Bonaire with a Big Family: Renting a 7-Seater (and Where to Go)

Traveling with grandparents, kids or a group of friends? On Bonaire, that quickly raises a practical question: how do you get everyone around? Most rental cars on the island seat five, and large cars are scarce.

Why one big car beats two small ones

• Everyone stays together. No convoy, no "where are you?" messages, no waiting at every stop.
• One driver can relax. The other adults can enjoy the view, or a cocktail at the beach bar.
• It's often cheaper. One 7-seater usually costs less than two rental cars, and you only fill up one tank.

Our 7-seater: the Chevrolet Trailblazer

The Trailblazer is an island classic: you'll still see plenty of them on Bonaire's roads. Ours is the extended 7-seat version, with air conditioning and a high, comfortable driving position. It's not a brand-new car, and we're honest about that. It is our own family car, and we look after it that way.

Good to know:

• With all seven seats in use, there's limited room for luggage. For airport pickups with lots of suitcases, let Lynden know in advance so we can plan.
• The Trailblazer is made for paved roads. It's not allowed in Washington Slagbaai National Park; for that trip, the Jeep is the right choice.
• Child seats: [available on request, free / $X per day]. Young children need a proper car seat, so please mention their ages when you book.

Family-friendly places to drive to

• Te Amo Beach: a calm, shallow beach that works well for small children.
• Lac Bay and Sorobon: shallow turquoise water on the east side. Sorobon is windier, which older kids and windsurfers love.
• The salt pans in the south: white salt mountains and pink flamingos, easy to see from the road.
• Donkey Sanctuary: kids love feeding the donkeys carrots right from the car window.
• Mangrove kayaking at Lac Bay: guided tours for the whole family.

Practical family tips

• Bonaire is small: you'll rarely drive more than 45 minutes anywhere, so car trips stay short.
• Tap water is safe to drink, so bring refillable bottles.
• The sun is strong. Plan beach time early or late in the day.
• The hospital is Fundashon Mariadal in Kralendijk, with 24-hour emergency care.

Book early. We only have one 7-seater, and large cars are the first to go in school holidays. Send Lynden a WhatsApp with your dates and group size.