Bonaire is a landscape of stark contrasts and breathtaking natural wonders. As a world leader in marine conservation and the first official Blue Destination, the island sets a high bar for environmental stewardship. From the vibrant coral gardens beneath the turquoise waves to the rugged, cactus-strewn hills of the north, Bonaire demands responsible tourism from every visitor.
For those who wish to see the salt pans of the south and the hidden coves of Washington Slagbaai National Park in a single trip, a vehicle is almost an absolute necessity. This creates a unique challenge for eco-travellers who want to explore the island without leaving a heavy environmental mark. Fortunately, with a few strategies, you can navigate Bonaire’s winding roads while keeping your carbon footprint as low as possible.
Bonaire is shaped like a boomerang, stretching over 24 miles from tip to tip. The geography that makes it so enchanting also makes it a challenge to traverse purely on foot or by bicycle, especially under the Caribbean sun. While the central hub of Kralendijk is walkable, the true magic of the island lies in its periphery. To reach the remote dive sites, the donkey sanctuary, or the flamingos at Gotomeer, you will likely find yourself behind the wheel of a car.
With no formal public transportation system, renting a car to explore Bonaire is a must. The goal for eco-travellers is not to eliminate car travel, but to refine it. Low-impact exploring is about balancing the convenience of a vehicle with a deep commitment to the local environment. By rethinking how you drive, what you drive, and where you go, you can ensure that your presence on the island supports its conservation goals rather than undermining them.
The first step in reducing your road trip emissions begins with selecting the right vehicle. Historically, the island has been dominated by heavy-duty diesel pick-up trucks designed to carry dive tanks. They have always been the most convenient and economical options for travellers. However, the landscape of Bonairean car rentals is shifting rapidly.
The rise of electric vehicles on the island offers a silent, emission-free alternative for green travellers. Many rental agencies now provide electric cars or high-end golf carts that are perfectly suited for the island’s paved coastal roads. Furthermore, charging infrastructure has grown significantly, with many major resorts and public areas now offering dedicated charging stations.
Opting for an electric vehicle is particularly effective on an island like Bonaire, where distances are short, and the maximum speed limits are modest. Beyond the carbon savings, they also allow you to glide past the island’s famous wildlife without the intrusive roar of a combustion engine. You are far more likely to spot an iguana or a yellow-shouldered amazon parrot when your approach is quiet and unobtrusive.
If an electric vehicle is not an option due to availability or price, you can still significantly reduce your impact by mastering the art of slow driving. Fuel efficiency is heavily dictated by how a vehicle is handled, and on Bonaire, there is no reason to rush. The island’s pace of life is intentionally relaxed, and your driving stle should reflect that. By maintaining a steady, lower speed, you optimise fuel consumption and reduce the amount of carbon dioxide released per mile.
Furthermore, driving slowly is a matter of local safety. Bonaire is home to thousands of free-roaming donkeys and goats that often wander onto the roads. A slower pace ensures that you can react quickly to wildlife, preserving the island's unique fauna while you transit between sites.
Another crucial part of this strategy involves managing your use of air conditioning. Cranking up the air conditioner places a heavy load on the engine and increases fuel consumption. At lower speeds and cooler days, rolling down the windows is a much greener alternative. Embracing the island breeze not only saves fuel but also connects you more intimately with the scents of the sea and the sounds of the scrubland.
One of the most common ways travellers inflate their carbon footprint is through fragmented, back-and-forth trips across the island. To combat this, you should strategically plan your itinerary to move in one coherent loop. By grouping your tour stops by region, you can significantly reduce your total mileage.
For example, you can dedicate one full day to the South Loop, taking in the pink salt pans, the historic slave huts, and the kiteboarding beaches at Atlantis in one continuous circuit. On a different day, you might head north to the national park, ensuring you have everything you need for the entire day so you do not have to return to town for supplies.
This basecamp strategy can be refined even further by parking your car in a central location and exploring several nearby reef entries on foot. Many of Bonaire’s dive and snorkel sites are clustered closely together. By parking once and walking between three or four different entry points, you turn a day of driving into a day of coastal hiking.
Additionally, consider carpooling if you are travelling with a group or meeting fellow divers at the resort. One vehicle carrying four people is infinitely better for the atmosphere than four separate cars heading to the same coral reef. Just make sure that there is enough room for your diving gear.
A low-impact road trip is not just about what comes out of the exhaust pipe; it is also about minimising the waste generated during the journey. To keep your footprint small, equip your vehicle with a road trip kit containing reusable water bottles, eating utensils, and cloth bags for any spontaneous grocery stops.
Bonaire has made significant strides in banning single-use plastics, and as a visitor, your habits should reinforce these local laws. By carrying your own supplies, you avoid the need for takeaway containers and plastic water bottles that frequently end up as litter in the island’s delicate coastal shrubland.
Furthermore, always apply the principle of “leave nothing behind”. Make sure to pack out everything you bring in. You can also make it a habit to perform a mini beach clean at every stop. Picking up a few pieces of plastic at remote locations like Lac Bay or Boka Slagbaai prevents that waste from entering the marine ecosystem.
It is also vital to ensure that the sunscreen you use is certified reef-safe. Chemicals found in traditional sunblocks can wash off your skin and cause bleaching in the reefs. By keeping your car stocked with eco-friendly essentials, you ensure that your presence on the island is less disruptive.
To achieve a truly low-impact road trip, you should look for ways to offset your emissions by supporting local ecological initiatives. Bonaire offers several unique opportunities to give back to the land. Local organisations conduct reforestation efforts, planting native trees that provide habitat for the endangered birds while absorbing carbon from the atmosphere.
A visit to the Mangrove Info Centre is an excellent way to learn about the island’s "blue carbon" reserves. Mangroves are incredibly efficient at sequestering carbon, and supporting their restoration helps mitigate the impact of your travel. You might choose to spend an afternoon kayaking through these forests or making a donation to help plant new seedlings.
Choosing to buy locally made goods rather than imported products is another subtle but powerful way to reduce your carbon footprint. Every item imported to the island carries a heavy carbon cost from shipping and aviation. By purchasing salt from the local pans or art from local galleries, you reduce the demand for long-distance logistics and support the local economy that keeps the island's conservation efforts funded.
Sustainable travel in Bonaire is best summarised by the adage of leaving only footprints and taking only memories. It requires mindfulness and a willingness to slow down and appreciate the environment at its own natural pace. Every small choice you make behind the wheel contributes to the collective effort to preserve this Caribbean jewel.
The raw beauty of Bonaire is a gift that depends entirely on the stewardship of those who visit its shores. By implementing these five strategies, you ensure that your exploration of the island does not come at the expense of its future. You have the power to turn your vacation into a statement of environmental conservation.
Take the driver’s seat in your own sustainable adventure. Book your eco-friendly rental car today and choose from a fleet of fuel-efficient or electric vehicles designed to protect the very landscapes you are coming to enjoy. Start your low-impact journey across Bonaire and help keep the island beautiful for generations to come.
