Bonaire Travel Tips & Tourist Information

Location: Bonaire is part of the Netherlands Antilles and lies in the southern Caribbean 50 miles (80 km) to the
north of Venezuela, 30 miles (48 km) off the East Coast of Curacao, 86 miles (138 km) east of Aruba and about
1720 miles (2752 km) from New York.

Size: 24 miles long by 3-5 miles wide covering approximately 112 square miles.

Weather: Bonaire lies just outside the hurricane belt and enjoys a sunny climate all year round. The average
air temperature is 82°F with the water temperature only a few degrees lower. Rainfall is moderate at 22 inches
per annum.

Getting to Bonaire: Currently the number of flights from North America varies depending on the time of
year. Delta Airlines offers 1-2 flights weekly from Atlanta and at certain times a tnother flight from JFK.
Continental Airlines has 1-2 weekly flights to Bonaire from Houston and another weekly flight from Newark most
of the year. Definitely check the qirline websites before making plans. American Eagle used to fly from San
Juan several times a week but that flight is currently on hold but there is talk that it may start up again on a less
frquent basis. Insel Air and American Airline s also offer direct flights into Curacao from Miami where you can
connect with a smaller airline ( Dutch Antillies Express, DiviDivi, Insel Air or Easy Air) for the 20-minute flight to
Bonaire. Several major airlines fly from the U.S. into Aruba where Dutch Caribbean Express also offers regular
service to Bonaire. From Europe, KLM offers daily service to Bonaire.

Airport Departure Tax: Bonaire has an airport departure tax currently at $35.00 per person, payable in cash
or debit/credit card (except American Express) at the airport for all international destinations.

Other Taxes: Tourist Hotel tax of US$5.50 to $6.50 per person per night. Car rentals are taxed at US$3.50 per
day. There is also a 5% tax on car rentals, meals, services and general purchases.

Language: Dutch and Papiamentu. English and Spanish are widely spoken.

Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time, one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time and the same as Eastern
Daylight Time.

Currency: Bonaire's official currency is the Antillean Guilder (NAf). US Dollars are widely accepted, as are
credit cards. The exchange rate is US $1.00 = NAf 1.77 although most stores calculate it at US $1.00 = NAf 1.75.
Banking hours are generally Mon - Fri 8.00am - 3.30pm.

Drinking Water: Bonaire's drinking water is distilled and purified seawater. It is safe to drink.

Electricity: 127 volt, 50 cycles. Most U.S. appliances will work, but will run hotter. Sensitive items not listed for
50 cycles should be plugged into a transformer or protected circuit.

Hospital: San Francisco Hospital has 60 beds and a recompression chamber. The hospital has an air
ambulance service to Curacao and Aruba.

Pharmacies: There are 3 pharmacies on the island, also known as Botika. Botika Bonaire in the center of
town on Kaya Grandi 27. Botika Korona on Kaya Korona 180 and Botika Rincon in the village of Rincon.

Shopping: Shopping hours vary by store but generally are Mon - Fri 8.00am - 12.00pm.2:00pm - 6.00pm. Sat
8.00am - 12.30pm.

Food Markets: There are several grocery stores on Bonaire and selection varies. The larger ones are
Cultimara (open Mon thru Sat. 7:30 am to 7pm & Sundays - 8am to 2pm), Bonaire Warehouse (open Mon - Friday
from 8am to 6pm and Saturdays from 8am to 1pm, closed Sundays). More for Less, and Tropical Flamingo. In
addition to these, you will also find numerous smaller markets and convenience stores.

Communications: To call Bonaire from the U.S. firsdial "011-599" and then the seven digit phone number.
To call the U.S. from Bonaire dial "001" then the area code and number. Cell phone rentals are readily
available and offer the cheapest calling rates to the U.S. Additionally, some U.S. cell phones that operate on
GSM 900 frequency (usually a tri-band or quad-band phone from T-Mobil or Cingular) will work but must be
unlocked by your carrier prior to leaving the U.S. and rates are high.

Crime: Bonaire remains one of the safest islands in the Caribbean but unfortunately crime is everywhere and
thefts do occur. Use common sense. Don't leave anything in your vehicle (or at least in view) that someone
might want. Don't leave anything in view in your room that someone might want. Lock your doors and windows
when you are away and at night. Check to make sure that sliding glass doors are secure. Many places including
Lighthouse Beach Resort offer nighttime security patrols. Some accommodations, like our place at Lighthouse
Beach, have the added protection of iron security bars &/or security windows.

U.S. Govenment Department of State: Travel information and passport requirements for Bonaire
available at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_981.htm l

For more information on Bonaire visit Bonaire's Official Tourism Website & InfoBonaire