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from Amsterdam and from select North American cities, including Toronto, New York, Miami, Atlanta and Houston.

Getting around

Bonaire has no public transit system. Visitors can use a taxi (call one by dialing +599-717-8100) or, more commonly, can rent a car or truck from one of the major rental agencies on the island. Renting a pickup truck is most popular among divers in Bonaire given the accessibility of shore diving sites and the ability to carry plenty of tanks and gear safely in the bed of the truck. Reserve your choice ahead of time, particularly if you require one with an automatic transmission,

as standard transmission cars far outnumber automatics on the island. North Americans will be comforted to learn that driving is on the right side of the road, although do not be surprised by the absence of traffic lights – Bonaire relies on traffic circles or roundabouts to manage traffic flow through intersections.

Scooters, quads (four-wheel all-terrain vehicles) and pedal bicycles of various formats are also available for rent. It does not often rain on the island outside of the rainy season (from December through March), but when it does rain, the roads can get very slippery. Be careful and obey the speed limits (which are posted in kilometers per hour). Roads are also narrow and not always in the best shape – particularly some of the dirt roads that service the sites in the northwest. Also, pay attention to road signage: In particular, the Queen’s Highway converts from a two-way to a one-way road at the 1000 Steps dive site. Once past that point, you will have to continue along the highway to Karpata before heading north to Rincón and looping back to Kralendijk by way of the Kaminda Sabana Piedra Krus road, which briefly runs along the east coast.

Environment

Weather

Bonaire has a very dry and mild climate, with consistently warm temperatures no matter the time of year. Average highs range from 90°F (32°C) in August down to 86°F (30°C) in December and January. Average lows show little variation from month to month, ranging from 77°F (25°C) to 81°F (27°C) throughout the year. Bonaire’s rainy season is from December through March, and though a regular daily shower might be expected during this time, the rain does not stick around for long. Bonaire lies outside the Caribbean hurricane belt.

Water temperatures in Bonaire are also quite stable throughout the year. They average around 79°F (26°C) in February and March, and 84°F (29°C) in September and October. Many divers wear only a rash-guard for protection. But if you get cold easily, consider bringing a wetsuit or renting one from a local dive center.

Waves and visibility

Bonaire experiences a steady, easterly trade wind for most of the year. As a result, the protected west coast rarely experiences large waves or rough seas while the less-developed east coast has very strong surf. The latter is

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