Last Updated: December 7, 2021
Bonaire Vs Curacao: Best Caribbean Islands
Bonaire and Curacao are both once-in-a-lifetime destinations in the Caribbean. With spectacular white sandy beaches, stunning untouched nature, and a myriad of other fascinating attractions, choosing between the two ABC islands can seem like an impossible task.
That’s where we come in, with this detailed comparison of the two Dutch islands in the Caribbean. We’ve covered everything from the size of the islands to the best attractions and things to do, so you won’t have to do any other research on your own. Read on to see what the key differences between Bonaire and Curacao are and figure out where you should travel for vacation!
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Bonaire Vs. Curacao: Which Is Better?
Ultimately, it’s not possible to say that one island is outright a better tourist destination than the other. It all depends on what you’re looking to do, and whether you prefer active or more relaxed vacations.
Curacao is the bigger of the two islands, with more beaches, bigger towns, and a wider selection of restaurants and bars. If you’re into long sandy beaches and like to party the night away, it’s the better Caribbean destination for you.
On the other hand, visit Bonaire if you want to spend your days exploring the islands and sleeping away the nights. It’s the smaller of the two ABC islands, and it gets fewer tourists, so it’s generally more peaceful. Bonaire is considered one of the best destinations for shore diving in the Caribbean, and if that’s what you’re mainly interested in, it’s the better option for you.
Size And Accessibility
Curacao is the bigger island of the ABC islands and the sheer size means there are more things to do on the island. It has bigger cities, better beaches, and more tourist attractions to keep you occupied during your stay. With historic sites, ample hiking trails, national parks (like Christoffel National Park), and fascinating landmarks, you’ll always be busy if you try to explore all the top sights on the island.
Bonaire is the smaller of the two islands, both by area and population. This island has a population of just some 20,100 permanent residents, compared to Curacao’s 155,000+. However, fewer people mean fewer crowds, which is exactly what makes Bonaire so popular among people who just want a relaxing vacation in the Caribbean.
Each of the islands has an international airport that is serviced by flights from various countries around the world, but the airport in Curacao is bigger. Because of that, it could be easier (and cheaper) to find a direct flight to Curacao than to Bonaire. Also, it’s worth noting that public transportation is extremely limited on both islands.
Curacao has a bus system that will take you around Willemstad, but they’re pretty rare. That’s still a lot better than the public transportation of Bonaire, which is non-existent. You’ll rely on taxis and private transport a lot on both islands, especially if you want to venture off the beaten path and explore the areas that are further away from the bigger towns.
Beaches And Nature
When it comes to spectacular white sand beaches, Curacao is the definite winner. The island boasts around 21 public beaches and a total of about 40 beaches when you also include the private hotel beaches. It’s widely agreed that Curacao has some of the nicest beaches in the Caribbean, and you have the option of exploring a new one every day of your stay.
Bonaire shouldn’t be disregarded entirely. There are about 22 beaches on the island, some of which are quite long and sandy. However, most beaches on Bonaire Island feature much darker sand, with a very high content of corals and crushed shells.
If long white sand beaches are important to you, then Curacao is the better option for you. It’s also an excellent fit for avid divers since the island boasts some 80 great diving spots. It’s not the best place for diving in the Caribbean – the number one spot still belongs to Cozumel – but it’s certainly up there at the top.
The visibility underwater is up to 100 feet, which means that you can easily discern shapes and colors as far as the eye can see even underwater. Notable diving spots in Curacao include the Barracuda Point, Double reef, Alice in Wonderland, Playa Piskado, and many others!
Curacao is also home to a stunning uninhabited island – Klein Curaçao. It is around two hoursf rom the main island and has the longest white sand beach in Curaçao.
The only better destination for diving in the Dutch Caribbean is Bonaire. It’s especially popular for shore diving, with around 60 officially recognized diving sites. The visibility underwater often exceeds 100 feet, and the average water temperature of about 80 degrees Fahrenheit (28°C) makes prolonged underwater dives very enjoyable and comfortable.
Additionally, Bonaire is the smaller of the two islands, so the diving sites are closer to each other, at least when compared to Curacao. It will be easier to explore two, three, and even four separate diving sites in a single day, and you can do it all on your own since most diving sites are easily accessible from the shore. There is even a small island off the coast called Klein Bonaire where you can snorkel right off the no name beach.
That’s not really the case in Curacao – the diving sites are further apart, and you’ll need to venture out by boat to reach the best of them.
Hotels And Where To Stay
Curacao has more hotel chains and all-inclusive resorts, so it’s the better option if that’s where you prefer to stay while you’re on vacation. Bonaire has fewer hotels, and they’re usually small-scale resorts (like Divi Flamingo Beach Resort), private apartments, and family-owned hotels. It’s worth noting that some of the most popular hotels on both these islands are family-run hotels and that you won’t find huge, high-rise buildings on either of the islands.
Additionally, if you prefer luxurious accommodation, you’ll find that Curacao has a better offer of high-end hotels and resorts. Bonaire, on the other hand, is the budget-friendlier option, if we can even call a vacation in the Caribbean budget-friendly.
AirBnBs and hostel rooms start at just some $30 per night, making it possible to enjoy a trip to the Caribbean without breaking the bank. Affordable accommodation is also available in Curacao, but the island is better known for its abundance of luxurious hotels and resorts.
Also, lots of higher-end hotels in Curacao have their own private beaches, which are accessible only by their guests. If you prefer staying in one place while you’re on vacation, this is probably the ideal solution for you. You can always travel to one of the other mesmerizing beaches on the island for the day, but for the most part, you can be just steps away from the comfort of your hotel room.
Nightlife And Restaurants
Curacao is the larger of the two islands, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that it offers a wider selection of restaurants and bars. This also means a better nightlife, with varied options that appeal to different types of travelers.
The nightlife in Bonaire is not entirely non-existent, but it might as well be. The island is not very popular with partygoers, and most people are in bed early in the evening, exhausted after long days of hiking and snorkeling.
The size of the islands also dictates the number of locales that are available for visitors. Although there are loads of great bars and restaurants throughout both islands, the selection is wider and more varied in Curacao. The larger island also offers more options when it comes to international restaurants, but also a better selection of places where you can try local cuisine.
Bonaire still has a lot of great restaurants, both international and local, but there are fewer of them. It might be a bit tricky to find an empty table during peak season, and if you’re staying there for a longer period, you’ll eventually run out of new and exciting restaurants to try.
The food is excellent on both islands, especially the local dishes that the Dutch Caribbean islands are known for. In Curacao, don’t forget to try Curacao – the blue liqueur that is named after this gorgeous island!
Attractions And Things To Do
Both Curacao and Bonaire are extremely popular for excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities. Avid divers travel from all corners of the planet to explore the shipwrecks and underwater life of the coast of both these islands. If that’s something you also enjoy, either one of the two Dutch islands is a worthy contender. Bonaire is the ultimate shore diving destination in the Caribbean, but Curacao has more officially recognized diving spots. However, you’ll need a boat to reach some of the best diving areas in Curacao, so Bonaire is definitely better if you prefer to dive on your own.
When it comes to other things to do, Curacao is the better destination all-around. There’s more emphasis on culture and history on the island, which results in more museums, events, and all sorts of other activities that keep visitors occupied during their stay. This is especially true for Willemstad, Curacao’s bustling capital city with a population of some 150,000. You can feel like you’re in a beach paradise one day, and travel to a busy metropolis the next – an experience you won’t have in Bonaire.
That’s exactly why Bonaire is one of the top destinations for people who enjoy solitude and privacy. The entire island has a population of around 20,000, which is just a fraction of the population of Curacao’s capital city. About one-fifth of Bonaire Island is a nature preserve, making it the ideal destination for all travelers who love exploring the great outdoors. The island’s protected areas and nature parks are a sight for sore eyes, and there’s certainly no shortage of exciting hiking trails worth exploring.
I don’t want to sell Bonaire short, so I think it’s important to note that even the smaller island has a bunch of attractions that can keep tourists busy during the day. Historical sites, museums, botanical gardens, and beautiful landmarks can all be found on the island of Bonaire, but they’re just not as numerous as on Curacao.
It’s also worth noting that Curacao is hillier than Bonaire, which might be more appealing to trekkers and alpinists. Its tallest peak is Mt Christoffel at an elevation of 372 meters – it might not be the most challenging ascent of your life, but it’s certainly one worth doing. Bonaire’s tallest peak sits in Washington Slagbaai National Park at an elevation of 241 meters – although it’s not quite as tall as Curacao’s highest point, the hike to the top is still as exhilarating.
Crowds And Types Of Tourists
If you prefer vacationing in places without huge crowds, Bonaire is definitely the better destination for you. The small Dutch island gets around 130,000 visitors annually, compared to 1.3 million that fly into Curacao. Keep in mind that Curacao is bigger than Bonaire, but it’s certainly not five times as big. The crowds of peak season are definitely not synonymous with a relaxing vacation in the Caribbean, especially those that appear on the islands whenever there’s a cruiser docked in the harbor.
Bonaire gets fewer tourists, making it a better destination for people who want to be away from all the crowds. Also, it’s worth noting that the tourists in Bonaire are predominantly coming from the neighboring islands or the Netherlands, whereas Curacao gets more visitors from other European countries. That’s mainly because it has a larger airport and direct flights to more big European cities.
Atmosphere On The Islands
Both Bonaire and Curacao look and feel very European. The architecture in the main towns is similar to the architecture of the Netherlands, with Willemstad in Curacao being very similar to Amsterdam. The colorful houses that line the docks at St. Anna Bay are incredibly reminiscent of the houses that line the Amsterdam canal, and they have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They definitely make Curacao the better destination for people who enjoy spending their time in picturesque places.
Bonaire has a more local vibe, and even the bigger towns feel more like big villages than proper urban areas. If that’s the kind of atmosphere you generally enjoy more, Bonaire is definitely the better option for you. But if you want to feel like you’re in a European capital one moment and a tropical paradise in the next, you’ll find that Curacao offers exactly what you want.
About the Author Anna Timbrook
Anna is the co-owner of expert world travel and can't wait to share her travel experience with the world. With over 54 countries under her belt she has a lot to write about! Including those insane encounters with black bears in Canada.
