Bonaire Flowers

Tourism Tagline: “Once a Visitor Always a Friend”
Language: Dutch, Papiamentu
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Airports: Flamingo Airport (BON/TNCB)
Known for: Scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, and fishing
Official Tourism Website: bonaireisland.com
Drives on the: Right Side
Calling Code: +599

Listen to this article · 4 min 3 sec

Find Your Island Calm

Tranquility epitomized! Life on Bonaire is quite laid-back - no hustle and bustle, just peaceful and hassle free. The people are warm, friendly, and welcoming and will ensure that your visit is an unforgettable one. As they say in Bonaire, “Once a Visitor Always a Friend”.

Bonaire - FlamingosBonaire is best known for its pioneering role in the preservation of nature, particularly that of the marine environment, and for its excellent scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, kitesurfing, fishing and kayaking. The island has also been recognized as one of the world’s top destinations for sustainable tourism. Bonaire has a long history of marine conservation, including coral restoration through Reef Renewal Foundation Bonaire since 2012. Each year Bonaire continues to pursue initiatives that will reduce the effects of Carbon on our planet while they work towards the promise of remaining an “Eco-Friendly” destination.

The island offers an array of other activities and attractions to keep you occupied on the land. You can opt for cycling or hiking across the island, go mountain biking, rock climbing, horseback riding or bird watching. Or maybe explore some of the island’s many caves with an appropriate guide, the Donkey Sanctuary, the goat farm, the botanical gardens or Flamingo Sanctuary – an important breeding sanctuary for Caribbean flamingos.

And after you have worked up an appetite, you can dine at one of the local or world-class restaurants that offer a range of cuisine including Dutch, Italian, Chinese, Colombian, Indonesian, French, German, Dominican and Surinamese. Though a tranquil atmosphere prevails, Bonaire is not without lively nightlife activities.

Marriage Requirements

To make the process simple, the hiring of a wedding professional is recommended. Resorts and wedding professionals also offer packages for both wedding and honeymoons. Before getting married, there are some official requirements and paperwork to be done.

You can marry on Bonaire even if you live elsewhere. Notify Burgerzaken at least two months before the intended wedding; allow longer when foreign documents are needed.

The standard government conditions include being at least 18, not already married or in another registered partnership, and meeting the rules on family relationships and any required court or curator consent. Burgerzaken checks eligibility.

Ask Civil Affairs for your individual document and witness checklist, including identification, birth and civil-status records, evidence of a previous marriage ending, and any legalization or translation needed. Confirm whether any immigration documentation applies to your circumstances rather than assuming a temporary residence permit is required for every visitor.

Burgerzaken / Civil Affairs
Kaya Neerlandia 40, Kralendijk, Bonaire
Telephone: +599 7155330
Email: info@bonairegov.com

Reviewed 9 November 2026. Confirm the current requirements and fees for your circumstances with the responsible registry before booking. Official marriage guidance.

Important Links for Bonaire

To learn more about Bonaire, please see the important links below:

Entry Requirements for Bonaire

How to Get to Bonaire

Getting Around Bonaire

Places to Stay in Bonaire

Things to Do in Bonaire

Bonaire Events Calendar

Bonaire Cuisine

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR