Bonaire packing essentials for your upcoming vacation.
It’s Bonaire’s high season, the time of year when many people escape the cold winter months and head to warm weather. While some like to pack and plan in advance, others wait until the last minute. This list of packing essentials will help you make sure that you have everything you need for a fantastic vacation.
Snorkel or dive gear
Many visitors love to immerse themselves in the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. Numerous water activities are available such as scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and kayaking in the mangroves. Ensure you have the appropriate gear so you can fully enjoy your vacation.
Hard-sole boots
Another packing essential is hard-sole boots. If you plan to dive or snorkel from shore, it is a must! Bonaire’s coast is rocky, so be nice to your feet and bring a pair of hard-sole boots and open-heel fins. A pair of lycra socks can help you avoid possible blisters as well. For recommendations of snorkel and dive gear, check out this list.
Sun protection
Using a rashguard is the most effective and reef-friendly option to avoid sunburns. Using a wetsuit or rashguard when you participate in any water activities on Bonaire will help you avoid the pain of a sunburn. Just cover up for the sake of your skin.
You can also use sunscreen. However, many sunscreens can wreak havoc on our beautiful reef on Bonaire. To protect our reefs, use a reef-safe sunscreen that doesn’t include oxybenzone or other similar chemicals. Double-check the label to make sure it is genuinely reef-safe.
Reusable water bottles
Bonaire’s water out of the tap is delicious, clean and safe to drink. Bring a reusable water bottle with you or buy one upon arrival. There is no need to buy single-use plastic bottles in the store. There is already enough plastic in the oceans.
Other footwear
If you like exploring different areas of the island or hiking, consider bringing something more stable than flip-flops. There are many trails on Bonaire, and sturdy shoes will help protect your feet as you walk over rocks or the spines of cacti!
Cameras, phones, chargers
Don’t forget these items at home. No one wants to spend most of a day trying to find a store that may or may not sell what you need. Add these items to your packing essential list so you don’t forget.
Sunglasses
These items are a must when vacationing on Bonaire. Make sure you have polar sunglasses to reduce the glare of the tropical sun.
Beach towels and swimwear
While some larger resorts may provide beach towels, not all do! Double-check with your accommodation to see if beach towels are provided. If not, bring your own. And, of course, swimwear, need I say more?
Bug repellent
While bug spray is sold on Bonaire, sometimes it is in high demand, such as now. Bonaire’s rainy season is typically September through December/January, and this year we are getting a lot of rain. With the standing water comes mosquitos. If you can bring an eco-friendly bug repellent, that’s the best thing to do. Remember, the mosquitos are more active at dusk and dawn.
Binoculars
Binoculars are a great way to see birds, especially flamingos! People often email me saying they want to see the flamingos. While it is possible to see them from the road, it is forbidden to leave the road and enter their habitat. Of course, you may get lucky and find a few close to the road, but this is not always the case.
Bonaire’s packing essentials list will help you have a stress-free vacation. If you find this helpful, you may wish to have a more detailed packing list.
(Source: Bonaire Insider)
