When I was going to Bonaire for the first time, I was wondering if Bonaire is a safe place to travel. I look up some information online but couldn’t find that much helpful info. That’s why I decided to write this article after visiting this amazing island!
Disclaimer: This blog post is based on my personal experience and opinion. Always check the current situation with the local authorities to make sure the situation hasn’t changed over time.
Is Bonaire safe?
Bonaire is one of the safest islands in the Caribbean. Small crime like pickpocketing, burglary, and theft do occur, but significantly less often than on other islands in the Caribbean.
My Personal Tips to Stay Safe in Bonaire
The fact that Bonaire is the safest island in the Caribbean doesn’t mean it’s absolutely safe and you can do whatever you want. Your biggest worries would be a petty crime. These tips help me to stay safe in Bonaire:
- Keep an eye on your belongings. Don’t leave your belongings unattended at the beach or in your car. Don’t bring more valuables than needed to the beach. I usually take some cash for icecream or a drink and I ask somebody else to watch your belongings when you want to go into the ocean. Just use common sense to pick the right person.
- Do not go out at night on your own. It’s not recommended to cycle, party or go to the beach alone when the sun is down. It doesn’t feel unsafe, but there is a small risk of robberies. It’s just like any new place you would go to in your own country actually.
- Burglaries are common. Make sure to lock the windows and doors when you leave and use a safe for valuables. Do not leave valuables like cameras, phones, or laptops in view in your hotel room.
- Do not walk around with too much cash or valuable jewelry. I usually go around in a T-shirt with shorts, flipflops and a pair of sunglasses. I usually only take a little bit of cash with me for the day. The most valuable item I carry is my phone.
Why is Bonaire safer than other islands in the Caribbean?
Bonaire is a small island, which benefits the safety of the island. Bonaire has a surface of only 114 sq mi (294 km2) and a population of less than 20,000. This means that there is a big social control on the island. Many residents know one another, which keeps the island safe.
Crime numbers in Bonaire
The Dutch Caribbean Police presents an overview of the reported crime. They also compare these numbers with the numbers of the previous year. The original published document (in Dutch) can be found here.
The numbers below show the number of crimes reported in 2018 and 2017.
Property Crime
| Property Crime | 2017 | 2018 |
| Burglary of a house (completed) | 155 | 89 |
| Burglary tourist location (completed) | 37 | 39 |
| Burglary at a business (completed) | 51 | 48 |
| Burglary others (completed) | 157 | 176 |
| Theft of a vehicle (car / bus / truck) | 25 | 19 |
| Theft of a vehicle (moped / motorcycle / quad) | 26 | 22 |
| Theft from car at diving site | 61 | 13 |
| Theft of others at diving site | 14 | 1 |
| Theft from a vehicle | 116 | 86 |
| Theft from tourist location | 2 | 4 |
| Embezzlement | 4 | 8 |
| Criminal damage | 100 | 112 |
| Total property crimes | 748 | 617 |
The number of property crimes (burglary and theft in particular) shows a decrease of 18% from 2017 to 2018. The decrease is mainly due to the decrease in burglary of houses. This decrease is the result of arresting a few well-known burglarers and due to the extra police in the residential areas.
Violent crimes
| Violent crimes | 2017 | 2018 |
| Robbery in or around a house | 3 | 6 |
| Robbery in or around a business | 8 | 4 |
| Street robbery | 11 | 10 |
| Assault | 89 | 94 |
| Assault with a weapon | 7 | 16 |
| Threat | 83 | 91 |
| Domestic violence | 34 | 47 |
| Murder | 4 | 1 |
| Attempted murder | 2 | 5 |
| Assault in groups | 1 | 0 |
| Human trafficking | 0 | 0 |
| Sexual crimes | 9 | 10 |
| Total violent crimes | 251 | 284 |
Violent crimes have slightly increased with 13%. This is mainly due to domestic violence and different types of assault.
The number of assault with a weapon increased as well. This is assault with any weapon, or any object that can be used as a weapon.
Traffic Safety in Aruba
Traffic safety can be an issue in Aruba. Traffic signs beside the road can be badly maintained or poorly visible. In some occasions, traffic signs can be missing at all. This can result in dangerous situations on the road.
Be extra careful during rainy periods. The rain can make the road extremely slippery. It’s important to reduce your speed, especially in turns and intersections.
Keep in mind that wildlife, such as wild donkeys, may cross the road.
Many roads are poorly lit, or not lit at all during nighttime. Good lighting on your vehicle is essential when you plan to drive during the night.
The number of traffic accidents has increased from 2017 to 2018. Whiles the number of traffic accidents was 932 in 2017, the police got 1071 reports in 2018. That is an increase of 15%. Luckily, most of these accidents with minor accidents with no injuries.
However, accidents with injuries or death do occur. The numbers can be found below:
| Traffic accidents | 2017 | 2018 |
| Accident without injuries | 777 | 898 |
| Accidents with injuries | 150 | 169 |
| Deadly accidents | 5 | 4 |
| Total accidents | 932 | 1071 |
Summary of the numbers reported by police
- The number of burglaries decreased by 42,5%
- Theft from cars at diving sites decreased by 79%
- Total number of property crime decreased by 18%
- Assaults have increased
- Domestic violence has increased by 38%
- Total number of violent crimes has increased by 13%
- Accidents with injuries have increased
- Deadly accidents has decreased by one
- Total traffic accidents shows an increase of 15%
Police in Bonaire
The Dutch Caribbean Police (KPCN) is the police force of the Dutch Caribbean. They don’t act by the Dutch Police law, but by the National law of Curacao, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba.
The main police station can be found in Kralendijk. The force also has a station in Amboina and Rincon.
Emergency numbers in Bonaire
The emergency services can be contacted through the following phonenumbers:
- Ambulance: 912
- Fire fighters: 919
- Coast Guard: 913
- Police: 911