My husband and I will be travelling to Bonaire on Thursday (yay!) and staying at the Bellafonte Chateau de la Mer for several days. I know that it's not in any of the main resort "clusters" and is supposedly 3 miles from Kralendijk. I've been wondering if a car/moped rental will really be necessary.
We're not divers, just snorklers at this point, so no gear to haul around. As we're from NYC, we're used to walking around -- if there are groceries a bit closer than 3 miles, I'm wondering if we might be perfectly fine without renting a car. Opinions from people familiar with the area would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Juliet - We used to stay at the Bonaire Beach Bungalows, which were torn down to make way for the Chateau de la Mer, and trust me...you want a car or moped. There are a couple eateries (Great Escape, the bar at the airport and the Old Mill) that are within a mile either way of where you are staying, but little else (read that NOTHING else). Besides you would be doing yourself a huge disservice by missing the opportunity to see and experience the wonderful little piece of paradise know as Bonaire. Since you don't have to schlep tanks,a moped would do; but the additional comfort and flexibility of a car or van is well worth it. Check the websites for the local car rental agencies for specials, rent only as much as you need, and enjoy. Driving on island is a treat. (There are four fewer traffic lights on the entire island of Bonaire than there are at the intersection of Duane and Broadway - that would be 0!!) I would be surprised if this post were not followed by a number of similar responses.

Welcome to Bonaire

At least a moped...but Eva and I really enjoyed our afternoons of circling the island in our little car... a little cave art on the east side...the park...that lake with flamingos...sorobon too watch the sailboards and talk to the fishermen...ice cream at some ladies place in Rincon.

Thanks for the replies! I *love* taking little drives about, but I was interested in whether it would be "necessary" considering our location. If a car or such wasn't needed for basics, I would probably rather ride bicycles if possible. It sounds like we'd probably end up wanting at least some sort of wheels, whether 4, 2, motor or non. I'm personally leaning towards moped, but that's probably just my inner kid talking. ;)

If we weren't planning to drive through the park (where I've heard the roads can be iffy), do you think that would suit our needs? We're (unfortunately) only going to be in Bonaire for 4-5 days.

Juliet. I can only agree with Anthony. Go for a car, even if it is only for a couple of days.

Juliet - Yes, you could get by with a moped or even a bike, but unless you plan to nap a great deal, or read, or sun or just plain veg, a car is worth the $. If you really are staying "short", and just don't like vehicles with more than 2 wheels, go for the moped. I'm not really familiar with the rates; I would not, however, be surprised if it ran you more than a car!! Either way...

Enjoy

Trouble with walking or even bikes is thorns.
These thorns are really really impressive. I stepped on one that went through 3/4" of rubber soled flip flops and nailed it to my foot...only dive I saw a barracuda on....hum.
Get the car, and if you are there on Sunday, head over to Lac Cai around 3:30 for the greatest party dancing in the sand time.

Hi!
Just wanted to thank you all for your input -- I didn't get a chance to check in again and respond before we left. Back now. We did end up renting a truck for a few days, and were VERY happy that we did. Thanks for the input! Trip report to come soon...

-Juliet