Bonaire Expensive?

[herman]

These may help. I knew there was a reason I took these pictures. The breakfast it the Big American at City Cafe 17.50 Nfl (~$9.80 US). The green menu is from the City Cafe and the billboard is from Donna and Georgios. Two of many good places to eat. All the prices are in Guilders (Nfl). To convert to USD divide by 1.77

 

[Damselfish]

I've heard many people say Bonaire is expensive, or that eating in Bonaire is expensive, but as said it seems on par with the US or much of the Carribean. My theory is some people go to Bonaire for cheap diving, which it is, and so expect other things to be as relatively cheap - which they generally aren't.

 

[kevink]

Rather than eating out EVERY meal, get a condo/apartment and make your breakfast and lunch with a dinner or two out on the town. The Cultimara is not the cheapest food on earth, but if you stay with staples, and away from things that are hard to get on a small island you can shop on a budget. Bring your own spices or your food will be bland or your budget takes a hit. Keep in mind all of the prices are in NAF so it always seems expensive until you do the conversion. The 'farmer's market' is at town pier on wednesday and ??? (brain freeze) and you can get good fruit on the cheap as well.

Tap water is good to go, so stay plenty hydrated during the day and you can even pack your own gatorate powder along with you if you want.

I personally think the worst part is airfare (at least compared to other caribbean destinations). $600 - $700RT seems like the going rate year round. I have a trip in June that I got two roundtrip tickets for $280 (for both) plus FF miles.

If you are there soley to dive, the cost per dive is less than anywhere else I have been to in the tropical world (as long as you are shore diving).

 

[lawofgravity]

I personally think the worst part is airfare (at least compared to other caribbean destinations). $600 - $700RT seems like the going rate year round. I have a trip in June that I got two roundtrip tickets for $280 (for both) plus FF miles.

$280 for two tickets? Wow. I'm also looking to go in June. Might I ask where you got this great deal?

 

[kevink]

35K Amex Membership rewards points turns in to one Air Jamaica RT economy ticket. You need to make the reservation with AJ and tell them you are using an AMEX certificate before you cash in your AMEX points. No black out dates, but seats are kind of limited. If you have AMEX points this is the best option.

30K Delta Skymiles. Basically Delta only wants to take you somewhere there is snow on the ground (at least that is my understanding of their program). They have a codeshare with AJ and you book your ticket through Delta but on Air Jamaica. The process is painful and they don't want you to do this. I was only able to get to Montego Bay so I bought the Bonaire - Montego Bay leg for cash.

You can also fly a host of people direct to Aruba and the seats are easy to find. But it is about $200 RT from Aruba to Bonaire (www.bonaireexcel.com) so that kind of kills the deal.

 

[dvrliz1]

Herman, Rich...

There is also that restaurant on the water by Mangos. I think they charge $7.00 US for a breakfast buffet?!

 

[herman]

It was $8 in Dec when they were located by the pool. Rich. Lynn. Tony and myself eat there almost every morning. Sonia is a real sweetheart and makes a mean omlet. I am getting PBD real bad !

 

[AEIOU]

It was $8 in Dec when they were located by the pool. Rich. Lynn. Tony and myself eat there almost every morning. Sonia is a real sweetheart and makes a mean omlet. I am getting PBD real bad !

Good breakfast at Mango's, but go somewhere else for every other meal. I got the fish of the day sandwhich for lunch one day. Picture a fish filet cut to fit a hot dog bun.

 

[blawler1]

My absolute favorite place to eat on Bonaire is the Rib Factory upstairs in the mall across the street from Karels. They sell a full rack of baby back pork ribs with sides for about $12. I haven't found a BBQ place around here that compares for price or flavor. They are fall off the bone tender and their spicy sauce has a flavor almost like a jerk seasoning. The best part is you can have a couple of Polars and with tip get dinner for two (along with lunch the next day) for about $30.

 

[AEIOU]

My absolute favorite place to eat on Bonaire is the Rib Factory upstairs in the mall across the street from Karels. They sell a full rack of baby back pork ribs with sides for about $12. I haven't found a BBQ place around here that compares for price or flavor. They are fall off the bone tender and their spicy sauce has a flavor almost like a jerk seasoning. The best part is you can have a couple of Polars and with tip get dinner for two (along with lunch the next day) for about $30.

I have to second the Rib Factory. I love the quality and price there. My favorite is without a doubt Casablancas, best steaks ever.