Shopping on Bonaire is small-scale, but you will find nice boutiques to small shopping centers. Most stores are located in Kralendijk. Shopping is a bit more expensive than elsewhere because of imported products, but local products, on the other hand, are unique.
If you are looking for a relaxing and fun shopping experience on a tropical island, Bonaire is the perfect destination. With despite its small size, a wide range of shopping options, from small boutiques to slightly larger malls, there is something for everyone. In this article we share our tips for shopping during your Bonaire vacation, from the best shopping areas to the best deals and unique local products. Don’t feel like getting in the water for a while during your dive vacation on Bonaire? Then plunge into the island’s motley collection of stores!
Shopping opportunities on Bonaire
Shopping in Kralendijk
Most of Bonaire’s stores are located in the main town, Kralendijk, locally also called “Playa”. The main shopping street is Kaya Grandi, where you’ll find a variety of small stores, from clothing to souvenirs. There are also small-scale shopping centers such as the Royal Palm Galleries and the shopping strip under the Terramar building, which offers a variety of products.
Shopping in Hato
In Hato, just outside Kralendijk, you will find the Bonaire District Mall Hato. Here you will find a toy store and a drugstore, among other things. This area offers a slightly quieter and practical shopping experience compared to busy Kralendijk.
Fruit and vegetable shopping
As of April 3, 2023, the Venezuelan boats have returned to Bonaire. They sell fresh fruits and vegetables from a permanent gazebo on the boulevard across from the north pier in Kralendijk. This traditional trade had been absent since 2019 due to a trade blockade by the Venezuelan president and is now a popular source of fresh produce.
Opening hours
Most stores on Bonaire are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Between 12:00 and 2:00 p.m., shopkeepers often take lunch breaks, so stores are temporarily closed. On Sundays and some holidays, most stores are closed.
Payment options
In Bonaire, you can pay in several ways: cash, credit cards or debit cards. The island exclusively uses the U.S. dollar as its currency. Please note that payments from a euro account may incur exchange rate losses.
9 tips for shopping on Bonaire
Keep in mind import prices
Almost all products on Bonaire are imported, which often makes items more expensive than in the Netherlands or United States.
Search for local products
Unique Bonairean products, such as driftwood art, pottery, paintings, sea salt and Aloe Vera products, are not available anywhere else.
Visit local artists and galleries
Many artists and galleries in Bonaire sell handmade art ranging from paintings to sculptures and other crafts.
Shopping at Flamingo Airport
You can shop duty-free at Flamingo Airport, but the duty-free stores are small and have a limited selection.
Shop souvenirs and dive gear
Souvenir stores, as well as stores selling diving and snorkeling gear, are very popular because of Bonaire’s reputation as a diving destination.
Bargaining is not customary
It is not customary on Bonaire to haggle over prices. Prices are usually fixed.
Buy locally and responsibly
Support the local economy by buying Bonairean products and choose environmentally friendly purchases.
Keep in mind the exchange rate
Bonaire exclusively uses the U.S. dollar. Payments from a euro account may incur exchange rate losses.
When is it busy and when is it quiet?
During days when cruise ships dock, Kralendijk and popular stores can be busy. On other days, it is quieter.
History and evolution of shopping in Bonaire
The history of shopping on Bonaire dates back to the time of Dutch colonization. Back then, there were mostly small local stores that catered in part to the needs of the local population. In addition, many families lived autonomously, owning their own livestock for milk and meat. Today, the shopping experience on Bonaire has improved considerably, with more shopping options and better products. However, still don’t expect giant supermarkets and huge shopping malls. Instead, the charm of Bonaire is that everything is small and relatively limited.
Conclusion
If you are looking for souvenirs, local art, or just want to spend a nice afternoon shopping, Bonaire has a lot to offer. Everyday items that are also available on the mainland can be purchased cheaper elsewhere. With our tips for shopping on the island, you can be sure to have the perfect shopping experience. Remember to store responsibly and buy locally produced products.
