Why you need a car
From the villa in Sabadeco it is around a 10 to 15 minute drive to Kralendijk. For groceries, restaurants, the west coast dive sites, Sorobon and Washington Slagbaai you need your own transport. Guests often call the car essential in their reviews. You park on the villa’s own grounds.
Which car to choose
A regular car is fine for paved roads. If you dive a lot or plan to visit Washington Slagbaai, a pick-up or higher vehicle is practical: dive gear goes in the back and the park has unpaved roads. Check the park’s current rules before you go. With 6 to 9 guests you will quickly need two cars or a spacious van.
Driving licence and traffic rules
On Bonaire you drive on the right. A valid licence from the Netherlands, the EU or the US is generally accepted for a holiday; check with your rental company and carry your passport too. The speed limit is 40 km per hour in built-up areas and 60 km per hour elsewhere. Traffic from the right does not have priority on a main road. Watch out for donkeys and goats on and beside the road.
Booking and pick-up
Book well ahead, especially for December, January and school holidays. Most rental companies are at the airport or in Kralendijk, so you can drive straight after landing. Many require a minimum age of 21 or 23 and a credit card for the deposit. Keep the rental contract and insurance papers in the car.
Practical information: Bonaire.com: driving and traffic rules.