I'll be traveling with 3 other families to Bonaire later this month for work and I hear that there's a kid friendly beach a 10 minute walk from where we're staying. One of the moms will be taking care of 5 children (ages 3,4,4,4,5,6). We're wondering if there's a place to rent/buy a wagon to help her get around or if anyone has any other suggestions.
Amy

Hi Amy,
Jeez, I wish I could give you an answer-but in all my years living here, I've never seen any wagons (or even strollers) for rent.
Can I ask where you're staying? There are some great patches of sand we love to take our 5-yr old to that I can share with you. You might need a car to get to some, however.
I sure hope you can find a solution! I'll keep my eyes open...

We're staying at the Tropicana Apartments on Kaya Proud. Our hosts recommend a beach called Bongos Beach. Have you been there? Any opinion on it? I'd love to hear any and all recommendations you have for interesting places for the children to visit.

Welcome to BT, Amy. It's looks like a pretty short walk. From here



Now that beach there is kind-of rocky/dead coral and the water drops off pretty quickly at the shore line, then levels out 3-4' deep. Everyone will need foot protection of some sort. It's also a great dive and one of my favorites.

My suggestion on the transport problem is rent a truck and throw the young-in's in the back. That's pretty much the standard on Bonaire.

I said the above in jest, but for that short trip, you could do the above.

Some of the rental companies to have child seats to rent for their hire cars.

You bring up a good point. Our group was recently in Nicaragua where it's totally cool to pile in as many bodies as possible into the back of a pick up to travel from place to place. What are the expectations on Bonaire? Will we need car seats for the kids? May adults at least ride in the bed of a pick up?

I've seen quite a few people riding in the beds of trucks, adults and kids. Not sure if there is some insurance regulations against that or not.

It seems as though many of the US no-no's are not an issue in Bon (riding in truck bed, seat belt, open container).

It is actually illegal to ride on the back of a truck on Bonaire and I have seen tourists stopped by Police.

However, there are some things that should not have to be Policed.

That's great to know. Thanks, Antony.

So far the only time I've been in the back was during the drive through the donkey sanctuary. Quite fun but I my face got a bit crispy. :D

Although illegal, it's a popular way to get around - it's even how lots of people get to work!
In any case, back to the beaches....
There's a great little beach (unnamed, as far as I know) right between Port Bonaire and Donkey beach. Although there's not much shade, it's beautiful, soft, white sand and easy for the kids to get into the water. Usually there aren't too many waves, though it depends on the wind. Only bad thing is the lack of shade, and it can get really hot. Also, just a minute's walk down towards the fuel jetty you'll find another great patch of sand where it's easy entrance to the water and there's shade. My 5-yr old likes to snorkel at this spot. If you can get to Sorobon, that's great for smaller kids too. Shallow water, plenty of shade under the "huts," and lots of sand to play in. On the weekends it can get pretty busy, particularly Sundays.
Since it's somewhat close by, you can also check out the beach at the Sunset property (beside Bongo's). It's been a while since we've gone there, so I don't know how it looks now but I do know people regularly go there.
The Donkey Sanctuary is another favorite for the kids. Oh! and don't forget our Public Park, located just behind the hospital.
Lastly, we're going to the butterfly farm this weekend - I'll let you know how it goes.
I hope you've gotten some new ideas. Any others I think of I'll post here.
Nydia

(Message edited by Eddie__nydia on June 12, 2008)

riding in the back of a truck is not illegal if you apply for permission to the lt.governor's office and receive a permit . this is probably why you see many worker's being transfered to work in this way by their contractor.

I had no idea you could apply for a permit for such a thing...interesting.

Thank you everyone for all of the insight. It's really nice to know that you all are willing to share the "inside scoop"
thanks again!
Amy

I took my twins to Bongo's Beach, they were 16 months at the time. The problem I found was that the beach was littered with drink straws, cigarette butts etc. I guess it can be a popular place for the cruise ships. Your group is older, so they may not find the debris interesting.

One great place we found was the playground, it is relatively new with lots of shade etc. I can give you directions...it is behind the Hospital.

Also for $5.00/day you can use the Plaza's kiddie pool, which is also perfect for 3, 5 & 5 year olds. There is also a great beach. It is $20.00/day if the cruise ships are in town....

I would pay the $5 and go to the Plaza beach, but i am not sure if it would be per person or whether there is a family rate. It is well groomed and there are all facilities right to hand as well as easy entry for swimming.

I would be seriously worried to see a bunch of toddlers in the back of a pickup.

Have a great trip.