It’s not simply the flamingos which can be flocking to Bonaire. The Dutch Caribbean island simply set an all-time report for guests final 12 months, with a rising variety of guests drawn to the vacation spot for its distinctive mix of low-key appeal, a world-class culinary scene, unequalled diving and, sure, these well-known pink birds (the airport is even named for them).
Final 12 months, Bonaire welcomed a complete of 182,181 stayover guests, probably the most in its historical past — and, maybe extra notably, a 16 p.c over 2019, earlier than the onset of the pandemic.
A significant purpose for the expansion was, unsurprisingly, JetBlue’s landmark nonstop service to Bonaire from New York, a brand new route that kicked off in November and instantly gave the island a brand new place in one of many nation’s most essential journey markets.
In one other massive increase, Hilton simply made its first-ever entry to Bonaire, with its Tapestry Assortment model taking on the Delfins Seaside Resort, a resort we’ve stayed at a number of occasions and strongly suggest. That must also present a big raise from the American market.
Nevertheless it isn’t simply Individuals who’re accounting for all the expansion.
The mainland Dutch market stays the dominant participant for Bonaire, accounting for 45 p.c of all guests final 12 months, with about 25 p.c of vacationers hailing from the US.
It’s an enormous signal for the little island and, extra broadly, the ABC islands (together with close by Aruba and Curacao), that are posting a number of the strongest tourism development charges in the entire Caribbean.
Are you planning a go to to Bonaire? We love Delfins, as locals name it, and you could find costs for rooms as little as $172 per evening.
The highest luxurious resort on the island is one other CJ favourite: the Harbour Village Seaside Membership, which boasts the perfect seaside of any lodge on the island — and an unmatched, serene vibe (we named it Caribbean Resort of the 12 months again in 2024). Rooms from $295 per evening.
And sure, the diving is nearly as good as anyplace on this planet. If that’s the main target of your journey, there’s nowhere higher than the Buddy Dive resort. (Rooms from round $443.40 per evening primarily based on seven-day holidays).
So what about flying to Bonaire?
You’ll be able to attain the island from a number of high US supply markets, together with Miami, Newark, Houston and New York on carriers like Delta, American, United and JetBlue.
WestJet additionally flies to Bonaire from Toronto as soon as every week.
What about flight costs? They differ, after all, however you could find JetBlue flights for about $603 subsequent month, and Newark flights on United from $603 as nicely, in line with Google Flights.
The Miami-Bonaire route is in excessive demand proper now, with some tickets nearing $2,000 roundtrip.
