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There are many marine organisms that can put a damper on your experience in Bonaire, from stinging jellyfish to fire corals and moray eels. Some of these potentially dangerous marine creatures are listed on pages 252–255 with information on how to treat the wounds. We have included information in that section on the harm these species can cause and some of the common treatments.

Crime does exist on Bonaire, although the island is considered one of the safer places in the Caribbean for visitors. Please approach your trip with an appropriate level of caution and safety-conscious behavior. Do not leave anything of value in your car while you go out diving. In fact, many rental companies suggest leaving vehicle doors unlocked to demonstrate the absence of anything of value inside.

If you get injured there are several places to seek quality medical care on the island. Bonaire’s only hospital is the San Francisco Hospital located in downtown Kralendijk. The hospital has 60 beds and if you need to spend the night, you will need to bring your own overnight supplies, such as pillow, blankets and toiletries. There are also a few clinics on the island, including some that cater to the diving community. Bonaire also has its own decompression chamber located just across the road from the hospital, which is available with a referral from the doctor on duty or the hospital. It also has an air ambulance service.

The healthcare system in Bonaire is adequate for most needs, but if the injury or illness is beyond the ability of the island’s medical expertise, you may need to be transported to Curaçao or elsewhere for treatment. Consider purchasing travel and dive-related health insurance prior to your trip. Without coverage, an accident could be costly.

In case of an emergency, here are some important numbers and places to seek help:

An excercise during diver safety training

EMERGENCY INFORMATION

In case of emergency

Emergency contacts

Police 911

Hospital and Ambulance: 912

Fire department: 911

Headquarters of the

Dutch Caribbean

Police Force - Bonaire

4 Kaya Libertado Simon Bolivar, Kralendijk

Tel: +599-715-8000 (non-emergency)

Tel: +599-717-8000 (non-emergency)

Email: politie@politiecn.com

Politiecn.com/en/locations/

BONAIRE