 visitors in 2023, an 8% increase over our previous record year in 2019.
Here's why this little-known Caribbean island is breaking tourism records.
There are many things to see and do
Bonaire is an incredibly small island, only 34 miles long and 3 to 7 miles wide. But despite its small size, there is plenty to see and do.
Bonaire is the Caribbean's coastal diving capital. It's the perfect place for scuba diving, whether you're an experienced diver or a beginner looking to get your PADI scuba certification. Bonaire is surrounded by protected coral reefs, where you can find a wide variety of marine life, including turtles, sharks, and rays.
Other well-known water activities on Bonaire include snorkeling and windsurfing. If you're looking for a water sports holiday, there are few better places to visit.
Away from the beautiful white sand coastline, you can also enjoy exploring the colorful architecture of the capital, Kralendijk, or visit the Ser Largues viewpoint, a great spot for panoramic views of the island and its western coastline.
Don't miss a trip to visit the island's famous flamingos. It is said that there are more flamingos than people on Bonaire.
Visitors keep coming back
One of the main reasons Bonaire is breaking all-time tourist records is because visitors are coming back for more.
Bonaire's largest tourism market is Dutch tourists, accounting for 47% of visitors. This is followed by American tourists, who account for 23% of arrivals.
Bonaire has one of the highest repeat visitor rates in the Caribbean. Of those who visited the island last year, a whopping 56.5% had previously visited Bonaire.
Its popularity with tourists who want to come back again and again is a big part of the island's success story, proving just how beautiful and welcoming it is.
Safety and security
Bonaire is one of the safest islands in the Caribbean. Rated Level 1: Usual Precautions by the U.S. Department of State.
This is the lowest and safest rating a country can give. The rating system ranges from Level 1: Take normal precautions to Level 4: Travel ban.
Although petty theft and street crime may occur on the island, the incidence of serious crime is very low. Aside from opportunistic theft, crime in Bonaire rarely targets tourists.
Bonaire regularly appears on lists of the safest islands in the Caribbean. This means Bonaire is the perfect island to explore and enjoy the nightlife without worrying about crime or your safety.
It is also located outside of the Caribbean hurricane alley, making it safe in that regard.
See more details
Bonaire is part of the ABC Islands. These are Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. Aruba and Curaçao are more developed, while Bonaire is smaller and more rugged.
These islands are all dependencies of the Netherlands and all are well connected, making travel between the three islands very easy. The price is also cheap.
Because each island is unique, you can turn your visit to Bonaire into a more extensive island tour. Get out and explore and enjoy different experiences on each island.
The ABC Islands are the sunniest islands in the Caribbean and are perfect for island hopping. You can enjoy relaxation and satisfy your desire for adventure at the same time.
read more:
Top 5 travel insurance plans starting at $10 a week
How to easily earn points with free travel
↓ Please join the community ↓
of Travel Off Pass Community FB Group Get the latest news, conversations and Q&As about reopening every day.
Subscribe to latest posts
Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path's latest travel news straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are those of the author alone and not of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any organization included in the post.
