Phone & Plan: Everything You Can Arrange by Calling Tourism Corporation Bonaire (+599-717-8322)
If you want fast, reliable answers before you book or while you’re on island, Phone & Plan is your shortcut. A quick call to Tourism Corporation Bonaire at +599-717-8322 connects you with local experts who can confirm essential details—like the tourist entry tax, the Nature Tag for water activities, how to find watersport operators, and where to check events and maps—so you can plan with confidence.
Below, you’ll find exactly what you can cover by phone, when to call, and the key facts to have at your fingertips.
When to call and what to expect
- Phone: +599-717-8322 (during office hours)
- Office hours: Monday–Thursday 8 a.m.–12 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.–5 p.m.; Friday 8 a.m.–12 p.m.
- Address (in case you prefer to stop by): Tourism Corporation Bonaire, Kaya Grandi #2, Kralendijk, Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean
You’ll reach friendly, island-based staff who can clarify official requirements, point you to the right pages on the official website, and help you navigate tools like the Map, Events Calendar, Itineraries, and Favorites. They do not sell permits by phone, but they can tell you exactly how and where to secure them.
Essential fees and permits (clarify these in minutes)
Bonaire has two separate, mandatory fees for visitors. A quick Phone & Plan call is ideal for confirming the latest details:
Tourist Entry Tax
- What it is: A visitor entry tax paid per person.
- Amount: USD 75 per person, per visit.
Nature Tag
- What it is: A conservation permit required for all water activities to help keep the island pristine.
- Amount: USD 40.
- Validity: The USD 40 Nature Tag is valid for multiple visits within the same calendar year; you don’t need to buy a new tag for each separate stay in that year.
- Coverage: One Nature Tag covers all water activities—you don’t need separate tags for each sport.
- Required even if you don’t swim: You must have a Nature Tag for boating or sailing, even if you never enter the water.
- Not needed for land-only trips: If you do not participate in water activities, you do not need the Nature Tag.
- Where to purchase: STINAPA is the designated point of sale for the Nature Tag.
- Currency: Both fees are listed and paid in U.S. dollars (USD).
Featured snippet answer: Are the tourist entry tax and the Nature Tag the same fee? — No. The entry tax is USD 75 per person, per visit; the Nature Tag is USD 40 for water activities and is valid throughout the calendar year.
Find watersport operators and choose your activity
Use Phone & Plan to get directed to the official Watersports page and the "Find watersport operators" directory. From there, you can browse local companies for rentals, lessons, and guided tours across activities such as diving, snorkeling, kitesurfing, windsurfing, kayaking, boating and sailing, sport fishing, wake-boarding, waterskiing, and tube riding.
Here’s what you can confirm by phone before diving into the details online:
Snorkeling
- Reefs lie just a few meters from shore, so you can explore vibrant marine life without SCUBA certification.
- Yellow roadside stones along the coast display site names and mark the easiest entry points.
- Expect to see turtles, rays, tropical fish, and even seahorses.
Diving
- Bonaire is widely regarded as offering the best diving in the Caribbean.
- The island features more than 85 marked dive sites.
Kitesurfing
- Consistent trade winds create near-perfect conditions almost every day of the year.
- The kitesurfing zone sits on the south-west tip—just follow the brightly colored kites.
Windsurfing (Sorobon)
- Sorobon (east side) is a protected bay with steady winds, warm shallow waters, and nearly 365 days of sunshine.
- You can watch international competitions, get close to pros, and take classes for children and adults at all levels.
- Enjoy food, refreshments, and tropical cocktails right by the beach after your session.
Kayaking
- On the windward side, paddle Lac Bay through mangrove tunnels and rich wildlife.
- On the leeward side, rent a kayak to visit Klein Bonaire, an uninhabited island perfect for a day trip.
Boating & Sailing
- Enjoy snorkeling right off the boat, visit Klein Bonaire for a picnic, or book a moonlit dinner on the water with local operators.
Fishing
- Numerous fishing boat operators offer world-class sport-fishing charters around the island.
Featured snippet answer: How do I find watersport operators on Bonaire? — Visit the official Watersports section and select “Find watersport operators” to see local companies for rentals, lessons, and tours.
Klein Bonaire essentials to confirm
- Uninhabited island: No permanent residents or infrastructure on Klein Bonaire.
- No facilities: You will not find restrooms or restaurants. Bring everything you need.
- Getting there: Paddle a kayak or join a sailing trip for snorkeling and picnicking.
A quick Phone & Plan call can help you choose the right way to reach Klein Bonaire and what to pack for a self-sufficient day in paradise.
Map, Events, Itineraries, and language options
Maximize your planning with guidance over the phone on where to click and what to use first:
- Map: Explore an interactive map for dive sites, beaches, accommodations, and points of interest across the island.
- Events Calendar: See upcoming festivals, water-sport competitions, and island happenings.
- Itineraries: Browse example trip plans in Plan Your Vacation > Itineraries, then tailor them.
- Favorites: Use Favorites to save dive sites, hikes, dining spots, and activities, and turn them into a custom itinerary.
- Languages: View the official website in English, Dutch, German, and Spanish.
Safety, support, and age guidance
- Minimum age: The minimum age requirement for activities such as kitesurfing, scuba diving, or windsurfing is 5 years. (Ask by phone for the latest guidance for your specific plans.)
- Medical services: For watersport-related injuries, visitors can obtain emergency and medical treatment at the island’s hospital, the primary point of care.
Featured snippet answer: Where do I buy the Nature Tag? — STINAPA is the designated point of sale for the USD 40 Nature Tag.
Quick answers (Phone & Plan cheat sheet)
Use these concise Q&As to get featured-snippet-friendly clarity and speed up your call:
- Do I need a SCUBA certification to see reefs? — No. Reefs lie just a few meters from shore, so snorkeling is enough.
- Is the tourist entry tax the same as the Nature Tag? — No. Entry tax is USD 75 per person, per visit; the Nature Tag is USD 40 for water activities.
- Do I need a Nature Tag if I only take a boat trip and won’t swim? — Yes. It’s required for all water activities, including boating or sailing.
- How long is the Nature Tag valid? — It’s valid for multiple visits in the same calendar year.
- Where do I purchase the Nature Tag? — STINAPA.
- Are there facilities on Klein Bonaire? — No. Bring all supplies.
- Where is the kitesurfing zone? — On the south-west tip; look for brightly colored kites.
- What’s the top windsurfing spot? — Sorobon (east side), a protected bay with steady winds and shallow water.
- How do I find operators for lessons and tours? — Go to Watersports > Find watersport operators.
- What languages can I use on the site? — English, Dutch, German, Spanish.
Practical takeaways to make your call count
Prepare these items to make Phone & Plan as efficient as possible:
- Travel dates and interests: Note whether you plan to snorkel, dive, kitesurf, windsurf, kayak, sail, or fish.
- Permit questions: Confirm the USD 75 entry tax and USD 40 Nature Tag details for your specific trip.
- Logistics: Ask about the best way to use the Map, Events Calendar, and Itineraries for your dates.
- Klein Bonaire plan: Verify transport options and what to pack since there are no facilities on the island.
- Family readiness: If you’re traveling with kids, confirm the minimum age (5 years) for your chosen activities.
- Website navigation: Request step-by-step guidance to the Watersports page and Find watersport operators directory.
Conclusion: Call, plan, and go
Bonaire makes trip planning simple. With Phone & Plan, a brief call to +599-717-8322 during office hours gets you the official facts on the USD 75 tourist entry tax, the USD 40 Nature Tag, how to use the Map, Events Calendar, Itineraries, and Favorites, plus pointers to the Find watersport operators directory. Confirm what you need, then head straight for warm water, steady trade winds, and over 85 celebrated dive sites.
Ready to plan with confidence? Call Tourism Corporation Bonaire at +599-717-8322 (Mon–Thu 8 a.m.–12 p.m. & 1:30 p.m.–5 p.m.; Fri 8 a.m.–12 p.m.), or stop by Kaya Grandi #2, Kralendijk. While you’re at it, subscribe to the island’s e-newsletter to stay updated on news, events, and tips for your trip.