Bonaire Insider Info ...
"Bon dia!" is the polite greeting for everyone you meet in Bonaire, no matter what language they speak. The people of Bonaire are very friendly and will respond to your greeting with a smile and say "Bon dia!" in return. Almost everyone speaks English, and a little knowledge of Spanish doesn't hurt.
Packing: Aside from dive gear, you won't need much in Bonaire besides shorts, t-shirts, swimsuits, sun screen and a hat; I wear sarongs everywhere! We pack favorite wine and snacks, including some lunch meat and vacuum-packed tuna.
At the airport: It can take some time for your luggage to be off-loaded and make it to the belt. While you are waiting, it is okay to go outside the luggage area and get a cart, as long as you come right back in. Also, if you are picking up a rental car, leave your companions to deal with the bags and go across the parking lot to the car-rental office - that way you will be first in line to get your car! ... And you can drive around and pick up the rest of the group and the luggage.
Restaurants: There are a number of good restaurants in Bonaire - our favorites include the City Cafe, Bistro de Paris and the Hang Out Bar/Restaurant in Lac Bay next door to Jibe City. Most have great food for great prices; a few are "fine-dining" types that are more expensive than cafes, but well worth the price. Americans take note: Let your server know when you are ready for the check. It is considered rude to be presented with the check before you request it ... You are not being ignored! If you are in a hurry, let your server know that you would like the check when your meal is served.
First night: Many flights arrive late, whether they are scheduled to or not - that's the Caribbean. If you are staying in a condo with kitchen facilities, it will be worth it to have the management stock a few items for a late supper - most restaurants are closed by 10:00 p.m. - and some breakast items.
Shopping: Bonaire has plenty of interesting and unique shops where you can find clothing - from t-shirts to higher-end, jewelry, home-decorative items, fine art, locally made sauces and condiments, and more. For groceries, there are a few stores to choose from, including an open-air fruit and vegetable market a few times a week. As with everywhere in the Caribbean, "You go to the store for what you want, you come back with what they got."