Facilities


Snorkeling
Whether you come from Sand Dollar to Bari Reef, or explore further afield, there are plenty of opportunities to get up close and personal with colorful corals, tropical reef fish, turtles, eagle rays and more!
Some dive sites offer shallower reefs than others, and our neighbor, Dive Friends, is always on hand with helpful advice. Bring your own snorkeling equipment, rent it at the dive center or buy it at one of the well-stocked stores. Snorkeling while visiting Bonaire is a must!


Windsurfing
Bonaire's east coast has a huge bay protected by a reef wall. The calm, shallow waters and clean, strong winds have made this area a world-renowned windsurfing mecca. Not just for visitors, our Bonarians have put this small island on the world map with their many award-winning championships, especially in freestyle competitions.
Enjoy a drink or meal at one of the casual beach bars and be inspired by their joy and dedication as they practice jumps and turns high in the air. For both beginning and advanced windsurfers, there is equipment for rent, instruction available and plenty of space in this beautiful bay to join in the action.


Kitesurfing
Atlantis Beach, located south along the west coast road, is home to kitesurfers. Here you'll find a passionate community that uses kites to harness the wind, skim along the water and leap into the air.
Equipment rentals, instruction and safety boats gather on this one beach, keeping other locations safe for divers. Whether you stop for a short time or make it the focus of your vacation, Atlantis Beach brings together a tight-knit group of enthusiastic kitesurfers amid a backdrop of bright, vibrant colors and exciting stunts.


Eco-adventures
Action-packed eco-adventures include hiking or biking along the many trails marked across the island. Take a tour in an all-terrain vehicle or baby carriage. Home to more than 200 birds, and a popular spot on the migratory route south, the serious birder has every chance of adding a lifer to their list.
Even the most inexperienced birders can easily spot the vibrant pink flamingos and enjoy the antics of our many seabirds. Caving, rock climbing, abseiling and rock climbing are all activities possible because of the unique geological history that has formed high limestone cliffs and underground caves.
For unforgettable memories and great stories, try horseback riding through the countryside and into the sea. Land sailing, a mix of go-cart and windsurf, is a fun adventure for everyone!


Road trips on the Island
Each destination on Bonaire takes you on quiet roads through breathtaking landscapes, each view different from the next, yet soothing to the soul in a unique way.
Washington Slagbaai National Park covers a large hilly area in the north and is Bonaire's premier nature destination. Protected and managed for sustainability, a day trip here will introduce you to much of the island's flora and fauna, instill a sense of history and provide ample opportunity for physical activities such as hiking, biking, snorkeling and diving.
At many points, the road that circles the south of the island is simply a single strip of water on both sides. On one side are the dazzling pinks and startling whites of the salt flats. The other side glistens with a spectrum of colors from deep Caribbean blue to sparkling turquoise. Pass World Heritage sites, a historic lighthouse, red and white slave cabins and much more on your trip.
A northern road trip also offers pristine nature and historical sites. Lake Goto offers stunning views and flamingo sightings. Bordered by Bonarian cactus fences, the road leads to Rincon, the oldest village on the island. Popular stops include the opportunity to eat local food, sample some cactus rum, or have a drink and chat with friendly people. The east coast offers a dramatic, empty landscape, with large rocks, blowholes, burros and more cacti. Step into the past at the Indian inscriptions and see our vision for the future in the energy-generating windmills.


Shopping
Each island shopping experience offers a relaxing opportunity for interactions with the community, along with the chance to take home a unique memento of Bonaire. Located across the street from Sand Dollar, the Bonaire District Shopping Centre is a convenient area with a drugstore, a few restaurants, an ice cream and coffee cafe, boutiques for tropical clothing and sportswear, a hairdresser, a spa and more.
The colorful buildings in downtown Kralendijk, brimming with history, display Bonaire souvenirs and tropical treasures. Pause for an ice cream or cocktail and enjoy watching the diverse community around you. On days when a cruise ship is in port, visit Central Plein Wilhemina for a unique market featuring island art, crafts and other products, all made locally by the many artisans inspired by Bonaire's nature.
Special souvenirs include local artwork; hand-painted signs made of driftwood are very popular. Bonarian salt products and cactus rum are genuine, locally produced products to take home to your friends and family. Stock up on tropical clothing essentials or rest up with a new set of scuba gear. We encourage you to store local, support our small businesses and be part of our small town community.


Dining Out
Local food, or a fusion, is on many menus, from the Michelin-starred Brass Farmer to the casual Chinese "snack" found on many a street corner. Stews, usually chicken or goat, soups, rice and beans are popular menu items.
Stroll through downtown Kralendijk, dine by the sea and choose from Italian, Mediterranean, Japanese, Venezuelan, Colombian, just to name a few of the choices offered by our international community. Because much of Bonaire is undeveloped, food trucks are driven to you to feed you while you're out and about. Cactus Blue, home of the lionfish burger, is a must for lunch. Each truck has a special location and is easy to find.


Dining
With so many different restaurants, even Sand Dollar's great kitchens, you may not want to cook during your vacation. You want to do some shopping, even if it's just drinks and snacks. Van den Tweel is the island's main supermarket. Located south of Kralendijk, open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., this is a one-stop shop and is stocked with lots of fresh produce and well-known Dutch delicacies. Bonaire Personal Shopper will pick up your groceries and deliver them directly to your refrigerator, perfect for those arriving late!
There are many other supermarkets on the island, mostly owned and operated by members of the Bonaire Chinese community. One of the largest, Zung Kong, is 10 minutes from Sand Dollar's north walkway. They offer more American produce, but less fresh. The convenience of Sand Dollar makes Zung Kong a great place for a smaller layover.
As you might expect, fresh fish features prominently on our restaurant's menu. For the uninitiated, however, it is difficult to find fresh fish for sale to cook yourself. Sand Dollar offers free oceanfront barbecue pits, as well as individual portable barbecues for rent. Join our Fresh Fish Treasure Hunt and explore local neighborhoods, meet the fishing community at their homes and bring home your fresh fish for an unforgettable experience.


Drink
Icy cold beer, sugar cane rum and fruity cocktails garnished with tropical fish carved from wood are all available to quench your thirst on a hot sunny day or balmy breezy evening. Sand Dollar is sparsely populated during the day, but at night our community promenade comes along the oceanfront walkway with their favorite drink in hand, watching the sunset and a myriad of colors over the vast horizon and clear ocean. Friday nights during peak season are a community event, with shared hors d'oevres, music and great conversation on one of the sun decks. Join us!
Other resorts offer oceanfront bars and restaurants for their accommodations and are fun to check out. In town, the Charles Pier, protruding from the waterfront, has the best location for drinks in town.
Front Office - Concierge Service
Front Office - Concierge ServiceOur friendly team at the Front Office is always ready to assist you with our first-class concierge service. Whether it's booking tours, recommending local hotspots or just to brighten your day, we are here to help.
Our staff also includes on-site cleaning and maintenance teams. There is mid-week cleaning and our maintenance team is available day and night for emergencies.
Oceanfront walkway
The jewel of the property, the long, undeveloped walkway, is the gateway to Bari Reef. Access to the water is so easy, with your choice of our private diving jetty, sandy beach and two sturdy steps further along the walkway. Sundecks with shade, sunbeds, dining areas, rinse showers and bbq pits provide the facilities to enjoy both the gardens and the ocean views. The areas are quiet and comfortable and offer opportunities for human and natural interaction, while also providing space and privacy to retreat and relax.
Visit us every Thursday from 06:00 - 07:00 on our platform on Sand Dollar (pink wall) Everyone is welcome!
Natural Gardens
The mature gardens contain plants specially chosen to provide habitat for many birds, butterflies, lizards, iguanas and other creatures. The gardens are so spacious that entering the property leaves all noise and the outside world behind. The ocean, swaying palm trees and large almond trees create a serene backdrop to the dazzling blue of the Caribbean Sea. Front door or back door, to step out of your apartment is to step into nature.
Dive store
Every community needs a good neighbor and we are proud to be next door to Dive Friends Bonaire. This company has several dive stores scattered throughout the island. The small stores, staffed by a great, multinational dive crew, are informal and friendly. Boat trips, dive courses, refresher courses and an unlimited supply of dive tanks are all available.
Dive Friends @ Sand Dollar is accessed via a private oceanfront walkway. The exclusive dock, stocked with air and nitrox tanks, gear banks and rinse tanks, is available 24/7. Take a boat dive to Klein Bonaire or fill your car with tanks at the tank ramp. The property also features equipment storage, equipment rentals and a small shopping center.
Neighborhood - Restaurants and swimming pool
Our closest neighbors, accessible by private paths, include the dive store and the oceanfront restaurant Breezes and Bites. Between Sand Dollar and the road is Eddy's Restaurant. This family restaurant also operates a pool and tennis courts that are available to Sand Dollar guests free of charge.
Off site
Once outside the grounds of Sand Dollar, you find yourself in another world. Restaurants and cafes, stores, an ATM, a gym and a spa are all conveniently located in neighboring buildings. A large supermarket is a ten-minute walk down a path beside the road. Joggers and walkers enjoy the proximity to the oceanfront promenade leading into town.





