I'm coming to visit Bonaire with my daughters in june 05. We liva in Finland and this will be our first time in Bonaire and actually the first time in Caribien. After Bonaire we go to Curacao.

I'm a little concerned about the crime situations in Bonaire, when I booked my trip I was informed that Bonaire is one of the best and nicest places in the Caribien, but now I have red messages about break inns and stragers entering your room in the middle of the night etc.

How serious this is ? I have even been thinking about canceling the whole trip, but I also would like to see Bonaire.

We are staying in Plaza Resort.What kind of experience and views you have on current safety issues in Plaza Resort, I mean security etc.
Have they done anything to protect their clients.

I would appreaciate your comments.

Hello Matti,

The Plaza is a wonderful resort. In my personal opinion, compared to Curacao, statistically Bonaire is a safe haven.

Use common sense and take the same precautions you would take going anywhere. Lock doors and windows. Don't leave things laying out or in your rental vehicle unattended.

Were it me I would defintely NOT cancel a trip to Bonaire out of fear of crime. I happen to LIVE in Chicago. I can't exactly call my home a safe haven. lol

Whether or not all the recent focus on burglary on Bonaire will result in any permanent change for the better remains to be seen. The small numbers of bad people in all societies can make life miserable for the vast majority of plain honest folk.

Matti, I have to second Randy's comments. Been to Bon 4 times, no problems. However, we stay vigilent on keeping our things in the safe at all times, unless you are awake and they are on your body. Lock all valuables in the safe at all times (including car keys)...

And yes, Curacao has a higher crime rate than Bonaire, as does the city I live in...I hate to keep going back to St. Maarten, but it was much less safe there, than on Boniare...we were advised to not take any side roads at any time...you can at least do that on Bonaire!

Make sure you go to the Donkey Sanctuary, see the flamingos (flamingo tipping optional), salt pans, slave huts, Lac Bay and the windsurfers, Gibi's on Tuesday nights, drive around the island and take pictures...and have a great time

We have been to Plaza two time with our daughters(5 and 8). We had great fun, and were not worried at all that times. Last time was two years ago. I understand your concern, We have planned a trip for August 2005.
But I know there is a night guard and it looks safe to me. But of course, you never know what happens. But I know that on most Caribean Island crime is much worse.
We are going in August, and we really looking forward to it. Nice diving, nice small beach, nice people and nice kidsprograms for snorkling, diving and swimming.
Have fun!

We stayed at the Plaza March 26 - April 2. This was our third stay there and we have always felt safe. There are hotel personnel walking around even in the evening. Added this year was an additional bolt to the sliding glass patio door. You can rent a safe for your room. The grounds are well lit.

heading back to the Plaza for the 5th time in september and we have always felt safe there.

Ive been a couple of times and never had any problems. Just don't leave things in the car where others can see them, and leave the windows rolled up when you get out of the car. You should be fine....
*~Britt~*

We stayed at the Plaza in August 2003 and loved it. I walked back to my room late at night alone and never had any problems. We felt safe there at all times.