A Bonaire Honeymoon Guide for a Secluded Getaway

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A Bonaire honeymoon is an excellent choice for couples who want a secluded escape in a beautiful destination. Bonaire, also known as the "B" in the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao), is a Dutch territory known for its idyllic conditions; some of the best and sunniest, in fact, across the Caribbean. This top honeymoon spot may not be as well-known as its sister island Aruba, but that's what makes it a worthy choice for those who prefer privacy and less traffic from tourists.

With just a little extra travel effort, couples can escape to a pristine paradise that offers plenty in the way of romance—in addition to adventure and activities. Spend a few days lounging in the sun on this fabulous beach destination and go sightseeing across multiple national parks. Snorkeling and scuba diving are world-class in Bonaire given its reef-lined oceanography. Most couples want to take advantage of Bonaire's status as the world's first "Blue Destination." (The eco-label means the destination is committed to sustainability while fueling the growth of the local ocean tourism industry.)

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With so much to see and do, Bonaire is a vacation island best suited for active travelers over those who prefer lounging by the beach or recovering from the wedding in a spa. Getting to Bonaire is easy if you're coming from the East Coast, thanks to direct routes from Newark, Houston, Atlanta and Miami, as well as connecting services through Aruba and Curaçao. The two sister islands' interconnectivity also makes for convenient travel across the three isles, especially if you fancy a little island-hopping during your honeymoon.

Bonaire Honeymoon Tips in this Article:

• Best Time to Honeymoon in Bonaire
• Bonaire Honeymoon Planning Tips
• Best Bonaire Honeymoon Hotels and Resorts
• Bonaire Honeymoon Itinerary Ideas
• What to Pack for a Bonaire Honeymoon

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Best Time to Honeymoon in Bonaire

The weather is one of the absolute best aspects about Bonaire—or any of the ABC Islands for your honeymoon or otherwise. If you're worried about the best time to visit, you're in luck: Because the islands rest in the southernmost portion of the Caribbean, they're outside of the Caribbean's hurricane belt. This means hurricanes are extremely rare here, making the intense rainy season one less thing to worry about when planning your honeymoon.

Best weather: May to October.
Festival highlights: The Bonaire Regatta in October features a week of sailing competitions, parties and music, showcasing the island's maritime heritage; the Carnival season in February or March is a vibrant and colorful celebration with parades, costumes and dancing, reflecting the island's rich cultural traditions.

Bonaire Honeymoon Planning Tips

Along with great weather conditions, there are a few strengths and travel trends that Bonaire brings to couples. "The relaxed vibe and unspoiled nature of Bonaire makes it a perfect honeymoon destination," says Brigitte de Bruin of Bamboo Bonaire for those looking for something off the beaten path. "It's especially appealing to active travelers who love nature, being on the water and the outdoors… Whether you want to explore the stunning Caribbean seas with a snorkeling or scuba-diving tour or you want to easily uncover the island's hidden gems with a rental car, there's so much to see and do."

Of course, what makes Bonaire an excellent honeymoon choice for some couples, makes it less-than-ideal for others. Direct flight options are more limited than what you might find for more popular honeymoon destinations like Hawaii. Additionally, because Bonaire doesn't get the same tourist traffic as other Caribbean islands, you might find the infrastructure lacking in terms of amenities or access to larger, all-inclusive resorts. Likewise, Bonaire's main attractions are nature-focused. If that doesn't sound like your cup of tea, you might be able to find a better fit for your honeymoon.

Entry requirements: A US passport that is valid for the duration of your stay in Bonaire.
Language: Dutch is the official language of Bonaire, but Papiamentu is the most widely spoken language among the locals. English and Spanish are also commonly spoken, especially in tourist areas.
Location: Bonaire is located in the southern Caribbean, part of the ABC islands along with Aruba and Curaçao.
Currency: The US Dollar (USD).
Flight time to Destination: From major US cities like Miami, the flight time to Bonaire is approximately 4 hours direct. Flights from cities further north like New York may require a connection and take around 6-8 hours total.
Getting around: The best way to explore Bonaire is by rental car, as the island is small and easy to navigate. Scooters and bicycles are also popular for shorter distances, and taxis are available, though less economical for extensive exploration.

Pro tip: Enlist the help of a honeymoon planning expert by exploring The Knot Marketplace for highly-rated travel agents near you.

Best Bonaire Honeymoon Hotels and Resorts

When planning your honeymoon in Bonaire, consider booking accommodations and activities well in advance. Opting for a honeymoon package that includes diving or snorkeling can add convenience and value. Be sure to communicate any special requests or occasions to your hosts—they often go the extra mile for honeymooners.

Photo: Philippe Turpin | Getty

Bamboo Bonaire

This intimate and romantic boutique resort offers just over a dozen cottages. Designed for couples only (honeymooners and otherwise), Bamboo Bonaire is child-free. Book the honeymoon suite and enjoy your own private saltwater jacuzzi, an outdoor rain shower and bamboo daybed. When you're ready to leave your retreat, you're within walking distance of a handful of waterfront restaurants.

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The Bellafonte

For modern luxury with ocean views, book a suite at the Bellafonte. The boutique hotel's oceanfront location gives you direct access to the national park. Plus, each room features its own private balcony and a fully equipped kitchen.

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Harbour Village Beach Club

Located close to downtown Bonaire, the Harbour Village Beach Club is praised for its stunning private beach, upscale ambiance and outstanding service. You'll find great snorkeling and diving opportunities on the property, meaning you won't have to travel very far for daily activities.

5.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Pro tip: For more Bonaire honeymoon accommodations, consider staying at a romantic Airbnb or VRBO.

Bonaire Honeymoon Itinerary Ideas

There are plenty of fun things to do on a honeymoon in Bonaire. From diving and snorkeling to bird watching in national parks, here are a few ideas to kick start your Bonaire honeymoon itinerary.

Photo: Elliott Howell

Book a Rental Car and Explore

A very safe island that's easy to self-navigate, Bonaire is one destination where you'll want to rent a car and explore almost immediately. "Just take it day by day and enjoy all Bonaire has to offer," says Ilona de Bruijne, general manager at Bonaire Tours & Vacations. However, in order to explore on a whim and live in the moment, she does recommend that rental car. "The island is easy to explore by yourself. To know your way around, [though], you could book an island tour at the beginning of your vacation," she adds.

Discover Varied Landscapes From Beaches to Salt Flats

Bonaire is not merely beautiful beaches. Its landscapes range from salt flats to lagoons. Visit Washington Slagbaai National Park to view Bonaire's native and endemic wildlife.

See Flamingos in Their Natural Habitat

Stop by Gotomeer, a saltwater lagoon home to more than 20,000 wild flamingos, or the Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary, which is one of only four spots in the world where the birds breed. Couples will also see endangered turtles and conch among the mangrove trees at Bonaire's National Marine Park.

Pro tip: Include a few honeymoon experiences in your gift registry so your loved ones can pitch in on your Bonaire honeymoon. You can find amazing tours, activities and romantic things to do on TripAdvisor.

What to Pack for a Bonaire Honeymoon

Photo: Brian Leahy Photography

Pack all your beachwear and beach gear in your honeymoon luggage, but also bring along plenty of clothing and extras you'll need for exploring Bonaire's natural attractions away from the water. Think hiking shoes, sneakers, sunscreen and protective clothing. For more tips, check out our full honeymoon packing checklist.

Brittany Barber contributed to this article.