A trip to Bonaire is a trip you will never forget. And if you would like to share your experiences with those who are closest to you back home, then why don’t you get them a beautiful souvenir from this Caribbean island?
I want to share here my list of top picks for souvenirs that you will be able to buy in Bonaire.
Continue reading and discover all the souvenir options Bonaire has to offer you:
Bonaire is more than just beautiful beaches
There is no doubt Bonaire has some of the most beautiful beaches on earth. However, you will be able to find more to do (and to buy) than them.
In fact, you can always purchase some souvenirs that have either a print or a photograph of those same beautiful white sand beaches that you came for in the first place!
Ready to buy
There are many shops in Bonaire for all styles, budgets, and even sizes. If this is the first time you visit this Caribbean island make sure you go to all the shops that are found on the boardwalk (it will only take you 2 hours, if that, I promise).
You can either buy a memento or a gift for your beloved ones back home, take them something that will make them feel connected to your trip, even if they didn’t go!
1. Evaporated sea salt
If you have to pick one souvenir from this list, then you should pick this one! I’m not saying you must, but you should. In case you didn’t know, Bonaire has been one of the largest producers of sea salt in the Caribbean, for a little more than three centuries.
I think pretty much all tourists who visit this island will get the evaporated sea salt as it will remind them of Bonaire whenever they get back home. It is that popular! And if you don’t feel like buying this, you could still get a bath scrub or any other related beauty products made with this sea salt.
2. Art made by local artisans
When you are in Bonaire you will find local artisans selling their amazing creations. From oil paintings to watercolor paintings or even scenic photographs of the island, I am sure you will find something that catches your eye.
Also, if you are looking for handmade tiles, personalized prints from the island or even hand-pressed cards then look no further as you will be able to find them in Bonaire.
Another thing to notice is that locals are very proud of where they come, so more often than not they will use some types of fish or any other sea animals to portray on their canvases, making their artwork even more appealing.
3. Sweet Bonaire
Local baked goods are definitely something you should try whenever you are on the island of Bonaire. They are usually sweet but you will also find some that are savory. In fact, it is perfectly normal to buy some of these sweets when you are at the airport waiting for your plane to take you back home.
So, if you are looking for a flavored souvenir then consider getting a cake made with rum from Bonaire, or if you are looking for something for all ages try some peanut coconut cookies, they are truly amazing…and addictive!
4. Jewelry
Handmade jewelry is something to look for in Bonaire. Did you know that artisans love working and selling their creations on this island? This is mainly due to the fact that they are able to find really interesting and beautiful rocks, stones and even seeds that will help them produce even more unique items and pieces of jewelry.
There you will be able to find coconut and shell earrings, bracelets, rings and necklaces, in fact, pretty much everything you would like to get, you will find here. There are artisan markets all over the island where you will get to see first-hand all the hard work that the locals do.
5. Wooden handicrafts
But Bonaire is also known for having locals that create some amazing driftwood handcrafts, and they are usually sold in the markets all over the island or in specialized stores throughout Bonaire.
The process of curating driftwood is truly wonderful, and local artisans must sundry the pieces they create in order to turn them into a finished piece of art.
And what are you able to find? Well, from colorful wood signs to sculptures, paintings, spoons, forks (or cutlery in general), bowls, plates, furniture and even some lamps are made with this material.
Another great thing about Bonaire’s markets is that you will be able to have a direct and one to one conversation with the artists themselves, instead of having a person who deals with the buying and selling of the products.
6. Marine park tags
If you want to buy a souvenir that is truly representative of this island, then why don’t you take a marine park tag with you?
There is a marine park in Bonaire that lets you go diving, snorkelling or even swimming for a small fee. If you are a diver you can even get a tag that will last for 12 months and it only costs USD $25, and if you are not a diver you can get it for USD $10.
With that tag, you will be able to enter Washington Slagbaai National Park, an extremely beautiful pàrk that will take your breath away. Save your tag and you can use it to decorate your house, or even give it as a souvenir gift from Bonaire.
7. Bonaire’s liquor
If you have been to Bonaire you have probably tasted a strange liquor that you probably didn’t even think it could be possible to make. If you haven’t been yet, then let me tell you what this is all about.
Bonaire is the only place in the world where you will be able to taste a liqueur made from cactus. But if this isn’t your thing, you can also try some vodka or even rum made with cactus as well. This will definitely put you on a ‘’best friend’’ list if you take it home to share with your friends and family members.
I can assure you, you will be the talk of the party with this liqueur!
A little extra…
Let’s say you are ready to leave Bonaire, but you still haven’t found anything you would like to take home with you. Then why don’t you get a haircut? Bonaire has plenty of hair salons where famous hairstylists work.
Or perhaps get a new perfume that can smell just like the Caribbean! There are also many t-shirts that say something related to the Island. Or you can get a beautifully printed postcard or photograph of the main island, the flora or the fauna of the place.
So before you leave the island make sure you purchase some of the best souvenirs you will find! They are definitely worth the effort of taking them back home. And as I always say, you will be supporting the locals whenever you decide to buy something from them!
Enjoy Bonaire! It is definitely one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean and you are very lucky to have the opportunity to visit that beautiful and safe place, never forget that!
