New businesses on Bonaire

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Have you not been to Bonaire for several months, or maybe even several years? A lot has changed on the island in recent times. Several new restaurants and bars have opened and many entrepreneurs have started new businesses on Bonaire. We take you through the island's developments by introducing some of the new businesses to you.

Bonaire had a population of just over 20,000 in 2019. Four years later, on January 1, 2023, there were over 4,000 more. Immigration is the biggest cause of this population growth. Tourism is also growing steadily in Bonaire. Whereas in 2019, the year before the corona pandemic, about 157,000 tourists visited the island, in 2023 there were over 12,000 more. This growth in population and tourism creates opportunities for new entrepreneurs. They are opening new businesses that cater to the needs of both Bonaire residents and tourists visiting the island. 

New restaurants

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In 2022, Bonaire was named Culinary Capital by the World Food Travel Association. For those who know the restaurants on the island a little bit, this shouldn't come as a surprise. After all, you can eat delicious food on Bonaire. In recent months a number of new restaurants have opened their doors. How about Zara's Bonaire? The restaurant is located slightly outside the center but is well worth a visit. They have a roof top restaurant with fantastic views and a Chef's table. The dishes are delicious too! 

Are you looking for a delicious lunch? Then Number Ten on the Kaya Grandi is the perfect place! The restaurant is located in one of the historic buildings on this street. Inside you can sit nice and cool in the air conditioning, but you can also choose to sit outside on the terrace. You can also have a nice breakfast there. 

Halfway through last year, the owner of C'est la Vie opened a second restaurant on the island: Maçaroca Madeira Bar Restaurant Bonaire. The restaurant serves delicious dishes from Portugal. Are you a fan of Asian cuisine? Then Casa Bizarro is the-place-to-be. Here you will find delicious Asian dishes and tasty cocktails. The interior of this restaurant is colorful and jungle style.

New bars

Early this year, The Bucket, a combination grill and cocktail bar, opened. This bar is located in the center of Kralendijk, opposite the MCB Bank. The bar features TV screens broadcasting major events and sports games. 

Another nice bar/restaurant on the boulevard in the center of Kralendijk is Hooked by Sunsets. You can order small dishes there in addition to delicious wines. The long bar on the terrace is on the side of the boulevard and the ocean, so there is plenty to do. Here you can enjoy Bonaire's beautiful sunsets!

New experiences

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Do you love to cook? Then a cooking class at Nature Cooking School on Bonaire is just the thing for you! The cooking class is a great way to get acquainted with cooking with products that nature has to offer. 

Are you more adventurous? Then a Packraft Trip Bonaire excursion is a good idea. For example, choose from mountain biking across the island, sailing on the Caribbean Sea or hiking. 

If you prefer to relax, a boat trip with Lady Bellaïs is a great plan. The ship is made entirely of wood and originated in Brazil. They offer various types of tours including brunch or snacks and drinks.

New transportation options

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Many people who go on vacation to Bonaire or stay there for a longer period of time rent a car. Useful when you want to dive, but also nice when you want to see something of the island. Meanwhile, Bonaire has many more different transportation options for during your stay. For example, choose an eco-friendly alternative like a scooter from Hopp Bonaire. Ideal when you want to get around in and around the center of Kralendijk. The good thing about a scooter is that you can park it almost anywhere, unlike a car. 

If you want to see more of Bonaire, then renting a golf cart is a nice idea. The company Golf Cart Rental Bonaire has been active on the island since last year. You can explore the island at a leisurely pace. For example, drive to the salt pans and go flamingo spotting in the south of Bonaire.

Bonaire in full development

As you can read, the island is developing rapidly. Every month several new companies open their doors on Bonaire. Would you also like to start as an entrepreneur on Bonaire? We have some great opportunities for new or existing entrepreneurs. How about a restaurant in the Kaya Grandi which is for sale? Or maybe you'll be the new owner of this resort on the island?