Where to Stay on Bonaire: Best Areas Explained
Planning a trip to Bonaire and wondering where to stay?
After living on the island for several months, we quickly learned that your location can make a big difference in your overall experience.
Bonaire may be a small island, but each area has its own vibe, advantages, and drawbacks. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best areas to stay on Bonaire, so you can choose what fits your trip best.
Kralendijk (Town Area)
Kralendijk is the main town and the most central location on the island.
Pros:
- Restaurants, shops, and nightlife
- Easy access to most parts of the island
- Great if you want everything nearby
Cons:
- Can feel a bit busier
- Less quiet, especially in the evenings
👉 Best for:
First-time visitors who want convenience and easy access to everything.
Hato
Located just north of Kralendijk, Hato is a popular area among divers.
Pros:
- Close to many well-known dive sites
- Quiet, but still close to town
- Good mix of convenience and relaxation
Cons:
- Less “vacation vibe” in some parts
👉 Best for:
Divers who want quick access to dive sites.
Belnem (Our Favorite)
Belnem is located just south of Kralendijk — and this is where we chose to stay when we lived on Bonaire.
Why we love Belnem:
- Close to beaches like Te Amo and Bachelor’s Beach
- Near many shore dive sites
- Quiet and relaxed atmosphere
- Only a few minutes from town
It offers the perfect balance between convenience and peace — something we really appreciated during our time on the island.
Staying Close to Dive Sites
If you’re visiting Bonaire for diving, staying close to dive sites can make your trip much more enjoyable.
Instead of driving across the island every day, you can:
- Dive more often
- Be more flexible
- Spend less time planning
From Belnem, you’re within 10 minutes of multiple top dive sites, and some are even closer.
Our Experience
When we stayed on Bonaire, we tried different areas — but we kept coming back to Belnem.
It simply offered everything we were looking for:
- Peace and quiet
- Easy access to beaches
- Great diving nearby
That’s also why we eventually decided to buy our vacation home here — so we could enjoy this lifestyle ourselves and share it with others.
Other Areas to Consider
North (Rincon & Washington Park area)
More remote and nature-focused.
👉 Best for:
- Adventure
- Nature lovers
- People who want to disconnect
South Bonaire
Known for:
- Salt flats
- Flamingos
- Unique landscapes
👉 Best for:
- Scenic drives
- Photography
- Quiet stays
Final Thoughts
There’s no single “best” place to stay in Bonaire — it all depends on what you’re looking for.
- Want convenience? → Kralendijk
- Want dive access? → Hato
- Want peace + location? → Belnem
Thinking About Staying in Bonaire?
If you’re looking for a quiet, well-located place close to beaches and dive sites, Belnem is a great choice.
We recently started renting out our home in this area, designed to make your stay as relaxed and comfortable as possible.
Feel free to check availability or reach out if you’d like more details — we’re always happy to help 😊
You might also like:
Do You Need a Car on Bonaire? (Published)
Diving on Bonaire: Complete Guide for Beginners (Published)