Hi there, my wife and I went to Bonaire for 2 weeks over our honeymoon. When I was reading through this board it seemed like most folks from the US were bringing food in coolers to Bonaire. Seemed reasonable to me, but this was pre Sept 11. I am headed back to Bonaire with the whole family this time for 2 weeks in April and again in August. Are there any problems bringing food to Bonaire? Any problems getting them checked onto the flight or tips for same? This will be from BWI -->MBJ --> BON.

Dear Larry,

My suggestion having lived and traveled all over the Caribbean is DO NOT bring food to Bonaire. The offerings are staggering: fresh fish, lovely meat and MORE. The only thing lacking in my eyes and you cannot bring in is fruit and veggies.

Bring the bathing suits and come easy ..

When I visited Bonaire in September I brought with me some wine, rum, bagels & cream cheese, nuts, chips and beef jerky, etc. All were in the sealed packages from the manufacturer. I had no problems. I was under the impression that one cannot bring in meat or fresh fruit/veggies. In hindsight since we had a rental car the food was not needed. The grocery store in town is well stocked. When I have visited other islands I have not rented a car, that is why we brought in the groceries. I am planning a return trip in January and we will probably only bring some wine and a few munchies to hold us over until we get into town.

I bring tequila (border rat has his needs) and pick up good rum in Jamaica on the way down. Food and veggies are plentiful enough for me. There's also way plenty of restuarants with a great selection

Larry,
There are several grocery stores that are fully stocked. "Whole family"..does this mean kids? If they have a particular food craving, ask and someone here will be able to tell you whether or not the stores stock the item. We enjoy the variety and specialty foods of Bonaire but you may also purchase a lot of US name brands.

Actually, you can bring in pretty much any food you want (we and friends have brought in fresh clementines (small citrus fruits), Maine lobsters, fresh berries (no longer necessary as More For Less has them fresh every Thursday), navel oranges, meats, plant clippings, herb seeds, etc.). I think Annie may be confusing the fruits/veggies thing with the fact that you may not bring such items BACK to the U.S. by order of the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. But it's no problem at all bringing such things to Bonaire.

But, for the vast majority of things, we can find everything we want and need here.

Jake

OKay, sounds good. When I went on my only other trip to Bonaire I did not bring any food and got everything at Cultimara. I brought it up as it seemed like "everyone" was doing it and figured that with my folks and kids (3 boys 12y/8y/2y) I could bring some things along for them as they don't dive. My trip to Bonaire was for my honeymoon so we did a lot of diving and a lot of not eating. :D

Thanks to all the replied!

PS Where is the More For Less or other stores besides Cultimara?

Food for Less is street behind big yellow Catholic church in center of town and also check out Flamingo that is on street by car parts store...help me other BT people...is the store still off the rotary road they also had some good prices...but I still love the bread and rolls from Exito bakery downtown ..ummmm..that pineapple upsidedown cake !

We fly Air Jamaica to Bonaire with a stop in Montego Bay. We stock up on hard liquor with great prices. The wife's a smoker so the cigs are Cheap in Montego. I work for Frito-Lay so I bring my own snacks. Other then that just bring $$$$$. Have a great trip.