Welcome to Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba

Unique Facts

• Together, the islands of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba make up the Caribbean Netherlands.
• Bonaire’s 22 beaches often disappear and reappear depending on tide, wind and wave patterns.
• Bonaire is consistently rated as one of the top shore diving destinations in the world. Look for yellow rocks set along the roadways that indicate dive sites (and do-not-dive sites).
• The most dominant feature of St. Eustatius is the dormant volcano known as the Quill, home to the endangered Lesser Antillean Iguana.
• Saba is known as “The Unspoiled Queen,” thanks to the incredible amount of protection given to the island’s marine park. As a result, it’s one of the world’s top diving destinations.

Language

Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba’s official language is Dutch.

When To Go

The best time to go to Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba is between May and October. November through April is considered the high season.

Airports

Bonaire International Airport

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

None for stays of up to 180 days

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for most travelers when visiting Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba: Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Depending on where you are traveling, you may also need Hepatitis B, Rabies and Yellow Fever vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: type A, B and F. Standard voltage: 220V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: United States Dollar

Getting Around

Use caution when driving due to nonexistent, hidden and poorly maintained street signage. Roads can be slippery during rainfall. Avoid driving at night. Be vigilant for wild donkeys and other animals on the roadway.

The easiest form of transportation on the islands is taxi service. Agree on a fare beforehand as there are no meters. Bonaire also provides public minibuses that run throughout the day, but with no fixed schedule. Regular buses run on limited routes on the hour. St. Eustatius and Saba have no public transportation.

Driver’s License

A valid US driver’s license is required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Consulate General Curacao
J.B. Gorsiraweg 1,
Willemstad, Curaçao
Telephone: +(599) (9) 461-3066
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(599) (9)843-3066 (from Curaçao); +1-(503)-420-3115 (from the United States)
Fax: +(599) (9) 461-6489
ACSCuracao@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

Tourism Corporation Bonaire
2 Kaya Grandi, Kralendijk
Caribbean Netherlands
Tel: +599 717 8322

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

General Emergency: 911

Safety and Security

The crime rate is low in Saba and St. Eustatius and medium in Bonaire. Use standard safety precautions. Car theft, particularly of rental vehicles, occasionally occurs.