What to Bring in the Car for a Day Out on Bonaire

A day on Bonaire usually means sun, sea, dirt roads and long stretches without shops. A little preparation makes the difference between a great day and a thirsty one. Here's the checklist Lynden gives every guest.

The essentials

• Water, more than you think. Bonaire's tap water is safe, so fill up a few big bottles before you leave.
• Snacks and fruit. Outside Kralendijk, shops and restaurants are few and far between.
• Sunscreen, preferably reef-safe. The sun is strong, and the reef will thank you.
• Hat and sunglasses. Shade is rare at many beaches and viewpoints.
• Towel and swimwear. You'll want to jump in more often than you planned.

For the beach and the water

• Snorkel gear. Many beaches have great snorkeling right from the shore.
• Water shoes or sturdy sandals. Many beaches are coral rubble rather than soft sand, and the rocks on the east coast are sharp.
• Nature Fee receipt and ID. You need the STINAPA Nature Fee for swimming or snorkeling at the reef and for Washington Slagbaai.

Practical stuff

• Driver's license. Always keep it with you while driving.
• Some cash in US dollars. Handy for food trucks and small local spots.
• Phone charger cable. For navigation and photos.
• Offline map. In the north and on the east coast, mobile coverage is patchy.
• A bag for your trash. Bins are rare at remote spots, so take your trash with you.

Already in the car

[Edit to match what you actually provide, e.g.: a cooler box, beach chairs, a sun umbrella, a phone holder, a first aid kit.]

In port for just a day? Our cruise day rental comes with an optional cooler box with ice and snorkel sets.

What to leave at home (or at least not in the car)

Don't leave valuables in the car when you walk away from it: no passports, wallets, cameras or phones. Take them with you or leave them at your accommodation. That's the advice of every local on the island, and it keeps your day stress-free.

Ready for your day out? Book your car via WhatsApp, and ask Lynden for his favorite spots when he hands over the keys.